The Value of Wire Wrapped Jewelry and is it considered a real art form.

 

I’m often asked by people who silversmith/metalsmith “C’mon now, is wire wrapped jewelry “real “jewelry. You know you don’t use any metal smith techniques in it.” I always answer with an unequivocal “Yes”. Even though metal smith techniques may not be incorporated into wire wrapped jewelry, it does not diminish its value as an art form nor the effort and time it take to make it. It can take anywhere from a couple of hours to dozens of hours in order to complete one piece depending on the weave and complexity of the design.  Plus there is a certain charm and uniqueness to wire wrapped jewelry that just can’t be readily transferred into any other jewelry making medium. I personally make jewelry that is either all 100 percent wire wrapped/weaved or a combination of wire weaving and metal smithing. So to all the Nay Sayers out there who think their way is the only way, I say wire weaving is just one of many art forms in jewelry making and is no less or more valuable than any other. So for those of you who are using wire wrapping/weaving to make jewelry, please don’t under value your skill and time as you master this intricate art form.

 For those of you thinking about getting into the craft, If you want to make jewelry and don’t know where to start then wire wrapping/weaving may be for you as it is a fairly inexpensive inroad to making jewelry that you can wear and sell with a minimal starting investment in a few basic hand tools and some wire. While learning your craft you can always add to your collection of tools as you progress, just as I did. It’s one of those mediums you can definitely work your way up through as you add hammering, soldering, torch work, enameling, etc. to your repertoire of skills.

And to all those in doubt, here is a little background on wire wrapped/ weaved jewelry. Examples of wire and beaded jewelry made using wire wrapping techniques date back thousands of years. Museums across the world have samples of jewelry from the Sumerian Dynasty, found in the cemetery of Ur that contain spiraled wire components. This jewelry is dated at approximately 2000 BC. Other samples of jewelry from Ancient Rome show wire wrapping. This Roman jewelry is dated to approximately 2000 years ago. In the manufacture of this early jewelry the techniques for soldering did not exist. Later, as the technique for soldering developed, the wire wrapping approach continued because it was an economical and quick way to make jewelry components out of wire.

The true art of wire-wrapping has been around since the time of the Phoenician Empire, since about 1000 B.C. where Gold or Silver was hammered into thin sheets, cut into narrow strips and the edges filed smooth, making the wire. The wire was then woven into a design and usually set onto a breast plate armor.

The earliest reference to drawn wire versus cut wire is in the 8th century in France and the first commercial wire operation was in 1270 AD in France. During the Medieval period, Knights brought wire back to England to make chain mail for their armor. Gold and silver wire were drawn in France and transported back to England. The earliest mention of wire production in England was 1465. During this time, wire-wrapping was limited to fastening crucifixes and other religious symbols to lanyards and chains.

In the 1800’s the Bohemian culture made wonderful necklaces and bracelets using wire to connect beads and stones. These jewelry items were popular with European aristocracy for over 50 years.

Today, wire wrapping has become popular because of the uniqueness and the individuality of each piece - no two are ever exactly alike! Now you have a little knowledge in defense of your craft the next time someone ask “ C’mon is that wire work “real” jewelry”.

Wire types for Wire Wrap Jewelry

Wire types for Wire Wrap Jewelry

There are many types of wire from Stainless Steel, Copper and Aluminum to Gold Filled and Solid 

Silver wire.  The most popular is Aluminum craft wire which is available in a variety of colors

usually coated with clear vinyl and comes in different diameters. It is made for durability and flexibility and is used for beading or wire work. It will usually not fade or tarnish and is great for the beginning wire wrap artist due to its wide availability and inexpensive cost.  There is also solid or thick single strand stainless steel spring wire used for a lot of popular bracelet and necklace designs. On occasion I use gold filled and solid fine silver wire for some of my work.  But my favorite, which happens to be the most popular for a variety of reasons, is Copper wire. Sterling and fine silver are the second most popular wires used for making jewelry.

 Wire for Wire Wrap Jewelry is available in many shapes like oval, triangle, square, and half round and round profiles.  Each profile has certain uses for the type or style of wire wrapping involved with the design.   Wire also comes in different thicknesses or gauges and hardness levels, also known as malleability.  For wire wrapping, Wire gauges range from 6 gauge to 30 gauge with 30 being the thinnest, which is about the thickness of human hair. Hardness levels range from Dead Soft (DS) to Half Hard (HH) to Hard.  Dead Soft and Half Hard are used more often because it’s easiest to work with.  Dead-Soft wire does not hold its shape well when used for wide looping without first hardening it, but works great for elaborate designs right off of the spool.

