Wire-wrapped jewelry is the only metallic jewelry crafting that is accomplished entirely without the aid of melting, soldering or casting. Wire is measured, cut, twisted and bent in combination with stones, gems, beads, shells and other items to create jewelry.
Beginnings
The earliest evidence of the use of metallurgy for creating jewelry dates back approximately 7,000 years ago. The Phoenicians are credited with the creation of the art of wire wrapping in 1000 B.C., though biblical evidence points to its origin nearly 1,000 years earlier.
Drawn Wire
Drawn wire emerged in France in the eighth century. The first known commercial wire operation was in 1270 A.D. in France. In the Middle Ages, gold and silver wire were drawn in France and transported by knights back to England for use there.
Royal Appeal
In the 1800s, members of the Bohemian culture created many jewelry pieces using wire, beads and stones. These jewelry pieces were quite popular with European aristocracy, according to the website wrappedtogo.net.
Materials
The alloys used in wire wrapping include brass, copper, gold and sterling silver. These alloys come in varying degrees of hardness, depending on what durability or malleability is needed.
Modern Wire Wrap
The art of modern wire wrapping can be largely credited to artist and entrepreneur C.G. Oxley. He began an operation after World War I that employed veterans in the creation of his jewelry. This offered the men work that also served as physical therapy.
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