Jewelry Tutorial: Make a Wire-wrapped Bracelet Lesson 5

You've reached lesson 5 in a tutorial with instructions for how to make a sterling silver wire-wrapped bracelet.

Supplies (continued):

• Beads
  

Choosing beads for your wire wrapped bracelet may be the best part! The beads you choose may be made of semiprecious gemstone, glass, plastic, terra cotta clay, Swarovski crystal, polymer clay, wood, or almost any material you can think of.  You can choose beads of any size greater than 6mm, though I'd advise you to start with beads from 10mm to 25mm long.

Natural looking beads like abalone shell, turquoise and red coral make beautiful jewelry even when the design is very simple.

Semiprecious gemstone beads come in a wide variety. Interesting matrix patterns can be found in stones such as picture jasper, ocean jasper, and carnelian. Semi-precious gemstones such as lapis lazuli, amethyst, peridot, black onyx and garnet look stunning next to precious metals like sterling silver and gold.

You can even make your own beads, if you're game. The only requirement is that the drilled holes be large enough for your wire to pass through – especially a concern if you're using freshwater pearls, which are generally drilled with small holes to be strung on fine silk string.

If you don't have beads in stock and don't know where to buy beads, you may be surprised to learn you can buy beads online. I'll be posting details about the best ways to buy beads online, with recommendations for what beads to buy and how to choose quality beads when you don't have them right in front of you.

• Toggle Clasp

The "bar-and-ring" toggle clasp can be fastened one-handed and so is ideal for bracelets. Get a large toggle clasp if you're fumble-fingered so it will be easy to put on. A toggle clasp is also suitable for necklaces and anklets.

All right! The first hurdle is done! You've gotten your jewelry supplies together. Now it's time to start jewelry designing and practicing.

Next in the tutorial, learn tips for designing your sterling silver wire-wrapped bracelet.

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