Wiring

[Valeria101]

Here's the problem: how do you set pearls on wire without leaving large loops on the ends?

Some old pearl chains have such small loops, you can barely see them. My jeweler swears by using very thin wire which makes the loopy loops less distressing to see, but examples like THIS seem unattainable Any idea how those are/were made? It seems to be an ever 'greater secret' then knotting!

 

[knotty panda]

I totally agree. Sometimes the loops make the pearl look like Mickey Mouse. My wire wrapping skill is fine for me, but I wouldn't expect anyone else to applaud it. I've heard Lindstrom pliers make the smallest loop. I've also tried a toothpick. The only way I know of to set pearls on wire without loops would be rivets. But without knowing your purpose, I don't know if that's feasible. I do like that bracelet though .

Oh! re: thin wire. I've heard you have to wrap wire at least 3 times for gauges 22 and smaller or else it's not strong enough to hold the bead. I've got a tin cup pearl necklace that I bought many years ago that's wrapped 3 times on 30 ga. with a very small connecting chain and the loops are no bigger than the chain.

 

[Valeria101]

The only way I know of to set pearls on wire without loops would be rivets.

The goal would be a long chain of 3-4mm pearls with no chain loops between them. The section of a lariat down that link is a reasonable example, except I wouldn't play with finicky platinum wire.

What are pearls 'riveted' with?

Oh! re: thin wire. [...] wrapped 3 times on 30 ga.

[assuming 30 awg is about 0.25mm ]

By wrapped three times you mean that the wire passes three times (or 6?) through the bead? Or three overhand loops at the ends of the bead... Or ?

I tried to find some of these details online but without much luck. From the looks of it, a basic tutorial would be great

 

[knotty panda]

The wrap is what is done at the neck (between the loop and the bead) to strengthen the wire. Odd numbers of things are always best in designing. 3 wraps is kinda the norm.

http://www.conniefox.com/Education/WireSkills/Basic Wire Skills.htm

http://www.jatayu.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=THM-0354

 

[Valeria101]

There's a whole world of wiring down your links! Thanks

 

[pmorna742]

lindstrom pliers

lindstrom pliers

I've heard Lindstrom pliers make the smallest loop. I've also tried a toothpick. The only way I know of to set pearls on wire without loops would be rivets. But without knowing your purpose, I don't know if that's feasible. I do like that bracelet though .

Oh yes - treat yourselves to some Lindstrom pliers! I have the cutters and round nosed. They are simply the best! They're expensive, but well worth the investment. Once you've tried them, you'll never want to use anything else. I think Urbanmailledotcom has some of the cheapest in the U.S.

Morna

 

[knotty panda]

That's precisely where I got my set, from Aislyn (urbanmaille.com). Even wrote a review about their service -- one of my pliers was broken when I received it. Very unusual for Lindstrom. I have the Lindstrom set, her coiler, and two graduated mandrels from Monsterslayer.com. Now, if I could only wrap!