Setting Gemstones in Wrap-Tite Type Findings (Continued)
Step 1: Position your gemstones on a cutting board or other flat surface, with the flat side down and the pointed side of the gemstone up. For the blue sapphire earrings shown we used two loop 6mm findings, Item 3004, and 8mm one loop findings, item 3401. For the pink earrings shown, we use four 4mm two loop findings, item 3405 and one 6mm one loop finding, item 3402. The ear wires we used our our item 0034 and item 2659. Step 2: Position your Wrap-Tite Finding on top of your gemstone and push down with one thumb on each loop. Continue pushing until the finding pops into position around the girdle or largest part of the gemstone. Step 3: Position your 16 gauge wire inside the small loop in the finding and using your round nose pliers, grip and squeeze the finding as shown on the prior page. Use a firm squeeze like you were shaking hands, but not a hard squeeze. Do this for all of the gemstone/finding pairs in your jewelry item. Step 4: Assemble your jewelry item. Above we show how we used figure 8 connectors made with 20 gauge wire (item 3010 is recommended) to connect the one loop and two loop Wrap-Tite findings and we used either a modified figure 8 connector (blue sapphire earrings), or we directly connected the two loop Wrap-Tite finding to the ear wire finding (pink earrings). This completes our instructions for making jewelry with Wrap-Tite findings. Please remember these findings aren't as easy to use as the snap-fit or low wall bezel. With snap-fit and low wall bezel findings, if you can pick up a toothpick, you can make the jewelry. These Wrap-Tite finding will require a little patience and a little practice. We can't help you with the patience, it seems that patience is one item that is hard to keep in stock. As far as the practice, these findings are so inexpensive that almost anyone can afford to purchase two sets, using one for practice. Good luck with your jewelry making. |
