How to Make a Simple Wire Wrap Ring

Using wire to fashion rings is an art form that dates back thousands of years. Wire rings can vary from quick and easy bead rings to more fashionable settings featuring set gemstones.

This wire wrap ring is quick, easy, and yet looks much like fine jewelry, depending on the type of wire used, the patina and polish.

It is suggested to work in copper until you have acquired a proficiency in making loops.

Materials List:
5 pieces of 20 gauge square copper wire, each 5" long (You may use a little less depending on finger size and metal.)
1 piece of 20 gauge half-round copper wire for binding, approximately 18 - 24" long
Painter's tape
Wire cutter
Rawhide hammer
Flat nose pliers
Wire straightener
File

1. Straighten all square wires.
2. Line the five pieces of square wires and tape in the middle using painter's tape
3. Approximately three inches from one end of half-round binding wire, bend to flat and begin wrapping about two inches from the end of your bundle.
4. Complete the binding wrap until you have 2 - 2 1/2 inches bound. This will be the shank of your ring.
5. Snip binding wire so that both ends are on the inside of the ring.
6. File rough ends of binding wire.
7. Tap all sides lightly with rawhide hammer.
8. Using a ring mandrel (optional), any other round object or your finger, gently bend the wires into an "O" shape. Your ends will be splayed out.
9. For an adjustable ring, have wires swirl on one side.
10. The next step requires creative license. Eyeball the wires and decide where you would like the curls to go. (I use architectural influences as ideas.)
11. Snip wires, file and curl.
12. Once finished, lightly tap again with rawhide mallet against a ring mandrel. Tumble and polish.

For a non-adjustable ring, take the third wire and twist together before making your final curl.

Finally, show it off and enjoy!