For the purposes of this example, a round, polished stone bead will be used. However, the principles of wire wrapping described can be applied to many differently shaped centerpieces.
The lower gauge your wire, the thicker it is. For example, 8-gauge wire is very thick, while 26-gauge wire is quite thin. [2] X Research source You might consider using copper jewelry wire for your first wire wrap. Copper has a lovely color that compliments many different kinds of centerpiece, and is also relatively cheap. Once you feel comfortable with your wire wrapping skills, you might use fine silver, sterling silver, gold plated, or gold filled jewelry wire. [3] X Research source
20-gauge square soft wire (4’ (1. 2 m)) 22-gauge half-round hard wire (1’ (30 cm)) 22-gauge square hard wire (4½" (11. 5 cm)) A faceted stone Eye protection Felt-tip pen Flat-nose pliers Neck chain (or other fastener) Penknife (or comparably thin knife) Round-nose pliers Ruler Tape Wire cutter
Consider making use of a work bench, craft table, or laying down a drop cloth where you are working. While shaping and cutting the metal wire, sharp pieces can fly or flake off. A drop cloth will make cleanup much easier.
Long enough to warp around the perimeter of your centerpiece. Thick enough to hold your centerpiece. Heavy/bulky centerpieces might require you to use more than six pieces of wire.
Depending on the contour of your centerpiece, you may find a rounded wire frame works best. In this example, the wire frame has been flattened to better contain the polished bead centerpiece.
Grasping your wire close to its end with your pliers can make shaping it easier. After you finish your bundling, your middle mark should not be visible. This bundle will eventually make up the bottom of your wrap. The width of the finished binding should be approximately ¼" (6 mm) for a 12-carat stone, like the one used in this example. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source
These double marks on either side of your middle binding define the width of your next bindings.
Four V shaped twists on all sides of your center binding will create the sturdiest seating for your centerpiece. However, in this example, the polished stone bead is small and light, only requiring two V bends. Each outer wire should have two V’s on either side of the middle binding. Each V begins at the edge of the binding, pointing out from the main bundle until the tip is in line with the first ¼" (6 mm) mark. Then bend the wire to meet the second ¼" (6 mm) mark. After making your V bend seating, allow the remaining wire run parallel to the main bundle. [12] X Research source
While wrapping your second and third bindings, be sure you keep the wraps tight, neat, and equal in length. A few turns on either side should be sufficient.
Once you have finished this binding, you may remove the tape.
The spiral design of your wire wrap will give a professional appearance to your jewelry. If you notice your centerpiece is loose in its V and front settings, you may want to take another piece from your bundle and add another spiral wrap to the back for support. Consider adding wavy designs, or spirals at the top of your wire wrap where you have extra wire to add your personal touch.
