How To Wire Wrap A Crystal (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Wrap Crystal With Wire » How To Wire Wrap A Crystal (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Wire Wrap a Crystal PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Cory Schifter

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Wrapping a Crystal Pendant
    • |
  • Making a Wire-Wrapped Ring
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Cory Schifter. Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 113,674 times.

One way to wear crystals, like rose quartz, jade, or amethyst, is to wire wrap them for jewelry. Decide if you want to put your crystal on a necklace as a pretty pendant or on an elegant ring. For both, you'll need pliers, wire, and wire cutters before you get started. After you've wire wrapped the crystal, give your finished piece as a beautiful handmade gift or keep it for yourself!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Wrapping a Crystal Pendant

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cut a piece of 24-gauge wire about 1 foot (0.30 m) long. 1 Cut a piece of 24-gauge wire about 1 foot (0.30 m) long. Measure out your wire, then use wire cutters to trim it to the right length. If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, cut an extra 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) to be safe.[1]
    • You can use silver or copper wire, both of which can be bought at a craft store or from an online retailer.
    • If you’re planning on doing a design that involves a lot of twists, consider cutting off a longer piece of wire.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 2 Wrap one end of the wire around round-nose pliers 3 times. Clasp the wire between round-nose pliers at one end, about 2 inches (5.1 cm) down the wire. Wind it around one side of the pliers 3 times to create a small ring.[2]
    • Don’t overlap the wire as you wrap it. Each time you wrap it around the pliers, lay the new wire next to the previous piece instead of on top of it.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 3 Cover your crystal with a small piece of tissue paper to protect the stone. Place the crystal in the center of a square of tissue paper so it doesn't get scratched from the wire. Then, wrap the sides of the paper around the stone so it’s completely covered.[3]
    • Use only enough tissue paper to cover the crystal in a single layer. If you have too much excess, it will difficult to work with later on.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 4 Lay the crystal between the 2 ends of the wire so the point rests in the ring. Set the tip or the smallest part of the crystal in the ring that you created, which will be the top of the pendant. Position the crystal how you want it to hang between the 2 ends of the wire.[4]
    • For example, if you want a specific side of the crystal to be facing down, like one of the pointed tips, lay the crystal so that end is facing away from the ring.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 5 Wrap both ends of the wire around the crystal in the design of your choice. Twist the wire around the stone however you want, like by crisscrossing the ends back and forth to form an “X” shape on the stone or simply winding the wire around the center, for example. Wrap the wire at least 3 to 4 times around the crystal to make sure it's secure.[5]
    • No matter what design you pick, wrap the wire as tightly as possible so the crystal doesn’t fall out.

    Tip: Try different design options, like winding the wire in a spiral around the stone, just wrapping the tip with wire, twisting the wire into a shape like a heart or a word like "dream," or making swirls with the wire on the front of the crystal.

  6. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 6 Wind both ends around the base of the ring. After you’ve wrapped the crystal, take both ends of the remaining wire and twist them tightly around the bottom of the small ring. Pull them taut as you wind them around to hold the ends in place.[6]
    • If you have a lot of wire leftover, use the wire cutters to snip off the extra.
    • Use the pliers to tuck the wire around the ring if you’re struggling.
  7. Step 7 Dip the wrapped crystal in water. 7 Dip the wrapped crystal in water. Fill a cup with water and dunk the entire crystal in it. Be sure to completely submerge the crystal so that all of the tissue paper gets saturated.[7]
    • Use any temperature of water to fill the cup.
    • You can also run the crystal under the sink to get it wet.
  8. Step 8 Peel off the wet tissue paper with needle-nose pliers. 8 Peel off the wet tissue paper with needle-nose pliers. Once the paper is wet, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pull the tissue paper off of the crystal. Continue peeling it away piece by piece until all of the paper is removed.[8]
    • Be careful not to scratch the stone with the tip of the pliers while you work.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Making a Wire-Wrapped Ring

