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Wrapping Coins for Jewelry
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I have several coins I would like to make a wire frame for so I can make necklaces out of them. I would like to keep it simple and easy to do!! Thanks!

-Glenda in Madisonville, Texas
Instructions
Answer:

Hi Glenda, coin jewelry has been popular since coinage began! I think that using wire to make the frame is a smart choice, because the actual coin is not damaged by drilling a hole in it or cutting parts of the coin out.

Here are my solutions to this challenge. You could use a simple Frame Design, similar to making a pendant frame for a cabochon, and you could actually attach a number of these wrapped coins to a linked chain (great bracelet idea). On the linked DVD, although the sample piece is an irregular cabochon, you will be able to make almost anything into a pendant, because all of my formulas for sizing are included!
Dale Armstrong's Wrapping Coins for Jewelry - , Inspiration, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Design, Wrapped coin
If a coin is very special and has a cool design on both sides, a Reversible Coin Pendant is a very cool way to be able to wear either side of the coin showing.

When making a frame for a coin, I like to use a ring mandrel handy for the basic shaping. Just remember not to make the frame "skin tight", because it will tighten nicely around the coin when the top and bottom wires are pulled to lock it into the frame.

Here's another artist's take on the Sacajawea coin in 14kt gold filled wire, by Christine Hurd of Out of Hand in Nevada:
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Dale Armstrong's Wrapping Coins for Jewelry - , Inspiration, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Design, Wrapped coin

Materials

22 Gauge Square Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-22SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 3.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $11.12
  • Gold Club Price: $8.34
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20 Gauge Half Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 10.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.67
  • Gold Club Price: $1.25
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Intermediate Series - Part 3
DVD-INT3
  • DVD-INT3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $39.95
  • Gold Club Price: $29.96
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Beginner Series - Part 2
DVD-BEG2
  • DVD-BEG2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $34.95
  • Gold Club Price: $26.21
Add to Bag
Chain Nose Wire Plier
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Flat Nose Wire Plier
G2-506
  • G2-506
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Round Nose Wire Plier
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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  • Category: Inspiration
  • Technique(s): Making Loops, Wrapping, Design

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