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Wrapping a Rectangle Cab
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I have a rectangular cab to wrap. I'm doing everything I'm supposed to, my question is, wherein the rectangle do I put my half round wraps? It's a small rectangle, 2 3/4" around, but it's as thick as four 22-gauge wires. After this one, I have another larger one to do! Thank you.

-Macie in Nampa, Idaho
Instructions
Glad to hear from you Macie. Here is how I would frame wrap this small rectangular stone!

Because the stone is the width of four 22-gauge wires, use six wires. I am sure the corners are rounded (rarely are they square, unless this is a cut stone), so add about 1″ for the wire to bend around the corners. Now, to plan where to put the wraps: I would likely wrap the frame across the entire bottom, and then wrap from each top corner to where the bail comes up. Then, when I'm making the pulls to hold the stone in, I would make one wrap at the top and one wrap at the bottom, forming two nice parallel lines of wire just to the inside of the stone, probably about 2mm from the main frame.

Another option would be to wrap the center of each of the three sides (not including the bail top) and wrap from where the bail will be, back toward but not covering the two top corners. Form the frame to the stone, then use a knife to slice the top wire at each corner and flip it up and over the corner of the stone. The frame will look like a photograph with album corners on it. Here is a picture of this second option (which I like to use because it is so clean):
Dale Armstrong's Wrapping a Rectangle Cab - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Rectangular wrapped stone
May I suggest that as a beginner you start with the larger stone first? I find it easier to teach that way because a student can see what they are doing. Have fun!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

22 Gauge Wire Options
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Rectangle CZ options
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Cabochons -Shop by shape and size
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Tools

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  • Category: Classic
  • Technique(s): Wrapping

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