Beginner Wire Wrapping Tutorial: Labradorite Stone Pendant

Updated at: 17/05/2025

Wire wrapping is a captivating jewelry-making technique that allows for the creation of stunning, unique pieces. This beginner-friendly tutorial will guide you through the process of crafting a beautiful Labradorite stone pendant, showcasing the mesmerizing play of light within this captivating gemstone. Labradorite, with its iridescent flashes of blue, green, and gold, makes a truly striking focal point, and this project is perfect for those new to wire wrapping, requiring only basic tools and materials readily available at most craft stores. You'll be amazed at how easily you can transform a simple stone into a wearable work of art.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and discover the joy of wire wrapping! In the following steps, we'll walk you through each stage of creating your own Labradorite pendant, from preparing your materials to securely finishing your elegant design. Let's begin transforming this beautiful stone into a cherished piece of jewelry.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Labradorite Stone
  • 20 gauge round dead soft copper wire
  • Pliers
  • Flush Cutters
  • Paintbrush
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from wire fragments.
  • Use wire cutters specifically designed for jewelry making to avoid damaging the wire or injuring yourself.
  • Be mindful of sharp wire ends. Keep them pointed away from you and trim them flush after cutting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wire

    • Cut approximately 8-10 inches of wire. Adjust length based on stone size.
    Cut approximately 8-10 inches of wire. Adjust length based on stone size.
    Prepare the Wire

  2. Create the Bale

    • Wrap the wire around the paintbrush handle twice, tighten, and twist to secure. Reinforce with pliers.
    Create the bale: Wrap the wire around the paintbrush handle twice, tighten, and twist to secure. Reinforce with pliers.
    Create the Bale

  3. Position the Stone and Initial Wrapping

    • Center the stone under the bale, straighten the wire, and position the bale as desired.
    • Wrap the wire around the stone, anchoring it at the bottom corner, then around the back, keeping the bale centered and tight. Bring the wire back to the front, around the back again, and anchor it at the top corner.
    Wrap the wire around the stone, anchoring it at the bottom corner, then around the back, keeping the bale centered and tight. Bring the wire back to the front, around the back again, and anchor it at the top corner.Wrap the wire around the stone, anchoring it at the bottom corner, then around the back, keeping the bale centered and tight. Bring the wire back to the front, around the back again, and anchor it at the top corner.
    Position the Stone and Initial Wrapping

  4. Secure the Stone

    • Cut off excess wire on the back using flush cutters.
    • Pinch the cut wire ends with pliers to secure and prevent sharp edges.
    Pinch the cut wire ends with pliers to secure and prevent sharp edges.Pinch the cut wire ends with pliers to secure and prevent sharp edges.
    Secure the Stone

  5. Reinforce the Bale

    • Wrap the wire around the bale several times to secure it further. Pinch the wraps with pliers for added stability.
    Wrap the wire around the bale several times to secure it further. Pinch the wraps with pliers for added stability.
    Reinforce the Bale

  6. Finish and Secure the Wire

    • Finish the wrap, cut excess wire, and pinch the edges to ensure no sharp ends remain.
    Finish the wrap, cut excess wire, and pinch the edges to ensure no sharp ends remain.
    Finish and Secure the Wire

  7. Final Adjustments

    • Adjust the wrapping with your hands to ensure everything is in place and secure.
    Adjust the wrapping with your hands to ensure everything is in place and secure.
    Final Adjustments

Read more: DIY Tiered Tassel Earrings: A Quick & Easy Jewelry Tutorial

Tips

  • Ensure the bale is oriented correctly for easy cord or chain insertion.
  • Keep the wire tight and the bale centered throughout the wrapping process.
  • It's okay if your stone is irregularly shaped; the technique will still work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wire breakage

Reason: Using too little wire, bending the wire too sharply in one spot, or using low-quality wire that is brittle.
Solution: Use thicker gauge wire, make gradual bends instead of sharp ones, and choose high-quality, annealed wire.

2. Uneven or sloppy wraps

Reason: Lack of practice, inconsistent tension on the wire, or not paying attention to wire placement.
Solution: Practice wrapping on scrap wire until you develop consistent tension and spacing of your wraps.

FAQs

What type of wire is best for wire wrapping a Labradorite pendant?
For beginners, 20-22 gauge soft-temper copper wire or silver-filled wire works best. It's easy to work with and holds its shape well.
How do I prevent scratching my Labradorite stone while wire wrapping?
Always handle the stone gently. Use soft-tipped pliers or your fingers to manipulate the wire around the stone, avoiding direct contact with the stone's surface as much as possible. Consider using protective tape, such as painter's tape, on particularly delicate areas.
What if I make a mistake during the wire wrapping process?
Don't worry! With wire wrapping, it's often possible to carefully unwind a section of wire and try again. For more significant mistakes, you might need to start over, but that’s part of the learning process. Practice makes perfect!