Stones and Findings - Wire Wrapping a Centre Drilled, Single End Stone

When a gemstone or jewellery bead has been drilled through the centre, and a one-sided connection with another jewellery bead, chain, or finding is desired, it's time to perform a Centre Drill Single End Wire Wrap! Our example uses a 12mmx12mm Faceted Flat Pear Tea Cubic Zirconia and some 26 Gauge Sterling Silver Wire, but it doesn't really matter what you use as long as the jewellery bead has been drilled through the centre and the wire is thin enough to thread the jewellery bead. You will also need a set of round nose pliers and a set of wire cutters. If you don't have wire cutters, nail clippers are a surprisingly effective substitute.

Performing The Centre Drill Single End Wire Wrap

After threading the wire through the jewellery bead, use the tip of the round nose pliers to curl a very small, tight loop on the end. You can then use the broader portion of the pliers' teeth to crimp and tighten the loop further. If you find crimping the loop with the round nose pliers difficult, feel free to use a set of chain nose pliers- their flat teeth makes them a bit more suited for crimping. This loop is simply to play the role of a stopper, preventing the jewellery bead from falling off.

Now, on the other end of the jewellery bead, curl a slightly bigger loop around the nose of the pliers. Since the nose of the pliers is so round (hence the name), it can be used as a great mold to curl a perfect loop around. Next grip the new loop with the tip of the pliers and bend it upright to suit the angle of the jewellery bead, and face the way you want it to. To close the loop, continue holding the loop with the tip of the pliers while you wrap wire tightly and completely around the base of the loop. Now you just need to trim the excess wire with a set of wire cutters, and perform any final adjustments on the angle of the loop and the direction it is facing. Finished!

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Howto & Style

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• sterling silver
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