Beautiful stones always get me excited to start a new wire-wrapping projects.
Come along as we explore most popular stones for wire-wrapping.
The best of all is that there are no right or wrong way to use these stones—practice your art in the way that makes you happy!
Stones for Wire-Wrapping
1. Crystal Points
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When I work with crystal points, I prefer to wrap the wire delicately around the base of the stones. This allows the points to take center stage.
You can also try out different wrapping styles to allow these beauties to come into their own.
My works related to Crystal Points:
2. Cabochon
The smooth curves are ideal for showing off a bezel rim. More intricate and detailed wirework happens when I’m making a necklace using a cabochon.
Cabochons are all about the shape: the highly polished surface is rounded with a flat back.
Every time I pick out a cabochon, I know the result will be breathtaking and make the perfect gift.
Read: Tree of Life Tutorial with Cabochon
3. Gemstone Bead
These pops of color send me into a happy frenzy!
Create little intricate wire cages to show off the colors, or group them to create dangling earrings… necklaces… bracelets… endless opportunities!
Today I still turn to these beauties to create unique items that stand out from the crowd.
My Beads related designs:
- Wire Wrapping Bracelet With Beads Tutorial
- How To Wire Wrap A Bead Pendant
- Wire Wrapping Tutorial For Beginners Simple Bead Pendant
4. Briolettes
It is commonly known as a shape as shown in the image above. I love using them in elegant designs inspired by the classic jewelry of yesteryear.
My go-to options are:
For classic jewelry I turn to a classic shape like briolette.
- wrapping both ends for a fancy pair of earrings, or
- wrapping the top to create a matching briolette for necklace.
Read: How To Wrap A Briolette Wire Wrapped Swarovski Crystal Pendant Tutorial
5. Sea Glass
Copper wire, for me, is the best to capture the ocean’s beauty and shimmer while showing off my latest finds from the beach.
I like to keep my designs simple so the stones can do all the talking.
Read here: Wire Wrapping Iceberg Shape Sea Glass Pendant Tutorial
6. Amethyst
I love wrapping amethyst stones with intricate coils to draw attention to their deep purple hues. Using a gold or silver wire adds a touch of elegance to designs and I’m sure you’ll agree.
7. Chakra Stones
Chakra stones have long been used to balance the body’s energy centers. Sometimes I need that little boost and my chakra stones offer just that.
When I create jewelry with chakra stones, I prefer to match the wire to the color of the stone to create a seamless blend of harmonious colors.
Gold, copper and silver wire are three options I like to use because they bring a touch of beauty and elegance to my designs.
8. Quartz (Clear, Rose, Smoky, etc.)
Often, I am amazed at all the colors available in the quartz family. Crystal clear, pinkish rose, mysterious smoky quartz…just like the image above.
On a personal level, I have found that delicate wrapping techniques work well with smaller pieces. The larger pieces benefit from bold and thick wires.
Experiment with different wires to see what matches your tastes the best.
9. Turquoise
When I feel like adding some southwestern flair to my designs I reach for the turquoise stones. If I feel especially bold, I’ll use gold wire.
Other days I am more reserved and use a copper or silver wire for that understated flair.
10. Labradorite
Labradorite offers a unique palate of colors. I prefer to use combination of thin and thick wire and light wrapping techniques to allow the stones to show off their colors.
You can also use gold wire for stones with a yellowish coloring while silver will help bring out the blues and greens.
Sometimes, I like to wrap gold and silver wire finely together to create a two-tone effect.
My Designs:
- Wire Wrapping Opulent Marquise Labradorite Cabochon Pendant Tutorial
- Wire Wrapping Contemporary Black Labradorite Pendant Tutorial
11. Lapis Lazuli
Once, these deep blue, gold-flecked stones were more expensive than gold!
To preserve the stunning blue, I use thin gold or silver wire to wrap my stones.
I tend to keep my wrapping subtle to preserve as much of the stone’s surfaces as possible. Other times contrasting colors help me achieve unique effects I did not expect when I started.
