Gemstones for Wire Wrapping

Jasper

This gemstone comes in a variety of colors and patterns as well as a range of shapes from regular ovals and squares to interesting odd shapes, making each jasper totally unique. Jasper is a tough gemstone that can take a few bumps and knocks both during the making process as well as when being worn. They are also a very affordable gemstone.

Charoite

Charoite is a violet or purple gemstone but look closer and you will see swirls of black and wisps of white with patches of red, orange or brown in the mix too. With the variety of shapes that this gemstone comes in you will certainly find a gemstone like no other. The relatively soft durability limits ths gemstone to items such as pendants, brooches and earrings.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a historic gemstone that has been carved and worn as an amulet for thousands of years. It is a very durable gemstone that is very easy to handle and work with. It is found in burnt orange and reddish brown colors with a lovely bright polish.

Labradorite

Labradorite has been called 'the northern lights trapped in a stone'. The play-of-color phenomenon that Labradorite possesses has blue, purple, red, yellow, orange and more colors dancing on a deep gray background producing a magical looking gemstone that can be used to create amazing wire wrapped jewelry.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a classic gemstone for handmade jewelry items. Not only does it look spectacular with bright purple colors, excellent clarity, big sizes and a real sparkle but it can be found at very reasonable prices. It is also well known for its formidable spiritual powers.

Moonstone

Moonstones have an ethereal look that make them wonderful gemstones for use in wire wrapping. They are generally oval or round in shape with a smooth single colored surface although there are some interesting carved shapes available. The better examples have a gleam or shine that seems to float on the surface like a liquid and there are some excellent cat's eye versions too.

Citrine

Like its sister stone, amethyst, Citrine is a well known classic gemstone for a variety of artisanal jewelry items. This reasonably priced gemstone comes in a range of sizes from large to small, has excellent clarity, gorgeous bright yellow to orange colors and an enviable spiritual strength.

Turquoise

Turquoise is an absolute classic for wire wrapped pendants with its outdoorsy, south western American look. Sky blue or teal green colors speckled and mottled with interesting patterns and patches and available in large and impressive sizes. Turquoise can be found in most standard shapes as well as some intriguing odd shapes, too.

Ruby

But surely rubies are too expensive for handmade wire wrapping! Yes a clear faceted ruby would be a bit extravagant but rubies can also be found in interesting cabochon cuts - domed tops and flat bottoms - including some star effect gemstones at much more reasonable prices which would make fantastic jewelry items.

Pietersite

If it is an organic or earthy look you are after, look no further than Pietersite. The predominantly brown, gray and blue coloring with streaks and patches create a very captivating gemstone with a rustic feel to it. Certainly a gemstone to bear in mind if the wire wrapped jewelry is for a man.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is possibly the most often used gemstone when starting out making your own wire wrapped jewelry items. Not only is it a beautiful looking gemstone with famously powerful spiritual strengths but it can be found in all sorts of shapes and sizes at very good prices.

Druzy Gemstones

Druzy are small crystals that form inside or on the surface of various rocks. Layers of crystal in a variety of shapes and colors fill cavities or cover the surface of volcanic rocks and when left whole or sliced make very interesting gemstone pieces. The rough surface and edges are ideal points for the wire to grip onto making Druzy very good for beginner wire wrapped jewelry makers.

Ammolite

If you are looking for a gemstone to create a truly unique and very eye-catching item of wire wrapped jewelry then take a look at Ammolite. It is not just the extraordinary display of iridescent colors that play on the surface of this gemstone - red, yellow, greens and blue dance before your eyes - but its origins as a fossilized sea shell of an ancient mollusk make it very special indeed.

Rutile Quartz

Rutile Quartz is one a few gemstones where the internal inclusions are the main attraction. Within the transparent body of this quartz gemstone there are fine hair-like strips of titanium dioxide which can be yellow, brown, red or black and could be thick, thin, criss-crossed or parallel, curly or straight. It is these inclusions that add character and charm to the gemstone.

Larimar

Larimar seems to encapsulate a gorgeous blue sky in a gemstone complete with wispy high clouds for a touch of contrast. It seems fitting that these gemstones with a sunny tropical feel are only found on the Caribbean island of The Dominican Republic. They are not particularly expensive or cheap but maybe not for the beginner wire-wrapper but perhaps for someone with a little experience. The large sizes make handling this lovely stone very easy.

Scolecite

Scolecite is one of the few white or whitish gemstones available that is suitable for wire wrapped jewelry. It comes in nice large sizes, a variety of shapes, including a few unusual outlines, and is not too expensive if you like to experiment with your designs.

Our Quick Guide to Gemstones for Wire Wrapped Jewelry

Classic Quartz for affordability, color and spirituality

• Rose Quartz
• Strawberry Quartz
• Rutile Quartz
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Smoky Quartz

Gemstones with intriguing patterns and patches

• Jasper
• Agate
• Fossil Coral
• Larimar
• Chrysocolla
• Rhodochrosite
• Malachite
• Seraphinite
• Serpentine
• Snowflake Obsidian
• Charoite

Gemstones with big bold single colors

• Charoite
• Fire Opal
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Lapis Lazuli
• Carnelian
• Green Agate
• Chrysoprase

Gemstones with iridescent color display

• Ammolite
• Boulder Opal
• Fire Agate
• Opal
• Labradorite
• Spectrolite

White Gemstones

• Howlite
• Scolecite

Gemstones with an earthy organic Look

• Pietersite
• Hawk's Eye
• Fossil Coral
• Jasper