Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

U.S. $22.95

M A I S ATO - F L O R E S W I T H J E S S E F L O R E S
$25.95 (CAN)

Gemstone jewelry inspired by the world around us

Few people would argue against the beauty and

The beauty of nature is often a source of design inspiration. In Wrapped in Gems, appeal of gemstone jewelry, but some jewelry

learn to combine precious gemstones and wire-wrapping techniques to create makers find themselves intimidated by the thought of
working with these precious stones. With Wrapped in
beautiful, wearable works of art.
Gems, even inexperienced jewelry makers can learn to
40 elegant designs for wire-wrapped gemstone jewelry fashion their own beautiful gemstone creations using
Mai Sato-Flores’s preferred techniques of wire wrap-
ping and working with chain. This method allows gems
to hang so that light can shine through and show off
their natural beauty.
For the jewelry maker, inspiration can be found
anywhere, but the exquisite beauty of nature is a
MAI SATO-FLORES is a featured designer at Seigo favorite source. Take a moment to study the leaves of
on Madison Avenue, as well as at EDGEnyNOHO. a tree or plant—the contours of a leaf suggest a shape
Visit her at maiflores.com for a pendant, the perfect combination of colors in the
leaves and flowers hint at a color palee of precious
JESSE FLORES provides the marketing and public
gemstones to mimic it. The branches and twigs, the
relations work for Mai Flores New York, the business
paerns of leaf growth, even the shape of the tree or
he and Mai share.
plant itself can inspire ideas for earrings, bracelets,
necklaces, and rings. Wrapped in Gems shows you how
to interpret all that you see in nature to create jewelry
POTTER CRAFT NEWSLETTER
Sign up for our monthly newsleer at www.poercra.com
with wire, chains, and beautiful gemstones.
to get information about new books, receive free paerns, New York City–based jewelry designer Mai Sato-

TJ330-6-2008 IMUS 7/CRA0112 Wrapped in Gems W:8.5”xH:10.875” 175L 260g C1S Magenta(V)
and enter contests to win prizes. Flores is inspired by nature wherever she goes—be it
the supermarket, Central Park, or right outside her

Cover design byLA TRICIA WATFORD

door. In Wrapped in Gems, she shares the secrets of

Cover photography by MARCUS TULLIS her work and the natural elements that inspire it. Aer
Author photograph by MICHIKA MOCHIZUKIW demonstrating how gemstones and wire can be used
to recreate the paerns and designs of nature, Mai
provides instructions for 40 elegant pieces of
gemstone jewelry from her own collections.
With a comprehensive guide to gemstones and
detailed instructions on innovative wire wrapping,
chain, and other jewelry-making techniques—as well as
U.S. $22.95 / $25.95 (CAN)
New York
Crafts & Hobbies—Jewelry an informative resource guide to buying gemstones—
12/08 I S B N 978-0-307-40846-4
www.crownpublishing.com
52295 Wrapped in Gems is a valuable addition to any jewelry
www.poercra.com
M A I S ATO - F L O R E S W I T H J E S S E F L O R E S maker’s bookshelf.
9 780307 408464

COV
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icicle drop necklace

A beautifully cut gem in a classic design that makes
a great first piece of handmade jewelry (page 132)
TJ330-6-2008 IMUS 7/CRA0112 Wrapped in Gems W:8.5”xH:10.875” 175L 128g G/A Rhodamine/Magenta(V)

moon ring
An elegant ring with the metallic shine of golden wire
contrasts with peaceful silky gray moonstone (page 133)

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ICICLE DROP NECKLACE

On cold winter mornings after a freezing rain, beautiful icicles can be found hanging from roofs, railings, and tree
branches, creating a fantasy-like atmosphere. They capture the sunlight and sparkle and reflect all the colors of their
surroundings. This beautifully cut light-pink amethyst gem reflects light like an icicle. This is a simple yet classic and
elegant design that is a great first piece of jewelry for a beginner to make.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Insert the 13⁄4" (4.5cm) of 26-gauge wire into the top-drilled
briolette pink amethyst gem and make a top-drilled gem
loop (page 154).

