Home / Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques / Wrapping Small Stones
Wrapping Small Stones
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I was given two very fiery opal cabs that measure 9 x 6 mm. Can I wire wrap something this size and this fragile? What else can I do with them?
Instructions
Answer:

Answering from personal experience, if you are a well-seasoned wire artist, use 24g sq soft wire with 21g 1/2 round for wraps - and you can make either a lovely pair or earrings or a double cab pendant! I suggest working 'off the stone' which means create your frame around an item that is the same size, (like another cab) and make the frame just a tiny bit larger than you would on a harder stone; pull the wires on the top first, then remove the substitute cab and insert the opal, finish by making the pulls needed on the back, locking the opal into the frame. (I wouldn't use them in a high traffic item such as a ring or bracelet though.)

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

24 Gauge Square Half Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-24SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $3.10
  • Gold Club Price: $2.32
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21 Gauge Half Round Half Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-21HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.82
  • Gold Club Price: $2.11
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24 Gauge Square Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-24SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.45
  • Gold Club Price: $1.08
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21 Gauge Half Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-21HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.11
  • Gold Club Price: $0.84
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Wire options
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Tools

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: Classic
  • Technique(s): Wrapping

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