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cut a piece of 20-gauge wire that’s about 2 feet (0.61 m) long. 1 Cut a piece of 20-gauge wire that’s about 2 feet (0.61 m) long. Use wire cutters to trim off a piece that’s long enough to wrap around the crystal and to form the ring, typically at least 2 feet (0.61 m). Err on the side of caution and cut a longer piece if you aren’t sure how much you’ll need.[9]
    • You can use a different size wire if you prefer, but pick a size that’s no thicker than 18 gauge and no thinner than 22 gauge for the best results.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 2 Wrap the wire at least twice around a mandrel at 1 size smaller than you want. Place wire at the mark on a mandrel, which is a wood or metal dowel with grooves for different ring sizes, that’s 1 size below the size ring you wear. This is because the ring can get slightly stretched out on the mandrel. For instance, if you wear a size 7, wrap the wire around the size 6 mark. Wind the piece of wire around the mandrel at least 2 times to form the band of the ring.[10]
    • Center the mandrel on the wire before wrapping it to keep the pieces on each side of the mandrel equal length.
    • You can buy a mandrel from a hobby store, craft store, or online retailer. If you don’t have a mandrel, use a dowel that’s the same size you want the ring to be.
  3. Step 3 Twist the wires clockwise at the top of the ring to create a base for the crystal. 3 Twist the wires clockwise at the top of the ring to create a base for the crystal. Take the 2 ends of the wire at the center where they intersect on the mandrel. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to begin wrapping the wire in a small circle at the top of the ring where your crystal will sit. Continue twisting the pieces together until you have a circle that’s slightly wider than the ring band and lies flat.[11]
    • It should take about 3 to 4 twists to create the circle.
    • Don’t worry if your circle isn’t a perfect spiral. The crystal will cover it so it won’t be visible.
    • Try to leave about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of wire at the ends after you’ve twisted the circle.

    Tip: If the circle is raised, lightly tap it with a hammer to flatten it out.

  4. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 4 Remove the ring from the mandrel. Slide the ring off of the mandrel once you've wrapped the circle at the top. Be careful not to squish or bend the band of the ring while removing it.[12]
    • If the ring doesn't slide off easily, gently wiggle it back and forth as you pull it up the mandrel to loosen it.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 5 Tuck the ends of the wire near the circle base around the band of the ring. Take each of the loose ends at the center and wrap them 1 to 2 times around the band to prevent the circle base from unraveling. Wind them tightly as close to the band as possible.[13]
    • Use the needle-nose pliers to help get the wire around the band if necessary.
  6. Step 6 Place the crystal on top of the circle base. 6 Place the crystal on top of the circle base. Set the crystal in the position that you want it to be on the ring. For example, if you have a long piece of quartz, decide if you want it to lay so that it goes down the length of your finger or across the width of your finger.[14]
    • Align the crystal so that it completely covers the wire circle underneath unless you want the base to show.

    Tip: For a ring that's both fashionable and functional, choose a crystal that's no wider than the width of your finger and no longer than the bottom half of your finger. Stones that are this size or smaller are easier to wear and don't look too overpowering.

  7. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 7 Wrap both ends of the wire tightly around the crystal. Take each loose end of the wire, starting at the center, and wind it tautly around the middle of the crystal once you have it positioned properly. Continue wrapping until you have about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of wire left at each end.[15]
    • If the crystal moves or slips while you’re wrapping it, you can put a dab of craft glue on the base beneath it to hold it in place.
    • You can just wrap the wire around the center of the crystal, add a design like a criss-cross, or twist the wire in different directions around the stone.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Wire Wrap a Crystal 8 Wind the ends of the wire around the band of the ring. After securing the crystal onto the base, take the remaining wire at each end and wind it tightly around the band. This prevents the wire from coming undone around the crystal. Make it as taut as possible.[16]
    • If there’s any extra wire, snip it off with the wire cutters.
    • You can use needle-nose pliers to help wrap the wire if you’re having trouble doing it with your fingers.
  9. Step 9 Size up the ring by placing it back on the mandrel and hammering the band. 9 Size up the ring by placing it back on the mandrel and hammering the band. Because you originally made the ring a smaller size, you may need to enlarge it slightly to fit your finger. To do this, slide the band onto the mandrel. Then take a hammer and lightly tap the top side of the band to loosen the metal. As it becomes pliable, slide the ring down the mandrel until it's at the correct size groove.[17]
    • For instance, if you wear a size 8 but made your ring a size 7, hammer the band until it reaches the size 8 groove.
    • Alternate hammering the band and sliding it down the mandrel.
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You’ll Need