2. Open a 4mm jump ring, attach the loop of the spring ring
clasp and an end link of the 151⁄2" (39.4 cm) of 1.6mm flat
cable chain, and then close the jump ring.
LEVEL
Easy 3. Thread the 1.6mm chain through the loop of the briolette
amethyst gem.
LENGTH
16" (40.7cm) to 18" (45.8cm) adjustable
4. Open another 4mm jump ring, attach the opposite end of
the 151⁄2" (39.4 cm) of 1.6mm chain and an end link of the
TOOLS 2" (5.1cm) of 4x3mm flat cable chain, and then close the
Ruler jump ring.
Wire cutters
5. Insert the 11⁄2" (3.8cm) headpin into the 3mm rondelle pink
TJ330-6-2008 IMUS 7/CRA0112 Wrapped in Gems W:8.5”xH:10.875” 175L 128g G/A Rhodamine/Magenta(V)

Chain-nose pliers amethyst gem, make an open loop (page 152), and then
Round-nose pliers attach it to the last link of the 2" (5.1cm) 4x3mm flat cable
chain.
M AT E R I A L S
13⁄4" (4.5cm) of 26-gauge gold-filled wire (soft)
One 13x9mm faceted, top-drilled briolette pink
amethyst gem
Two 4mm 14k gold-filled jump rings
One 14k gold-filled spring ring clasp
151⁄2" (39.4 cm) of 1.6mm 14k gold-filled flat
cable chain
2" (5.1cm) of 4x3mm 14k gold-filled flat cable
chain
One 11⁄2" (3.8cm) 14k gold-filled ball headpin
One 3mm faceted rondelle pink amethyst gem

132 • wrapped in gems

Wrapped in Gems www.PotterCraft.com

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Top-drilled Gem Loop

The headpins, eyepins, and wrapped loops described on the previous pages are used to connect gems that have a
hole drilled through their center. Top-drilled gems have a hole drilled across the top of the gem, so they require a
different technique for making a connection loop.
Be aware that top-drilled stones, especially those in a teardrop shape, are fragile because the hole is drilled at the
smallest part of the stone, so you must handle them carefully. Most small gems have very small holes, and if you try
to force a wire that is too thick, you can end up breaking the stone. If a wire doesn’t fit in a gem, try another gem or
a higher gauge of wire. This is one reason why these stones are sold in strands. For this sample we are using a 26-
gauge wire which should fit easily in the hole of the 9mm stone.

Trim
T
shorter
wire
TJ330-6-2008 IMUS 7/CRA0112 Wrapped in Gems W:8.5”xH:10.875” 175L 128g G/A Rhodamine/Magenta(V)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Insert a 2" wire into the gem, leaving
one side of the wire longer than the
other, approximately 1 ⁄2" (4cm) for the
1
longer side, then bend and cross the
two wires into an X over the point of
the gem as shown in the above figure.
Make sure you leave a little space
3. Use the wire cutters to cut the short
between the gem and the X.
2. Hold the gem between your index
finger and your thumb in one hand
and use the tip of the flat-nose pliers
to hold the wire slightly above the X,
as shown in the above figure, and
twist the wire twice.
It is important that you hold the wire 4. To close the loop, hold the loop with
at the correct angle, or the wrap will the chain-nose pliers and use your
not be evenly balanced. Also be fingers or a second pair of pliers to
careful not to twist the wire too tight wrap the wire at least 3 times around
over the gem because that can cause the stem. Cut off any remaining wire
the gem to break. close to the stem and use the tip of
the chain-nose pliers to make the wire
snug against the stem.
wire, and then make an open loop on
the wire with the round nosed pliers
(just as you did with the wrapped
loop). At this point, you can attach
the loop wire to a chain, or other
jewelry pieces. Once you close the
loop, you can only attach it to other
components that can be opened.

154 • wrapped in gems

Wrapped in Gems www.PotterCraft.com

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