Vera Wang is showing spectacular jewelry pieces accenting her Spring 2008 Ready-To-Wear collection. One of those looks is a classic gladiator style bracelet. This style has been popular for the last few years constructed with one or two wraps worn knotted on the wrist 24/7 until the bracelet fell apart.
Vera Wang has a slightly different take on this bracelet style, wrapping it multiple times (worn with her ready-to-wear collection it appears to have been wrapped about ten times) and finishing it with a sophisticated clasp assembly.
Follow these quick and easy instructions to recreate this Spring 2008 jewelry look.
Supplies List:
- Suede or leather lacing - tawny colored suede was used for this project. 2 yards minimum is suggested; 6 yards maximum. More information regarding purchasing the lacing has already been posted via a blog.
- 3 inches of 14 gauge, dead soft half round gold filled wire.
- 5 inches of 24 gauge dead soft round gold filled wire.
The gold filled wire can be purchased online at Fire Mountain Gems. Alternatively, those with no jewelry making skills can use a purchased clasp that is in the same general shape as the one shown on this page.
Tools List (available at any craft store):
- Jewelry making pliers.
- Wire cutters.
- 2 wood dowels - 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch in diameter.
- Quick set glue.
Let's get started!
- After you have decided the length of your lacing (the length will determine how many times the lacing will be able to wrap around the wrist) fold the lacing in half and knot about one inch from the fold. This will create the loop through which your clasp will hook to hold the bracelet in place.
- Next, randomly knot the lacing to create leather "beads".
- For the clasp, bend the 14 gauge wire into an L shape. Using the 1/4 inch dowel, bend the wire at one end to form a circle. Wrap the loose end of the wire back around the wire, closing off the circle. Reference the wire images shown below.
- Using the 1/8 inch dowel, form a hook at the other end of the wire. If you like, double back the hook to form a curl as shown in the close-up clasp assembly image.
- Wrap the lacing around your wrist and tie the loose end of the lacing onto the circle part of the clasp, leaving enough give so the looped side of the lacing can be hooked onto the clasp.
- When satisfied with the fit, remove and dot the knot with some quick set glue. Allow to dry, Wrap just below the knot with the 24 gauge wire to create a finished look. Trim any loose ends.
If making this bracelet as a gift, most women's bracelets are sized at 7.5 inches in length. Multiply that figure times the number of wraps (remember to factor in the length of the clasp as well) to get an appropriate point at which to tie on the clasp.
It is recommended those with no wire wrapping experience practice using base metal wire such as cooper or brass first. Gold filled wire, while not as expensive as karated gold wire, is somewhat pricey.
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