You know when you see a crystal pendant in a jewelry store and think, “Wait, I can probably make that”? You’re right. You totally can. Making your own wire-wrapped stone pendant is pretty simple, and you can apply these techniques to almost any stone.
If it’s your first time wire-wrapping, choose a stone that’s large and long — like a slab or a good-sized pointed crystal. That will make the technique a little easier to learn.
Wire-Wrapped Stone Pendant
Level: EasyWhat You Need
- Two wires of equal length (about 12″ will work for the average stone)
- A simple crystal or stone
Instructions
1. Twist the Wires
Hold the two wires together, find the middle and twist them around each other. You’ll need to make at least three twists, but this doesn’t have to be precise — you can choose to twist more than three times, especially for larger stones.
2. Place Your Stone
Shape the two wires at the bottom of the twist to create a V. Nestle the bottom of your stone in this opening. Now hold the wire V and the stone in place and bend the twisted wire up, so the twist lies against the stone.
3. Wrap and Twist Some More
Twist the wires together on the other side of the stone so the base of the stone is held snug. Continue twisting the wires and bend them up so they lie against the stone’s opposite side, as shown. Your stone now has wire twists on front and back.
4. Cross and Continue
Separate the wires in each twist and pull them to the opposite side as shown.
Holding the lower, wrapped portion of your stone in place, create new twists on either side, working your way up the stone. As you work, keep pushing the stone down into the bottom of the wire cage so it’s nice and secure. Your stone now has twisted wire holding it in place on all sides.
Continue pulling the wires to the opposite side and twisting until you reach the top of your stone. Keep the wires as tight to the stone as you can to make the pendant more secure.
5. Create a Bail
Create a bail by making a double-wrapped loop and tweaking the extra wire to the back of the loop’s neck. Cut the wire tight and tamp it down in the back.
There’s your wire-wrapped stone! The technique works especially well on large, flat slabs or crystal points, but you can adapt it to just about any stone.
When you’re ready, experiment with adding beads to your wires, creating decorative loops or even building sculptural elements into the wire between twists!
Photos by Gayle Bird
Beginner class
Thanks so very much. I wrapped stones years ago. I’ve acquired many hydro quartz and petroleum quartz and want to make a little money in my old age. I needed a refresher to get started. Thanks again, Gracie
It all makes sense now, thank you.
Excellent tips
Thank you for the info. What a blessings.
Awesome! Any tips for the bail? I’m having trouble tucking the end of the wire after cutting. Ruins the whole thing because the wire isn’t tucked away right.
I would love how to make pendants with wire & I would also like to know how to make other necklaces.
What type of wire should I use, and what tools to use for beginners
Hello, I am a beginner as well. I’ve been following people on Instagram, many use needle nose pliers. You can look for wire wrapping kits on Amazon, some of them come with the pliers but otherwise they aren’t very expensive. The wire I’m using is very nice and malleable. Here’s the link: WUBOECE 65.6 Feet 18 Gauge Aluminum Wire, Soft Metal Craft Wire for Sculpting Armature Garden DIY Crafts Making, Copper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NJ7S3ZG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_G3FV9W21WAXG6F9PFWNG this one is a rose gold ish color but the wires come in all sorts of colors. Some of the wire wrapped on Instagram use a flatter wider wire as well as skinnier ones for contrast. For intricate designs/ inspiration I recommend Instagram. You can also use some floral wire from dollar tree for $1, it’s a lot skinnier however. I hope this helps 🙂
I prefer some good ol’ fashioned copper wire, but thin enough to not be so that it takes away the preferred attention away from the stone, but thick enough to be bendable without it just breaking, like while yur twisting…
Hobby lobby or anywhere you can get jewelry making supplies has individual or a kit with multiple different pliers and wire cutters etc. Small and perfect for jewelry unlike regular sized tools.
Are there certain metal wires that would wreck the crystal? Thank you
It depends on the stone you’re wrapping. The hardness of the stones can make a difference. When I’m wrapping say a Tree of Life I use 18g wire to form the circle and then I’ll use the super thin wire to wire wrap the stone or stones. If you aren’t sure of the hardness of your stone look it up and see if it’s delicate or not. You can get a roll of the thin wire & double it by twisting it together. It just depends on the overall strength of your stone. Yellow Jade & Angel Aura Quartz are pretty delicate so those you have to be careful with. Hope this helps!