In this DIY video, we show you how to make an elegant wire wrapped bracelet with two parallel rows of faceted tourmaline beads.

Need a quick overview or prefer to read at your own pace? Right below the video you'll find a written guide with a materials list and timestamps for every step.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6McU-wuXX4&t=2s

Materials and tools

• Base wire: Artistic Wire – 14K Gold-Plated, Anti Tarnish (1.0mm)
  
• Wrapping wire: 2 x Copper Wire – Long-Lasting Gold Plated (0.6mm, 1m)
  
• Beads: Pink Tourmaline Beads – Faceted Rondelle (6x8mm)
  
• Tools: Round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, cutting pliers, and a wire rounder for your wire.
  

1. Prepare the base wires and make the first closing loop: Requires round nose pliers and cutting pliers. Cut two pieces of sturdy brass wire (Artistic Wire) for the bracelet base [00:07]. Gather the wires at one end and use the round nose pliers to form a closing loop [00:25]. Wrap the short wire end tightly around the base of the loop (wrapped loop) to lock the wires together, and cut off the excess wire with the cutting pliers.

2. Thread the beads onto the two parallel base wires: Thread the faceted tourmaline beads onto each of the two parallel base wires one at a time [00:51]. Fill both wires with an equal number of beads until you reach the desired length of the bracelet.

3. Form the second closing loop at the opposite end: Once all the beads are threaded, gather the two wire ends tightly against the last bead. Use the round nose pliers to make a matching closing loop at this end [01:17]. Wrap the wire end tightly around the base and cut off the excess [01:40].

4. Wrap the thin wire in a zig-zag pattern across the beads: Secure the thin wrapping wire at one closing loop by winding it a couple of times around the base [02:11]. Guide the wire diagonally across and between the beads in a zig-zag pattern along the two rows of beads to bring the rows tightly together.

5. Make a cross-wrap back to create the X pattern: When you reach the opposite end of the bracelet, wrap the thin wire back in the opposite direction [02:48]. This creates a beautiful crossing "X" pattern across the rows of beads. Secure the wire tightly at the loop at the end and cut off the excess wire [03:18].

6. Shape the bracelet and attach the clasp hook: Gently bend the bracelet into a soft curve so it fits your wrist [03:26]. Attach a clasp hook (or a handmade S-hook) to one closing loop using pliers [03:34], so the bracelet can easily be opened and closed.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Wire Wrapped Bracelets

What is a wire rounder used for, and is it necessary?

A wire rounder is used to smooth the cut wire ends. When you cut wire with cutting pliers, the edge is often left sharp, which can scratch the skin and catch on clothing.

You simply rotate the wire rounder over the wire end until it feels completely smooth. You can make the bracelet without it, but it's a small detail that makes a noticeable difference in how comfortable the piece feels to wear – and it only takes a few seconds per end.

Can I use beads other than pink tourmaline?

Yes, you can absolutely use other gemstone beads or crystal beads, and the technique works exactly the same way.

The most important thing is that the beads' holes can accommodate the 1.0 mm base wire, and that the shape lays well in two parallel rows. Faceted rondelles in 6 x 8 mm or round beads between 6 and 8 mm give the neatest result, because the rows become uniform and the wrapping wire has something to grip between the beads.

Why are two different wire thicknesses used?

The two wires each have their own role in the bracelet:

• The base wire (1.0 mm) is thick and sturdy and acts as the bracelet's skeleton. It ensures that the bracelet keeps its soft curved shape and doesn't lose its form when you put it on and take it off.
• The wrapping wire (0.6 mm) is thinner and more flexible. It's easy to guide tightly around and between the beads, locking the two rows tightly together in the characteristic zig-zag and X pattern.

How do I avoid scratching the gold plating when shaping the wire?

Use jewelry pliers with completely smooth jaws with no grooves or teeth on the inside – ridged pliers leave small marks in the plating that can't be polished away again.

Keep a firm but gentle grip with both the flat nose pliers and round nose pliers when shaping the closing loops, and avoid moving the pliers back and forth over the same spot on the wire.

How long should the base wire be for the bracelet to fit my wrist?

Measure your wrist and add about 4–5 cm at each end. This gives you plenty of wire to make neat, tight wraps at both closing loops, with a bit left to trim off at the end.

Also remember that the clasp hook itself adds about 1 cm to the finished length, so it's a good idea to hold the bracelet up against your wrist before shaping the second closing loop.

How long does it take to make the bracelet, and is it difficult?

The video itself is under four minutes, but expect to spend about half an hour the first time you make the bracelet. The technique requires no prior experience – the two closing loops are the part that takes a bit of practice, and they get neater every time.

If you'd like to practice first, it's a good idea to form a few loops on a piece of cheaper practice wire before starting on the gold-plated one.

What do I do if the beads feel loose after wrapping?

Usually it just needs a couple of extra wraps. The zig-zag pattern should be pulled tight each time the wire crosses between two beads, and you can always add an extra wind around the base wire along the way if a single bead feels too loose.

The cross-wrap back in the opposite direction also tightens up the construction, so wait to assess the result until both directions have been done.

How do I best take care of the finished bracelet?

Take the bracelet off before bathing, exercising, or applying lotion and perfume – gold-plated wire lasts longest when it's not exposed to water and chemicals. Store it in a small pouch or box of its own, so the beads don't rub against other jewelry.

With this care, both the plating and the shine of the beads will last a very long time.