How to wire wrap jewelry

Wondering how to wire wrap jewelry? You’re in good hands! Wire wrapping jewelry is one of those crafts that’s both accessible and customizable. With just a few tools (and maybe a little patience!), you can create everything from simple pendants to intricate designs. Because no soldering or heavy machinery is required, anyone with some wire, a good pair of pliers and general jewelry design knowledge can start wire wrapping jewelry at home. Read on to learn about the different types of wire and how they behave, the proper jewelry wire wrapping tools and their uses, and the basic techniques that create clean, durable pieces of wire wrapped jewelry. 

Jewelry wire wrapping tools

The right jewelry wire wrapping tools can make the process easier and result in cleaner, more polished (and professional-looking!) jewelry pieces. Each of the following wire wrapping jewelry tools and materials plays a part in the crafting process. 

Wire cutters

Wire cutters are necessary for snipping your wire cleanly and precisely. Look for sharp cutters that leave a smooth, flush edge on the wire, helping to prevent snags or sharp points in your finished piece.

Cutting pliers 

Use cutting pliers for heavier gauge (thicker) wire instead of standard wire cutters. These pliers offer extra leverage and durability, which is especially useful in larger jewelry pieces or designs requiring a sturdier framework.

Looping pliers

Sometimes called round-nose pliers, looping pliers make smooth, even loops and curves in wire. The jaws are rounded and gradually taper to a point like cones, allowing you to use different parts of the jaw to make loops of various sizes—smaller loops near the pointed tip of the jaw and larger loops closer to the broader base near the handles.

These pliers are especially useful for making things like jump rings (small wire circles used on various necklace clasps), wire-wrapped bails (the loop or connector from which a pendant hangs from a chain) or decorative spirals. Their smooth surface helps shape the wire without scratching it, and the curved design helps create consistent, circular shapes instead of awkward bends or angles.

Flat-nose pliers

Flat-nose pliers are used to hold, bend, and shape wires. Their flat, wide jaws provide a firm grip without damaging the wire's surface. They also make sharp angles or flatten wrapped wire ends for a polished finish.

Different types of wire 

Wire is the heart of wire wrapping; having various wire types allows for greater creativity and versatility in your designs. Below are a few different wire gauges (specifically wire for wrapping jewelry) and some common wire types to keep in mind.  

Different wire gauges

Wire gauge refers to how thick the wire is. The higher the number, the thinner the wire (it sounds a bit backward, but that’s how it works)! Here’s a little cheat sheet:

• 18-gauge wire (about the thickness of a paperclip): This wire is sturdy but still workable. It is great for making things like jewelry base frames, ear wires (the part of an earring that actually goes through your ear!) or simple rings that need to hold their shape.
• 20-gauge wire (similar to the thickness of wire on a bread bag twist tie, but a little stronger): This versatile wire is commonly used for earring hooks or jump rings to connect different jewelry components.
• 22-gauge wire (like a thin safety pin): This slightly thinner wire is still strong but noticeably more flexible and good for wrapping beads, connecting smaller components, or making lighter-weight dangles.
• 24-gauge wire (about the thickness of a single stiff broom bristle): Very flexible and great for wrapping stones and adding detailed designs or intricate weaving.
• 26- to 28-gauge wire (as thin as a sewing needle or fine thread): Now that’s thin! This incredibly delicate wire is ideal for fine, detailed wire weaving, securing tiny beads or adding embellishments without the bulk. Wires with gauges in this range are similar in look to styles found in filigree jewelry, which features lacy metal designs created from wire. 
   

Different wire types

Now, let's take a quick look at the different types of wire material available: 

• Copper wire. Copper wire is excellent for beginners because it is soft, malleable and affordable.
• Sterling silver wire. This elegant, durable wire is more of a premium choice, great for higher-end pieces.
• Gold-filled wire. If you’re looking for the gold aesthetic without the gold prices, gold-filled wire provides all the look of gold at a lower cost.
• Artistic or colored wire. Coated in enamel, these wires come in many colors and are great for playful, creative projects.
   

Existing jewelry

Upcycling old jewelry is a smart way to practice your wire wrapping skills and add a new, personal element to existing pieces. For example, you can add decorative elements to an existing pair of earrings. Or you could make a vintage brooch into a beautiful focal point in a wire-wrapped pendant, adding a creative twist on how to wear a brooch. 

Gemstones, beads and more

You will undoubtedly want to add some sparkle and texture to your wire wrapped jewelry piece. Here are some popular embellishments in the wire wrapping jewelry community: 

• Gemstones. Whether faceted (cut and polished) or raw, gemstones make great centerpieces for wire-wrapped jewelry designs.
• Beads. Glass, metal or semi-precious beads can help add a little detail and color to your project.
• Cabochons. Cabochons are flat stones that make the perfect shape for intricate wrap designs.
• Crystals. Crystals are a popular choice for wire-wrapped jewelry designs. They are loved for their shine and believed to have spiritual symbolism and healing properties.

