Make a Wire-Wrapped Stone Pendant in 5 Simple Steps

By Gayle Bird

wire wrapped blue pendant 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: Easy

What 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

twisting wire illustrating 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

placing stone pendant illustration 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

twisting stone illustration 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

crossing wire illustration Separate the wires in each twist and pull them to the opposite side as shown.

twisting stone pendant 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

double wrap loop pendant illustration 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.

different shape stone illustration 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.

finished pendant 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

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12 Responses to “Make a Wire-Wrapped Stone Pendant in 5 Simple Steps”

  1. Mae Perry

    That is a very simple technique. Thank you

  2. Kriatin

    That was so easy! Thank you!!!

  3. Maureen Fowles

    Make a wired-wrapped stone

  4. Maxie Lord

    Beginner class

  5. Grace Davie

    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

  6. Carmen K Runner

    It all makes sense now, thank you.

  7. rama

    Excellent tips

  8. Velma

    Thank you for the info. What a blessings.

  9. Angela

    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.

  10. Carlynda Zaro

    I would love how to make pendants with wire & I would also like to know how to make other necklaces.