How to Wire Wrap Undrilled Stones and Crystals (2 Easy Methods)

Wire wrapping beach glass, shells, polished stones from a vacation, or a rough stone picked up on a hike is a simple way to turn them into wearable jewelry. This method works well for crystals and other small objects too. If you’re working with smaller stones or beads, this wire frame method may be easier to use.

This tutorial shows one of the easiest ways to wire wrap a stone using basic tools and wire. Once you understand the technique, you can adapt it to many different shapes and sizes.

Materials and Tools

• 24 gauge wire (copper, silver plated, or craft wire)
• Round nose pliers
• Chain nose or flat nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Stone, crystal, shell, or beach glass

If you're just getting started with wire jewelry, see my guide to the 5 essential wire wrapping tools for a closer look at what you need and why.

Make a Twisted Wire Wrapped Stone Pendant

This is a traditional wire wrap approach that creates a simple “basket” to hold the stone.

Select a stone you want to wire wrap. Cut two pieces of 24 gauge wire about 6 inches long. The exact length will depend on the size of your stone.

Cross the wires in the center and twist them together. These wires will sit along the side of the stone, so make sure the twisted section is at least half the length of the stone.

Hold the section of twisted wire against the side of the stone. Decide which side of the stone will be the top and bottom.

Take the loose wires and wrap one around the front and one around the back of the stone. These wires form the basket that holds the stone in place.

When you are satisfied with the placement, twist the wires together to secure the size.

Remove the stone and continue twisting the wires until the length matches the twist on the other side.

.Place the stone back into the basket and adjust as needed. Bring one wire from each side to the front and back of the stone.

Twist the wires together on both the front and back near the top of the stone.  

Continue twisting these wires for about an inch. This section will be used to create the bail.

Wrap one wire around the other and trim the end. You should have one twisted wire remaining.

Use round nose or bail making pliers to form a loop for hanging. Adjust the size based on your chain or cord. Secure the loop by wrapping the wire around the base and trim the excess.

Add a chain or leather cord and your pendant is ready to wear.

Tips for Better Results

• Use thinner wire for small stones and thicker wire for larger stones
• Make sure the wires are tight enough to hold the stone securely
• Adjust the wire placement before final tightening
• Practice on a few stones to get comfortable with the technique

Other Ways to Wire Wrap a Stone

Once you know how to secure a stone with wire, you can use different techniques to change the look and structure of your design.

Coil Wrap

This method uses a coiled or spiral wire to create a flexible cage around the stone. It works well for irregular shapes and uses thick wire (18-20 gauge) for strength.

Make a loose coil using 18-20 gauge wire. The coil should be about the same width as the stone and include 4–5 wraps at the center. You can also create a few smaller coils on top.

Gently elongate the wire coil by pushing the center outward using round nose or chain nose pliers. Place the coil against the bottom of the stone and begin shaping the wire around it, adjusting the curves with your fingers so it follows the stone’s shape.

Bring the wire up and over the top of the stone to secure it. Adjust as needed to hold the stone firmly, then form a loop at the top for hanging.

Frame and Crisscross Wrap

In this approach, you shape a thicker wire frame around the stone, then use additional thinner wires to crisscross across the front and back to hold it in place. 

The twisted wire method shown above is the easiest way to wire wrap a stone for beginners. Coil and frame styles offer additional options once you are comfortable with basic techniques.

Finishing Ideas for Your Wire Wrapped Stone

Wire wrapped stone pendants look great on chain, leather cord, or ribbon. You can also darken copper wire with liver of sulfur to add contrast and highlight the stone.