Gemstones - Wrap-Tite

Wrap-Tite findings are essentially concave circles of sterling silver with a loop at one or both ends.  The concave part of the circle grips and holds the gemstone while the loop or loops allow you to connect the finding to other elements of your jewelry.  You can view two samples of jewelry made with the Wrap-Tite findings left and right.  The earrings at left, use a 10mm gemstone and finding to make a simple earring.  The earrings at right use two 4mm, 2 loop findings and gemstones and one 6mm finding and gemstone to make a dangle type earring.  These Wrap-Tite type of findings are relatively easy to use, but may be slightly more difficult to use than our Low Wall Bezel findings.  For a beginner, we suggest sticking with the Low Wall Bezel finding.  As you become slightly more advanced, then consider the options that these Wrap-Tite findings enable.  Because these findings aren't as solid as many other jewelry making findings we like to use them for earrings, but don't recommend them for bracelets which get a lot more wear and tear.  Our instructions for how to set a gemstone with these findings are detailed below.

There are essentially two simple steps in making jewelry with Wrap Tite findings.  The first is to press the finding into position on the gemstone, and the second is to squeeze the finding to set the stone in place.  There are two tools used in this process.  The first tool is a pair of round nose pliers with very fine tips.  Tips that are about 1mm are preferred.  We used our WigJig Round Nose Pliers.  The round nose pliers are used to squeeze the loop in the finding so that the finding wraps tightly around the gemstone.  The second tool used is a piece of 16 gauge wire that we shaped as shown at right.  To make this tool, cut a 2 1/2" segment of 16 gauge wire and file both ends smooth with a jeweler's file or a nail file.  Grasp the wire about 1" from one end of the wire and make a 90 degree bend.  Measure 4mm from this bend and make a second bend for the 4mm tool and measure 6mm from the bend and make a second bend for the 6mm tool.  (The 4mm and 6mm tools are made to work with 4mm or 6mm two loop Wrap-Tite findings.  Either of these tools will work with any one loop finding.)  This "U" shaped piece of 16 gauge wire is used to insert into the loop or loops in the Wrap-Tite finding while you are squeezing the finding in your round nose pliers to preserve the shape of the loop in the finding.

Wrap-Tite Findings - One Loop

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
Step 3 Alternate View	Step 4	Step 5

Step 1:  Position your gemstones on a cutting board or other flat surface, with the flat side down and the pointed side of the gemstone up.  For the lavender earrings shown we used 10mm one loop findings.

Step 2:  Position your Wrap-Tite finding on top of your gemstone and push down with one thumb on the loop in the finding and with your other thumb nail on the finding 180 degrees opposite the loop.  For those who have trouble using their thumbnail, you can use the edge of your chain nose pliers.  Continue pushing until the finding pops into position around the girdle or largest part of the gemstone. 

Step 3:  Position your 16 gauge wire inside the small loop in the finding and using your round nose pliers, grip and squeeze the finding as shown above.  Use a firm squeeze like you were shaking hands, but not a hard squeeze. 

Step 4:  Perform the above steps for both findings.

Step 5:  Add your ear wire finding by opening the loop in the ear wire finding, then adding the loop in the Wrap-Tite finding, and then closing the loop in the ear wire.

Wrap-Tite Findings - Two Loops
 

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
	Step 4

Step 1:  Position your gemstones on a cutting board or other flat surface, with the flat side down and the pointed side of the gemstone up.  For the blue sapphire earrings shown, we used two loop 6mm findings, Item 3004, and 8mm one loop findings, Item 3401.  For the pink earrings shown, we use four 4mm two loop findings and one 6mm one loop finding.  We used purchased ear wires as well.

Step 2:  Position your Wrap-Tite Finding on top of your gemstone and push down with one thumb on each loop.  Continue pushing until the finding pops into position around the girdle or largest part of the gemstone. 

Step 3:  Position your 16 gauge wire inside the small loop in the finding and using your round nose pliers, grip and squeeze the finding as shown previously.  Use a firm squeeze like you were shaking hands, but not a hard squeeze.  Do this for all of the gemstone/finding pairs in your jewelry item.

Step 4:  Assemble your jewelry item.  Above, we show how we used figure 8 connectors made with 20 gauge wire is recommended) to connect the one loop and two loop Wrap-Tite findings.  We used either a modified figure 8 connector (blue sapphire earrings), or we directly connected the two loop Wrap-Tite finding to the ear wire finding (pink earrings). 

This completes our instructions for making jewelry with Wrap-Tite findings.  Please remember these findings aren't as easy to use as the snap-fit or low wall bezel.  With snap-fit and low wall bezel findings, if you can pick up a toothpick, you can make the jewelry.  These Wrap-Tite finding will require a little patience and a little practice.  We can't help you with the patience, it seems that patience is one item that is hard to keep in stock.  As far as the practice, these findings are so inexpensive that almost anyone can afford to purchase two sets, using one for practice.  Good luck with your jewelry making.