Fine, Sterling Silver and Copper wire can become tarnished over time due to oxidation. You can keep the wires luster by storing it in plastic zip lock bags before use.  This is a nice way to keep your wire shiny or to preserve the luster for a longer period of time.  Air and oil on the skin of your hands are the biggest culprits of oxidation causing that brown dull luster on the wire. Have you ever looked at an old penny versus a new one?  As people handle the penny, the oil from their hands along with exposure to the air cause the penny to tarnish over time. The same is true of copper and silver jewelry. There are ways to prevent this which I will share in another post.

I use dead soft copper and dead soft fine Silver round wire for 99.00% of my work with the majority falling between 18 and 28 gauge wires.  I simply prefer round wire, and it happens to be the easiest to obtain.  Half-Hard and Hard wire are difficult to work because it is hard to bend and requires a strong hand and tools.  The Half-Hard and Hard wire nicks or damages easily as well because you must firmly clamp down on it to get the wire to bend correctly.  However, I still prefer dead soft wire because once it’s bent, it’s done, and will usually not get damaged through normal wear and tear.  It is both durable and lasting. These pieces should be around for generations and even become heirlooms.

The wire I use for pendants spans a wide range and is dependent on the size and shape of stone or other material that I am wrapping.  But I mostly use 18 and 20 gauge wire as the base and 24-28 gauge for the weaving on the pendants. Although I plan my designs, they very rarely come out the way they are drawn as I usually let the stone or focal point dictate the style and flow of the design as I'm weaving.

I'll cover how to protect your wire and jewelry in my next post.

Taste the Rainbow

Every time I look at a new stone or semi-precious gemstone cabochon or plain old polished rock I am reminded of the Skittles commercial and its tag line "Taste the Rainbow". Just like Skittles, Minerals and Gemstones come in a multitude of colors and flavors (shapes) which can be both awe inspiring and fascinating .  I also often wonder how these stones were formed over millions of years of tectonic plate movement and volcanic action. It's wonderful to realize that when rock hounding you might actually come across a piece that may look just like an ordinary plain old ugly rock on the outside, but when cut open you get the most beautiful gift inside. This drives me to wonder how I can incorporate these exquisite specimens into my jewelry designs every time I come across a beautiful stone and their rainbow of colors.


I also often think about the power of the stones, do they sway influence over our lives. Do you believe in the healing power of stones. Do stones contain some unknown power that affects us on a daily basis. If you do, then here are some interesting facts about the healing power of stones that many may not know.

Amazonite
A stone of healing which aligns the physical body & energy field, thus producing a balancing, preventive & rejuvenating energy. Eliminates aggravation by dispelling irritating & negative energy. Assists with relationships by enhancing communication concerning love. Can be found in the Turtle Light Catcher.

Amethyst

Amethyst
A "stone of change, protection & enlightenment". Enhances spiritual awareness, meditation, visualization, serenity & composure. Attracts good luck & love, calms & transforms. Shifts energies to the higher frequencies of both the spiritual & ethereal levels. Can be found in the Bear, Dragonfly, Peace, Feng Shui Spirit, Amethyst Angel, Faery Queen, Faery Princess, Chakra and Kokopeli Light Catchers as well as the Peace & Calm Amplifier and Negativity Protector Car Charms.

Aventurine

Aventurine
A powerful general healer, it brings balance to the intellect, emotions & physical being. Quells anxiety, helps in making the right decisions & shields energy drain from outside sources. Can be found in Hopi Healing Hand Light Catcher.

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate
Awakens perceptiveness & awareness, clears the mind and enhances spiritual inspiration. Calms, soothes and uplifts thoughts. Eliminates negativity and anger. Can be found in the Eagle, Owl, Wolf, Peace, Faery Queen and Faery Princess Light Catchers.

Blue Topaz
Assists one in attaining clarity to successfully communicate & manifest desires. Lifts burdens & helps one to see the great overall scheme of life, the "big picture". Attracts abundance & love; relieves tension. Can be found in the Eagle and Whale Light Catchers.

Carnelian
Stimulates the energy of love & joy. Clears negative energy, allowing light to enter & transformation to occur. Has a stabilizing effect on energy in the home. Awakens inner talents & creativity. Can be found in the Deer, Hummingbird, Feng Shui Fame, Chakra & Kokopeli Light Catchers.