Crystal Pendant

  • 1 foot (0.30 m) of 24-gauge wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Round-nose pliers
  • Tissue paper
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Cup
  • Water

Wire-Wrapped Ring

  • 2 feet (0.61 m) of 20-gauge wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Ring mandrel
  • Crystal
  • Needle-nose pliers

You Might Also Like

Wire Wrap StonesHow toWire Wrap Stones Make a RingHow toMake a Ring Make a Beaded RingHow toMake a Beaded Ring Make Handmade JewelryHow toMake Handmade Jewelry Make a Memory Wire BraceletHow toMake a Memory Wire Bracelet Make Jewelry with WireHow toMake Jewelry with Wire How toUse Crimp Beads Make a Beaded BraceletDIY Bracelets with Beads for Beginners & Beyond How toMake Ear Cuffs Make a Guitar Pick NecklaceHow toMake a Guitar Pick Necklace Create Beaded Hair BarrettesHow toCreate Beaded Hair Barrettes Make a Wire Tree SculptureHow toMake a Wire Tree Sculpture Make a Spoon RingHow toMake a Spoon Ring Make a Shell NecklaceHow toMake a Shell Necklace Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=51
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=61
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=99
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=127
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=152
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=167
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=192
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/1rw8IFrfMR4?t=199
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=30
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=45
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=105
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=183
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=193
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=259
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=274
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=341
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/SYx1Nz3BTQM?t=426

About This Article

Cory Schifter Reviewed by: Cory Schifter Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser This article was reviewed by Cory Schifter. Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation. This article has been viewed 113,674 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 113,674 Categories: Metalwork and Wire Projects Article SummaryX

To wire wrap a crystal pendant, cut a 1-foot piece of 24-gauge wire and wrap one end around needle-nose pliers 3 times to create a small ring. Next, cover your crystal with a small piece of tissue paper and position it so the smallest point rests in the ring. Then, wrap both ends of the wire around the crystal and twist them around the bottom of the ring. Finally, submerge the wrapped crystal in water and carefully peel off the wet tissue paper with pliers. For tips on wrapping crystals for other jewelry projects, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 113,674 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Karen Miller

    Karen Miller

    Jan 28, 2017

    "Wonderful tutorial. Photos make it a breeze to follow! Love this! Thank you."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cory Schifter Reviewed by: Cory Schifter Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser Co-authors: 6 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 113,674 100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Karen Miller

Karen Miller

Jan 28, 2017

"Wonderful tutorial. Photos make it a breeze to follow! Love this! Thank you." Joanna Smith

Joanna Smith

Apr 7, 2018

"Steps are very clear and easy to follow." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Engagement Ring QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizShould I Wear Gold or Silver QuizShould I Wear Gold or Silver QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Wire Wrap StonesHow toWire Wrap StonesMake a RingHow toMake a RingMake a Beaded RingHow toMake a Beaded RingMake Handmade JewelryHow toMake Handmade Jewelry

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizHow Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?Answer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizKissHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials Quiz

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Lose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Discover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First Name10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallHow Vanilla Am I QuizHow Vanilla Am I QuizAm I a High Value Man TestAm I a High Value Man Test

Quizzes & Games

What Animal Would Go On My House Crest QuizWhat Animal Would Go On My House Crest QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizWhat Fairy Type Am I QuizWhat Fairy Type Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Crafts
  • Metalwork and Wire Projects
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --545

Tag » How To Wrap Crystal With Wire