Heavy Gauge Wire Jewelry

by Edd Nelson.
(Northwest Indiana)

I have been busy this winter developing some new techniques in wire wrapping for heavy gauge wire jewelry. I actually describe it as wire folding as opposed to wire wrapping, because of the process used in obtaining the desired end result.

I Use 18 gauge and 16 gauge copper wire mostly, because of its durable properties that can be worked and reworked without fear of breaking and retains its stiffness. I sometimes have to apply a lot of stress on the wire to achieve the right shape and form.

In some of my more recent designs I also incorporate leather which is a real versatile medium to work with.

Not to mention some specialized tools I had to create to get the final results to come out right.

One of my personal best techniques I have developed is using a single piece of wire (6-7 feet long) and making it into a bracelet without cutting it.

So the end result is a piece of jewelry consisting of a single length of wire from end to end (ie. Wire Folding).

I have also adapted this technique into making rings using 18 to 20 gauge wire.

Edd Nelson
Modern Vintage Studios