Finishing a Cabochon Frame

by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I do quite a bit of wire wrap jewelry and have some difficulty when I bring the square wires to the top of the stone and securing it by wrapping. Do you have any suggestions on how to make this easier?

-Melanie in Glenville, New York
Instructions
Answer:

Using an oval or round cabochon as an example:

After wrapping the frame bundle, use an object slightly smaller than the cab's bottom curve to shape the center of the frame.

Next, gently round the inside of the frame with your fingers to better match the cab shape.

At the top, make a 90° angle on each end of the bundle where they meet.
Place tape about ½ inch above the junction to hold the frame while you wrap the wires together there.

Spending extra time shaping the frame helps keep the stone secure.

Often, I wrap the frame without the stone in it first.
Beginner Series Disc 2 shows how to shape and create frames for nearly any size or shape, including cabochons!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

22 Gauge Square Dead Soft 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-22SQD
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.50 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $45.14
  • Gold Club Price: $33.86
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22 Gauge Square Half Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-22SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.50 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $38.70
  • Gold Club Price: $29.02
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21 Gauge Half Round Half Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-21HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $5.86
  • Gold Club Price: $4.39
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One of a Kind Druzys
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Scotch 0.94 Inch Painters Tape for Taping Wires Together
G13-5
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  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.97
  • Gold Club Price: $4.48
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Wire Jewelry Cushion Clamp - Pack of 1
G10-1
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  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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Tools

Beginner Series - Part 2
DVD-BEG2
  • DVD-BEG2
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  • Price: $34.95
  • Gold Club Price: $26.21
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Entire Beginner Series with Bonus DVDs
DVD-BEGset
  • DVD-BEGset
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $244.65
  • Gold Club Price: $183.49
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Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
  • G2-503
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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Flat Nose Wire Pliers
G2-506
  • G2-506
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  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
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  • Category: Classic
  • Technique(s): Wrapping