3mm and 4mm gemstone beads have notoriously small holes, so they rarely work with standard-diameter head pins. We highly recommend wrapped loops rather than simple loops, with the thinner-gauge wire that fits small gemstone beads. Fortunately, 26-gauge plated copper Artistic wire is professional quality, yet inexpensive enough to practice with if you don't yet have this technique perfected.
Created by: Summer Melaas
Designer Tips
Use thin ball-end head pins to make wire-wrapped loops for three garnet beads. For step-by-step wrapped-loop instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).
To each of these, use 26-gauge Artistic wire to wrap a series of three 4mm gemstone beads, making desired pattern. Before closing final loop of each dangle, attach to TierraCast link.
Continued Below...
Designer Tips, Continued
At the top of each TierraCast Marrakesh link, use 26-gauge wire to make additional wire-wrapped beaded links, and connect them to the ear wire with a final 3mm garnet bead.
Mix & match with your favorite types of gemstones, pearls or glass beads! Or check our Birthstone options, to make the perfect custom birthstone gift.
