Can I Cheat On Wire Shapes?

by Steve Smy.
(Gemineer)

I’ve only recently started doing *real* wire work and have much to learn. One problem I encounter is the assumption by so many wire workers that I will have invested large sums of money (that I don’t have) in acquiring almost every variety of wire available!

I can’t afford Sterling Silver, nor can I afford to buy more than three sizes in quantity, above 22 SWG (thinner isn’t quite so difficult) – especially just because the profile of the wire is different.

The big question I have to ask is: Can I cheat on wire shapes/profiles by some judicious adapting of patterns or, if that fails, a touch of reshaping of round wire with a hammer and bench block?

For instance, a friend recently sent me a lovely smoky quartz cabochon, in a rectangular form. He sent it so that I could wire wrap it for my wife, Jenny.

He even sent some links to videos showing techniques! Great, except every single one made the assumption that I had half-round or square wire 🙁 I attempted to do something with the round wire I’ve got, but it was far from successful. But then, I was using it just as it came off the reel.

I know that getting started in jewellery making needn’t be expensive, but here I am facing the need for piles of cash – which just aren’t there. Surely somebody has encountered this problem before me?

I would have chickened out and bout an appropriate cab setting, but they simply don’t seem to exist here in the UK, except in round or oval form.

I also don’t have the correct glue – which is (again) expensive, so gluing the cab doesn’t figure in my plans. Jenny knows about the stone and, bless her, she’s putting absolutely no pressure on me at all! Simple fact is – I’m pressuring myself to find an attractive solution.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this dilemma 🙂

Steve Smy