How to Choose the Right Stone for Your Wire Weaving Project

If you’ve ever found a beautiful stone and thought, “This would be perfect for my wire weaving project!” only to struggle while wrapping it, you’re not alone.

 

Choosing the right stone can make or break your wire weaving or wire wrapping project. Some stones are easy to work with, while others need a bit more planning and care.

 

So today, I want to walk you through some simple things to think about before you start your next design. Whether you’re making a bold pendant or a pair of delicate earrings, these tips will help you feel more confident choosing the best stone for the job.

1. Hardness Matters (More Than You Think!)

 

Every stone has a hardness level, and that affects how it holds up to wear and tear. Softer stones like fluorite, opal, or howlite can scratch easily, even during the wrapping process. They also don’t react well to chemicals like liver of sulfur (which we use to oxidize copper).

 

If you love using these softer stones (and I do!), just be extra gentle. You might also want to skip the oxidizing step, remove the stone to darken the wire or "paint" the patina solution directly onto your wirework.

 

You can check the hardness of a stone by looking up "MOS hardness" on Google. Anything under 4, you'll want to be extra careful. 

2. Check the Size

 

Big stones can be beautiful but they come with extra weight and require more wire to support them. Make sure the size fits your design. For example, if you’re creating earrings or hairpins, a large stone might make the piece feel too heavy or pull down uncomfortably.

 

Start with smaller stones if you’re new, then work up to those larger statement pieces once you're confident in your structure.

3. Look Closely for Inclusions and Cracks

 

Natural stones often have little lines, cracks, or cloudy areas inside them. These are called inclusions. Some are fine, but others can make the stone more likely to chip or break, especially when you're bending wire tightly around it.

 

Hold the stone up to a light. If you see any deep cracks or lines that go all the way through, it might be better to save that one for a wire-free setting or decorative piece.

4. Don’t Forget the Weight

 

This one is especially important for earrings, rings, and hair accessories. Heavy stones can be uncomfortable to wear. Try to keep things light for any jewelry that hangs, especially when designing for all-day wear.

5. Think About Color and Combinations

 

Color is where you get to have fun! Think about what wire you’ll be using, (copper, silver, brass, gold or bronze), and what will look best with the stone.

 

Some combos are timeless:

• Copper Colored Wires + turquoise = earthy and bold

• Silver Colored Wires + amethyst = cool and elegant

• Gold Colored Wires+ green stones = natural and rustic

 

Also think about matching or contrasting with other stones if you're using more than one. A little planning here goes a long way in making your piece look thoughtful and balanced.

6. Shape Affects Structure

 

Not all shapes are easy to wrap. Round and teardrop stones are beginner-friendly and often stay in place with just a few wires. But square, rectangular, or asymmetrical stones? Those need more planning.

 

If your stone has sharp corners or is an unusual shape, you may need to add extra wires, prongs, or even create a custom frame to keep it secure. That’s not a bad thing! Just something to think about before you get started.

7. Using Clear Stones? Plan the Back Too

 

Clear or translucent stones (like quartz, fluorite, or some agates) will show everything behind them, including your wirework. So if you're using one of these, take a little extra time to plan how the back will look. You can weave a pretty design or keep things simple and clean. Just remember: what you do behind the scenes will be visible.

Bonus Tip: Where to Buy Quality Stones

 

If you’re looking for unique, beautiful, and high-quality stones to wrap, I highly recommend Casdans.com. They have a huge selection of cabochons in all shapes, sizes, and materials and their customer service is fantastic! It’s the main reason I'm happy to have them as a sponsor to my YouTube channel!

 

Here are some quick links to find what you need for your next project!

 

• Cabochons: https://casdans.com/collections/cabochons-1
• Faceted Stones: https://casdans.com/collections/facets
• Cubic Zirconia: https://casdans.com/search?q=cubic+zirconia
• Beads: https://casdans.com/collections/beads

 

Final Thoughts

 

Choosing the right stone doesn’t have to be hard. A little planning ahead of time will save you frustration later and help you create jewelry that lasts, wears well, and looks amazing.

 

Trust your eye, start with stones that inspire you, and always give yourself space to grow. Every piece is a chance to learn something new.

 

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in creating your own beautiful jewelry. If you have any questions or want to share your work, don't hesitate to reach out. 

 

Happy weaving!

Ellie