Chrysocolla
Supports balance & harmony, relationships & self-improvement. Eases emotions bringing renewed strength & balance in love, communication & healing. Helps one to connect with Earth energies, promoting harmony, vitality & endurance during stressful situations. Supports mediation, visualization & reflective insights. Can be found in the Feng Shui Family and Celtic Earth Light Catchers.



Citrine
Balances & energizes, dissipates negative energy. Enhances personal power, emotional awareness, creativity & optimism. Stimulates abundance by assisting one to acquire wealth & to maintain a state of wealth. Can be found in the Hummingbird, Lion, Feng Shui Creativity, Feng Shui Wealth and Chakra Light Catchers.

Coral
Facilitates intuition, imagination, and visualization & strengthens understanding of mysticism. Alleviates depression, quiets the emotions ands brings peace. Strengthens the connection to the harmonious energies of the universe.

Fluorite

Fluorite
Known as a "stone of discernment". Helps to find truth that has been concealed. Eases change and brings strength and protection during transition. Stabilizes energy and helps to bring order to chaos. Supports relationships - individuals & groups - to flourish towards the greatest good. Can be found in the Butterfly and Dragonfly Light Catchers.

Fossil

Fossil
Supports growth & the achievement of goals by releasing limiting beliefs & old programming, encouraging openness to novel & innovative opportunities, which are available. An excellent stone for use in business to increase business accomplishments and to imbue quality & distinction within one's environment.



Garnet

Garnet
Energizes, revitalizes and balances energy. Inspires love and devotion. Enhances sexuality and as a "stone of health" clears negative energy & enhances personal power for success. Can be found in the Love Lights Passion, Long Life, Feng Shui Fame and Chakra Light Catchers.

Gold Stone (Gold or Blue)

A manmade stone rich in copper. Activates root and sacral chakras enhancing the energies of intuition, sexuality, desire and vitality. Encourages faith that love is attainable once all limiting beliefs are released. Acts as a mood stabilizer on either spectrum-excitability or passivity.

Hematite
A "stone of mental mastery". Enhances memory, concentration & focus. Deflects negativity. Stimulates the desire for peace and inner happiness, enhancing one's ability to attract love. Can be found in the Turtle, Long Life, Yin/Yang, Feng Shui Career and Circle of Life Light Catchers as well as the Negativity Protector Car Charm.

Howlite
A "tranquility stone". Calms communication, enhances emotional expression & eliminates stress, rage and rudeness. Assists with the attainment of goals by encouraging ambition and eliminating hesitation. Can be found in the Yin/Yang Light Catcher as well as the Road Rage Protector Car Charm.

Jade (Nephrite)

Jade
Connected with love & virtue, called the "fidelity stone" - balances energies between self/partner & opposing energies in both the internal & external domain of one's reality. Promotes peace & harmony, soothes energy. Assists in finding wisdom for problem solving. Can be found in the Frog and Feng Shui Wealth Light Catchers.

Jadeite (Lavender, White, Yellow)

Yellow JadeiteWhite Jadeite
Stone of "Magic" brings protection from the spiritual realm. Encourages group cohesiveness, understanding & actualization of purpose. Assists in grounding & accessing limitless resources of the universe. Can be found in the Buffalo, Owl, Whale, Good Luck, Peace, Feng Shui Travel, Faery and Circle of Life Light Catchers.

Jasper

Known as the "Supreme Nurturer", Jasper reminds us why we are here - to assist others to free themselves from limiting bonds & bring joy & light into the world. Helps to balance & unite the energy of the physical with the spiritual toward the attainment of goals. Can be used when one's energy is "low" and to provide protection against negativity.

Fancy Jasper

Fancy Jasper
Fancy Jasper is a stone of gentleness and relaxation. Each piece brings about tranquility and enhances ones ability to relax. Fancy Jasper aids serenity and helps eliminate stress, worry and depression. With this inward relaxation, the wearer has the chance to free their mind and think clearly.

Picture Jasper
A stone of proportion & harmony, wear any time protection from negativity is desired. A stone of “Global Awareness”, it stimulates creative visualization. It promotes spiritual affinity between humanity & nature. It can be used to further both the development and continuance of business pursuits.



