Briolettes can be difficult to wire wrap for a few key reasons:
1. Tear-Drop Shape
Briolettes are usually teardrop- or pear-shaped with a pointed top and a rounded bottom. This shape makes it hard to hold them securely while wrapping because:
• They can slip or spin in your fingers.
• The tapered tip gives little surface area for a firm grip.
Briolettes are typically top-drilled side-to-side, not vertically. This means:
• The hole is close to the edge, making it easy to crack or chip if you're not careful.
• Wire has to curve tightly around the point, which can be tricky to do neatly.
3. Fragility
Many briolettes are made of glass, crystal, or gemstones, which can be delicate. This adds stress during wrapping:
• Applying too much tension or twisting the wire can cause the briolette to break.
• Softer stones like fluorite or opal are even more prone to damage.
Neat Finish is Harder
Because the briolette is small, and often the focal point of a piece:
• The wrapping needs to be tight, clean, and symmetrical.
• Sloppy wraps or uneven loops are much more visible.
Fine Wire Needs
You usually need fine wire (26–28 gauge) to avoid breaking the briolette—this:
• Is harder to control than thicker wire.
• Doesn’t hold shape as firmly, making it harder to secure wraps without slipping.
Tips to Make It Easier:
• Use a wire wrapping jig or flat-nose pliers to hold the wrap steady.
• Start with cheaper glass briolettes to practice.
• Try half-hard wire for better control.
• Always support the stone while pulling the wire tight to avoid stress on the drill hole.