How to create your own wire wrapped jewelry

Once you learn how to wire wrap jewelry (and get a bit of practice under your belt!), your ability to customize and personalize jewelry pieces becomes essentially endless. Whether working with a beautiful stone or crafting a stylish bangle, the following step-by-step instructions can be the perfect introduction to ease you into wire wrapping. 

A simple wire wrapped pendant

Materials needed:
 

• 20– to 22-gauge wire (copper or silver make great wires for beginners).
• A gemstone or cabochon.
• Looping pliers.
• Flat-nose pliers.
• Wire cutters.

Step-by-step instructions:
 

1. Cut your wire. Cut about 12 to 18 inches of wire (depending on the size of your stone).
2. Create a base wrap. Hold the stone against the middle of your wire. Begin wrapping one side of the wire around the top and the other around the bottom, crossing the wires at the back. Wrap tightly so the wire conforms to the stone's shape.
3. Secure the stone. Twist the wire tightly at the back (like a bread twist-tie!) to hold the stone in place. Bring the ends of the wire to the front or sides, depending on your design, and wrap it around the stone to stabilize it (and maybe add a decorative design!).
4. Make a bail loop. Bring both wire ends to the top of the stone. Using your looping pliers, form a loop by twisting the wires around the pliers’ tips. You just made the loop where your chain or cord will go through!
5. Secure and finish. Wrap the remaining wire neatly around the base of the loop a few times to secure it. Trim the excess wire and press down any sharp ends with your flat-nose pliers. You don’t want anything snagging or cutting anybody!
6. Polish and add to a chain. Gently polish your pendant if necessary and thread it onto a chain or cord. Voila, you just made a wire-wrapped pendant!

A simple wire wrapped bangle

Materials needed:

• 16– to 18-gauge wire (wire stiff enough to hold its shape).
• 22– to 24-gauge wire (for wrapping details).
• Round objects like a bottle or bracelet mandrel (a tool used to help make circular shapes).
• Wire cutters.
• Flat-nose and looping pliers.
• Beads (optional - if you feel like zhuzhing up your piece a bit! There’s no pressure, though; you don’t have to bespangle every jewelry piece to make it special!).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Measure and cut base wire. Measure your wrist and cut a piece of 16– to 18-gauge wire a couple of inches longer than your wrist circumference.
2. Shape the bangle. Use a bracelet mandrel or round object to gently bend the base wire into a circle or oval to fit your wrist. Leave about 1/2 inch of wire extra at each end for loops.
3. Create end loops. Use looping pliers to form a small loop on each end of the wire. This will help keep the bangle secure and comfortable to wear.
4. Add decorative wrapping. Cut a piece of 22– to 24-gauge wire and wrap it around the base wire's sections. You can wrap tightly along one section or at intervals for a more minimal design.
5. Incorporate beads. If you want to add some excitement to your design, slide your small beads onto the thinner wire as you wrap, and then just return to wrapping that base wire! You can position these beads evenly or randomly, depending on your style.
6. Secure and finish. Tuck in the ends of the wrapping wire neatly and press down with flat-nose pliers. As always, make sure nothing pokes or snags!
7. Adjust fit if needed. Gently reshape the bangle for the perfect fit.

Wire wrapping tips

Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your technique, these wire wrapping tips will help you create cleaner, more polished pieces (and maybe enjoy the process even more!)

Don’t cut the wire too soon

It can be tempting to cut your wire to make it more manageable, but it's often better to wait until you’ve mapped out your design. Cutting too early can leave you short, which might force you to restart or alter your design. Always give yourself a little extra length - you can always trim the excess later!

Use cheaper materials while practicing

When learning how to wire wrap jewelry, it’s best to use affordable materials like copper or aluminum wire and imitation stones or beads. This takes the pressure off a bit and lets you experiment freely. Save your sterling silver or high-end gemstones for when you’re confident in your techniques and designs since it’s likely more expensive.
 

Keep practicing

Wire wrapping is a skill that improves with time and practice; repetition is key! Your first few pieces of wire wrapped jewelry might not be perfect, and that’s normal! Challenge yourself to create a little design every few days or try a new technique or stone shape. With this practice and expanding skills and knowledge, you will gain better wire control, precision and creative ability.

Mind your tension

If the tension is too tight, you risk breaking your wire or damaging any stones used in your design. If it is too loose, the design won't hold together properly. Finding the proper tension takes time, so focus on consistency and mentally note how the tension feels each time. 

Finish your ends neatly

This part bears repeating, for safety and aesthetic purposes: Always tuck or flatten the cut ends of your wire to avoid sharp spots that can scratch the skin or catch on fabric. Use flat-nose pliers to press them down gently for a clean, professional look.

Insure your jewelry with Jewelers Mutual

Consider insuring your valuable jewelry with a personal jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers loss, damage and disappearances. See how it compares to homeowners insurance here and check your rate by clicking the button below.