[Jewelry making - Article 00431] - Re: [Orchid] Attaching Swarovski Crystals with Silver Wire

[Sharon Jeter]

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Lois

    I have worked a lot with Swarovski crystals and have only had a
    problem with scratching or chipping if the wire is too thick. I
    would suggest using 22 ga sterling head pins and attaching them by
    using a wire wrap technique. It is relatively easy, looks good and
    requires no soldering.  You will need a pair of flat nosed pliers
    and a pair of round or chain nose pliers. 

    First slip the crystal onto the head pin. Using the flat nose
    pliers, bend the wire at a 90 degree angle leaving about 1/8" of
    wire between the bend and the crystal. 

    Next - with your round pliers, grasp the wire at the bend the
    opposite side of the crystal and wrap the wire around the pliers
    forming a circle with the wire crossing itself at a 90 degree angle
    at the bottom of the circle. (This might take a little practice). 

    Now slip the free end of the wire through the jump ring of the chain
    so that the loop that you have made and the jump ring are entwined. 
    Then - holding the loop you have made with your flat nose pliers -
    wrap the free end of the wire around the space between the loop and
    the crystal, keeping the wraps tight and close together. Trim off
    the wire close, and...there you have it. Done. 

    You might want to do a couple of trials with some other kind of bead
    or with one of the crystals you have already scratched. If you have
    some trouble figuring this out from reading directions (like I do)
    and need some pictures - email me off line and I will send you
    something. 

Good Luck - whatever you decide to do.
Sharon
>From bitterly cold Rochester NY..


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