Making Wire Jewelry for Men
Question:
Hi Dale, I am having a hard time making men's jewelry look like men's jewelry. Do you have any advice on making men's jewelry?
-Judy in Danielsville, Georgia
Hi Dale, I am having a hard time making men's jewelry look like men's jewelry. Do you have any advice on making men's jewelry?
-Judy in Danielsville, Georgia
Instructions
Answer:
Hi Judy! Here are the most simple ways I know to make wire jewelry look more masculine:
Use a heavier gauge wire
Leave off the frills.
Use larger, more "earthy" stones
That's a solid and stylish approach for a masculine cabochon pendant! Using a 21-gauge wire for the frame keeps it sturdy without being too bulky, which really suits the larger 25 x 30mm stones you mentioned hematite, onyx, lapis, tiger-eye, or picture jasper all have such strong visual presence.
The finishing options you described for the wire ends are smart:
Curved and pressed ends: Clean, minimalist, and durable great if you want to keep things simple and avoid any sharp edges.
"Coronet" topping: Adds a bit of handcrafted flair and texture, which can make the pendant feel more refined and artistic without overwhelming the stone.
Both options provide a secure finish while keeping the focus on the cabochon. Do you have a favorite stone or wire finish you like for men's pendants?
Hi Judy! Here are the most simple ways I know to make wire jewelry look more masculine:
That's a solid and stylish approach for a masculine cabochon pendant! Using a 21-gauge wire for the frame keeps it sturdy without being too bulky, which really suits the larger 25 x 30mm stones you mentioned hematite, onyx, lapis, tiger-eye, or picture jasper all have such strong visual presence.
The finishing options you described for the wire ends are smart:
Curved and pressed ends: Clean, minimalist, and durable great if you want to keep things simple and avoid any sharp edges.
"Coronet" topping: Adds a bit of handcrafted flair and texture, which can make the pendant feel more refined and artistic without overwhelming the stone.
Both options provide a secure finish while keeping the focus on the cabochon. Do you have a favorite stone or wire finish you like for men's pendants?
Men's bracelets are pretty easy to make.
I like to use a 20-gauge wire, with either a herringbone, or a single twisted wire on each edge, with a 16-gauge hook and eye clasp.
The "Classic Cabochon" or "Pharaoh's Ring" is a man's design to begin with (we women have just taken it over).
This ring looks awesome when made with 21-gauge or even 20-gauge wire and a simple, classic stone such as black onyx, tigereye, or a sapphire cabochon.
I like to use a 20-gauge wire, with either a herringbone, or a single twisted wire on each edge, with a 16-gauge hook and eye clasp.
The "Classic Cabochon" or "Pharaoh's Ring" is a man's design to begin with (we women have just taken it over).
This ring looks awesome when made with 21-gauge or even 20-gauge wire and a simple, classic stone such as black onyx, tigereye, or a sapphire cabochon.
In my opinion, "old school" men are the most difficult to please with our wire designs. Just keep it very simple, earthy and bold!
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
Beginner Series - Part 7
DVD-BEG7
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $34.95
- Gold Club Price: $26.21
Wire
Matte Onyx 22x30mm Oval Cabochon - Pack of 1
E8-20E
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $5.32
- Gold Club Price: $3.99
Tiger Eye 22x30mm Oval Cabochon - Pack of 1
E8-10E
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $8.57
- Gold Club Price: $6.43
Lapis 22x30mm Oval Cabochon - Pack of 1
E8-12E
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $7.17
- Gold Club Price: $5.38
Tools
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
6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
- G2-503
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.21
Flat Nose Wire Pliers
G2-506
- G2-506
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $32.95
- Gold Club Price: $24.71
Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
- G2-507
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $32.95
- Gold Club Price: $24.71
Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
- G2-504
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
Stainless Steel Ring Mandrel Sizes 1-15
G7-2
- G7-2
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $32.95
- Gold Club Price: $24.71
Supply Detail
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- Category: Design
- Technique(s): Wrapping, Design
Dale Armstrong
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