Ask the Experts about Jewelry Making

Topics: Wire, Half-Round, Wire-Wrapping

What type of half-round wire do you recommend for wire wrapping jewelry?

- Ivan

Sterling silver and gold-filled half-round wires come in many gauges that can be used to wrap stones, beads and metal components. Thinner gauges (18-21) may be used as bracketing wires when used with square-wire wrapping on cabochons. Heavier gauges (12-16) can stand alone and wrap around focal beads and stones with great success.

If you choose to work with thicker wires, wrap the flat side of the half-round wire tight against the stone's surface using a dead-soft temper. If you'd like to curve parts of the wire outward from the edge of a stone, then a half-round temper will work nicely.

Keep a closer eye on the half-round side as you move the wire around the stone. Showing the underside (flat side) can also give you an interesting dimension and flash. Wearing magnifiers and working with nylon jaw pliers can help you achieve your optimal design.

For instructions on this type of wrapping style view the ''Wrapping Stones and Beads with Half-Round Wire'' how-to video.

- Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor

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