How to Wire Wrap a Briolette

Wire-wrapped top-drilled beads, or briolette shaped beads, make a wonderful drop or dangle from a bracelet or necklace chain. They also make quick gorgeous earrings--just take a pair of briolette beads, follow the instructions below, then top with a crystal or other small decorative bead and attach to earring findings with a top loop.

ITEMS NEEDED:
• Chain Nose pliers ,Round nose pliers ,Wire Cutters ,Bent Chain Nose pliers
• 24 gauge dead soft wire or 26 gauge dead soft wire
(depending on the size of the briolette)


Step 1: a) Slip a briolette onto the wire.
b) Leave 1/2" of the tail showing.


Step 2: Pinch both wires at the top of the briolette to form the shape of a triangle.


Step 3: Confirm that the briolette is centered inside the triangle.


Step 4: Using the Chain Nose pliers grab both wires above the triangle.


Step 5: Bend the longer wire into a right angle.


Step 6: a)Switch to the Round nose pliers.
b)Place the tips of the pliers above and below the longer wire, at the right angle.


Step 7: Bring the end of the wire up and over the top plier up.


Step 8: Rotate the bottom plier tip to the top of the loop.


Step 9: Continue bending the wire around the bottom plier tip.When the circle is complete, center it above the briolette.


Step 10: Hold the circle and the short wire together with the bent nose plier.


Step 11: Starting at the base of the loop, begin wrapping the longer wire in the space between the loop and top of the wire triangle.


Step 12: At this point you have design choice.:
a) Cut the wire at the top of the briolette and skip to down to Step 15
b) Cap the briolette and continue to Step 13


Step 13: Continue to wrap until you have run out of wire. Most prefer to wrap below the hole.


Step 14: Cut the excess wire off to the side of the briolette.


Step 15: Bend the short wire down to a right angle.


Step 16: Cut the wire flush against the loop.