Red Jasper
Helps to rectify unfair situations, helps one to remember previous learnings & to take responsibility for one's life. A stone to help you connect with earth energies, it facilitates the remembering of dreams especially those aspects important to one’s life. Can be found in the Dragon Light Catcher.



Labradorite
Protects the Aura and facilitates understanding of ones chosen destiny. Helps to keep the Aura clear, balanced, protected & free from energy leaks. Facilitates the understanding of ones chosen destiny & enhances the connection between physical, ethereal & planetary realms. Supports originality & uniqueness.

Lapis Lazuli
A "stone of protection and enlightenment". Assists with spiritual growth, intuitive perception and objectivity. Mentally calming, supports clarity & helps one to organize day to day activities. Enhances serenity, acceptance and dreams. Can be found in the Bear, Serenity, Feng Shui Career and Chakra Light Catchers.

Malachite
A "stone of transformation". Assists in coping with setbacks, challenges & changing situations. Aids in releasing negative emotional experiences. Helps to intuit answers, to create an unobstructed path & to identify the steps needed to attain desired result. Brings loyalty in love, friendships and partnerships. Can be found in the Butterfly, Feng Shui Family and Chakra Light Catchers.

Moonstone
A “stone of changes & wishes”. Helps to clear obstacles on the path of destiny. Supports wellbeing & enhances awareness of body rhythms allowing for a better balance of the body's natural energy. Can be found in the Dolphin, Owl, Wolf, Feng Shui Travel, Goddess and Triskele Light Catchers as well as the Traveler’s Protector Car Charm.

Peridot

Peridot
A "stone of rebirth & renewal". Promotes peace & happiness; attracts success & good luck. Protects against negativity & nightmares. Healing to damaged relationships. Attracts comfort & builds vitality. Can be found in the Buffalo Light Catcher.

Quartz
Quartz empowers & protects by amplifying & focusing energy. Stores, releases and regulates energy; Facilitates growth and awareness, alleviates anger & opens the spirit for meditation and spiritual development. Can be found in the Peace & Calm Amplifier, Road Rage Protector and Traveler’s Protector Car Charms.



Rose Quartz
Known as the "Stone of Love". Rose Quartz soothes, comforts & reassures, bringing about deep inner healing. Gently removes negativity & attracts the energy of love bringing peacefulness & calm to relationships. Can be found in the Deer, Frog, Love Lights Romance, Feng Shui Relationship and Archangel Ariel - Rose Quartz Light Catchers.

Rhodonite
Has been called "the stone of love". This love embodies care for humanity and spiritual well being. Brings order to chaos. Supportive emotionally, balances and eases anxiety through clear vision. Can be found in the Celtic Heart and Feng Shui Relationship Light Catchers.

Sodalite
Unites logic and intuition, enhances mediation & inner wisdom. Excellent stone for group work - mentally calming, it eliminates confusion and supports increased efficiency & organization. Helps to define clarity of purpose & direction, & to resolve issues with logic. Can be found in the Lion and Wolf Light Catchers.

Tiger's Eye
Helps to gain insight, to concentrate, to perceive & think more clearly, and to organize scattered details. Calms turmoil, eliminates the "blues" & encourages optimism & enthusiasm for life. Stimulates wealth & enhances the ability to maintain wealth. Can be found in the Feng Shui Wisdom Light Catcher.

Tree Agate

Tree Agate
Has a cleansing, balancing & stabilizing effect to well being. Enhances self-esteem, clarity, perceptiveness & awakens inner talents & abilities. Helps to see the world through a broader point of view. It fosters abundance, wealth, Love & connection with nature. Can be found in the Good Luck and Feng Shui Wealth Light Catchers.



Turquoise
An "anti-negativity stone" & general healer. Dispels negative energy & protects. Encourages self-realization and creative problem solving. Strengthens the body and energy field. Heals the spirit; soothes and brings peace of mind. Attracts love. Can be found in the Dolphin, Chakra and Circle of Life Light Catchers.

Unakite
Helps to bring attention into the 'present'. Provides gentle release of limiting blocks & conditions to personal growth. Balances emotions and strengthens spiritual connection.

Zoisite
Supports individuality, creativity and uniqueness while maintaining connectedness with humanity. It is considered an excellent healer and energizer of the life force. Can be used to dispel laziness and idleness and is thought to improve health after long periods of illness or stress. Helps amplify the whole energy field of a person, to release inner talents of the mind.


So go forth and taste the rainbow, feel the rainbow, it's the power of the rainbow which has you in its grip. Until next time.....