This video demonstrates basic skills to use a pinch bail connector. A pinch bail connector is a finding that allows you to create pendants with drilled stones.
Materials: Pinch bail connector, gemstone bead
Pinch Bails are great findings that allow you to transform gemstone beads into pendants ready for a necklace without much fuss. When choosing a bail connector the main aspect to keep in mind is the post size in comparison to the bead hole size. The pinch bail used in this demonstration would not be suitable for a small briolette gemstone, but rather a larger bead with a 1mm hole.
Steps to use a pinch bail connector
Step 1: Grip sides of connector that open, and gently pull. Sometimes pressure is needed, but keep in mind not to tug too hard or you could distort the shape if the finding
Step 2: Feed the prong through the bead hole
Step 3: Pinch the other prong through the opposite bead hole and close
The pendant is now complete, you can finish this piece off by gliding the top bail over a chain and you have a ready to wear necklace.
Tools: round nose pliers, bent chain nose pliers, chain nose pliers, measuring tool
The gemstone bar is a trending style that is versatile and just a slight adaptation from basic wire wrapping. You can use any type of fully drilled beads to create the gem bar and combined with other techniques, you can create unique jewelry with securely fastened gemstones. Using basic wire wrapping technique, the gem bar is a simple and elegant way to display those gorgeous gemstones we love so much.
This demonstration will show a 1 inch gemstone bar, however you can make your bar as long or as short as you like simply by adding beads or taking away beads and shortening length of wire.
Step 1: Use chain nose pliers and bend the wire at with a 3/4 inch tail, creating a 90-degree angle
Step 2: Use the round nose pliers and create a loop bringing the tail around the plier tip
Step 3: String the chain through the tail, letting it fall into the loop.
Step 4: Grip the loop with the chain nose pliers, and with the bent chain nose pliers, begin to wind the tail around the base of the loop, making 2-3 coils
Step 5: Secure the end of the tail tightly to the coil
Step 6: Cut the wire leave 1.5 inches for the gem bar and you final loop
Step 7: String your beads onto the wire making a 1 inch bar
Step 8: Grip the tail with the chain nose pliers leaving 3mm beside the last bead
Step 9: With the chain nose pliers, make another 90 degree bend
Step 9: Use the round nose pliers and grip the bend at its angle, take the tail and wrap over the plier tip creating a loop ( make sure you loop in the same area as the first loop to ensure the same size loop)
Step 10: Coil the wire around tightening the beads
Tools: Chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, cutters
Wire wrapping beads and pearls is a technique every jewelry maker should now. The ability to wire wrap a bead infuses your skillset in such a versatile way. Simply learning a basic wire wrap will allow you to create bracelets, necklaces, earrings, charms, pendants and more. When wire wrapping there are a few different supplies choices to consider. Begin with the bead you are using: is it drilled? How is it drilled? What gauge wire will fit through the drilled hole?
This will demonstrate a basic loop wiring for a bead. The basic loop is a quick and secure way to ensure the bead stays in position, while it does not have too much wrapping. This technique is used in many aspects of jewelry making embellishing earrings, creating pendants, rosary making, adding to a chain and much more.
Steps in a simple wire loop
Step 1: Cut wire, approximately 1.5", depending on bead size. You will need about 3/4 inch space for each loop and then add the bead size.
Step 2: Grip wire with round nose pliers. Ensure wire does not come above jaws as this will distort the loop shape.
Step 3: Twist the wire away from you, using your thumb to press the wire down to the plier jaws. Once twist is complete, slightly loosen and readjust to pliers to perform second twist ( ensure to use the same point on the pliers, if you move up or down it will change the size of the loop). Continue to turn until you hit the wire creating a full loop.
Step 4: Grip inside of loop with round nose pliers, and twist ( away from opening)
NOTE: If using a thick gauge wire like 22 gauge 20 gauge or thicker, use chain nose pliers for your bend because they are stronger and you may have trouble with the round nose.
Step 5: To close loop completely you simply wiggle closed using chain nose pliers
Step 6: String bead onto wire
Step 7: Cut excess wire, leaving 3/4 inch tail to create loop
Step 8: Grip end of wire with round nose pliers and repeat step 3.
Step 9: Grip loop inside with round nose pliers and twist back to round out loop. This will open up the loop.
Step 10: Grip the wire end and twist inward again connecting the tip to the base of the loop
Step 11: If looping the bead onto a chain or another piece of wire loop through the open tail
Step 12: Close loop with chain nose pliers simply wiggle it as close to base as possible
If loops are not in the right position ie. perpendicular - depending on your design then grip each loop and twist into desired position.
Tips:
If needed mark a spot on you round nose pliers to remember where to bend and make the same size loops.
The larger the loop you want, the higher along the round nose pliers you will grip
Lastly - practice makes perfect - do not expect to have a perfect loop on your first try. Keep at it and you will get a groove going!