12. Fluorite
Fluorite stones (not the toothpaste stuff, fluoride) have a brilliance that’s best complimented by complimentary colored wire-wrapping wires.
I love going bold and playing around with colors. Sometimes, I play it safe with a traditional look. I am sure you’ll enjoy working with fluorite as much as I do!
13. Tiger’s Eye
Who said you cannot always have the ‘eye of the tiger’ with you? I learned a new word while visiting my local gemstone shop today: chatoyancy, or, a pattern that resembles a cat’s eye.
These stones make a bold and elegant statement. My personal favorites are gold or copper wires. I’d suggest you keep your designs simple to focus attention on the stone’s beauty.
14. Obsidian (Black, Snowflake, Mahogany, etc.)
Did you know that obsidian is also known as ‘lava glass’? It comes in a variety of colors ranging from jet black to spotted to stones with a touch of pink or red.
My go-to choice here is a gold or copper wire to create contrast but also a touch of elegance. You can also experiment with gunmetal color to bring in some subtle flair.
15. Hematite
Luckily, I quickly learned hematite is a stone that looks like metal but is much harder and a pleasure to work with.
You can wrap it with cool-toned wires like silver or gunmetal to create an almost seamless look.
My suggestion here is to keep the wrapping simple and minimal to let the stone shine!
16. Carnelian
I use carnelian stones with ‘warm’ colors like copper, gold, or silver. Those reddish tones are versatile to allow you to use them with a variety of wire-wrapping techniques.
I’ve found that smaller stones look good with simple wrapping while larger stones lend themselves perfectly to intricate designs in a thin to medium-thick wire.
17. Agate
You will have to search far and wide to find a stone more unique than agate!
All those colors are just begging you to start exploring different wrapping techniques. I prefer to keep my wrapping minimal when working with agate because I want those colors to pop.
Experiment with different wire colors to match your stone’s color scheme.
18. Amazonite
I have noticed amazonite is complimented perfectly by copper, gunmetal, or silver wires. I adore putting rough pieces in simple wire cages to create pendants.
When I find polished stones, I keep my wrapping minimal to show off the stone’s natural colors.
19. Moonstone
For me, these stones look best with a delicate, shiny silver wire. The shimmer will beg you to create unique jewelry that’s sure to make the heads turn!
Keep your designs simple and allow the stone to catch the light and everyone’s attention.
20. Garnet
I prefer copper, or gold wire to complement the garnet’s red, earthy depths.
When you get a stone with orange or reddish tones, use a silver wire to create a miniature drama you can wear.
You can experiment with different wire thicknesses to see what kind of magical designs best suits your stones.
21. Jade
Jade offers us wire-wrapping jewelers a simple yet elegant stone.
A personal favorite of mine is to keep the design minimalist in copper or silver wire.
22. Malachite
Don’t you love those dramatic swirls!
You can use silver wire create a contrast with the greens and black found in malachite.
Alternatively, go for gold wire to create a wearable and elegant piece of wire-wrapping art.
23. Rhodonite
Gold, rose gold, and silver wires are my favorite choices when I work with rhodonite stones.
You can try intricate, lace-like designs with fine wire to create earrings, pendants, or bangles. I love grouping smaller stones to create statement pieces.
24. Aventurine
If you’re in an adventurous mood, aventurine’s sparkling green color is the sign you’ve been waiting for! Take your designs a step further and use contrasting colored wires to bring out the stone’s sparkle.
If you’re more of a traditionalist, copper, gold, and silver are safe choices—each will create a different effect depending on your taste.
25. Opal
I can never grow tired of all the colors you find in an opal. It is like the rainbow captured in a single stone.
My suggestion is to avoid bulky designs and thick wires because you can easily overwhelm the stone’s unique colors and patterns.
Experiment with different wrapping techniques to show off your opals’ natural luminosity while still having fun.
26. Sodalite
Are you feeling blue? No need when you use sodalite stones!
I reserve gold wire for special projects that require a touch of elegance.
I would suggest experimenting with different cuts and shapes until you’ve found a design that speaks to your style.