How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette: Beginner Wire-Wrapping Tutorial

How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette: Beginner Wire-Wrapping Tutorial

How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette: Beginner Wire-Wrapping Tutorial

Wire-wrapping is the foundation of handmade jewelry. No glue, no crimps - just wire and pliers. Once you learn this one loop, you can wrap any stone, crystal, or charm into a pendant.

At our Reseda and West LA stores, this is the #1 skill we teach in beginners classes. Here's the exact method we teach.

What You Need

You don't need a lot. For your first wrap:

Wire:

  • 24 gauge for the wrapping

  • 20 gauge for the frame (if making an outside wrap) We stock both: Sterling Silver Filled and 14K Gold Filled wire by the foot - search "wire" at beadsourceinc.com/collections/all - look for 20, 21, 22, 24, 26 gauge options.

Tools:

  • Chain nose pliers

  • Round nose pliers

  • Wire cutters (flush)

Stone: Start with a teardrop briolette or any top-drilled stone. Easier than a round bead.

Our best-selling wire for practice:

Step 1: Make the Front Loop

Cut about 6 inches of 20 gauge wire. Grip 1 inch from the end with your round nose pliers. Bend the short end over the pliers to make a small loop. This loop is where your chain will go.

Tip: The loop should be big enough for chain to pass through - about 3-4mm. Wrap the short tail around the long wire 2 times just under the loop, then trim.

Step 2: Thread and Wrap

Slide your briolette onto the long wire so it sits under the loop you just made.

Now take a separate piece of 24 gauge wire, about 12 inches. Anchor it by wrapping 2-3 times around the stem just above the stone, under your top loop.

Bring the 24 gauge wire down and wrap around the stone and the center stem in a figure-eight pattern. Keep your wraps close together at the top, slightly spaced as you go down if you want that boho look.

Step 3: Secure at the Bottom

When you reach the bottom point of the teardrop, wrap the thin wire 3 times tightly around the bottom stem, trim excess, and press the end flat with chain nose pliers so nothing sticks out.

That's it - your first wire-wrapped pendant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using wire that's too thin for the frame - 20 gauge is minimum for top loop, or it will bend open.

  2. Not tucking ends - Any sharp end will scratch skin. Always press flat.

  3. Pulling too tight and cracking the crystal - Wire should be snug, not strangled.

What to Make Next

Once you can wrap a briolette:

Visit us in Reseda or West LA - we have wire, tools, and the real store staff to show you in person. Or shop wire at beadsourceinc.com/collections/chain.

Practice trick: Buy 2 feet of brass practice wire first ($3-4) before you cut into gold filled.