Some History On The Art Of
'Wire-Wrap Jewelry'
  WireRap Home Page | Graceful Bracelets | Precious Pendants | Ringing Designs | What IS WireRap Jewelry | Our Guest Book | Order or Discuss Your Art  

'Wire-Wrapping' is an ancient art...
Originally developed by the Mycenaeans
4,000 years ago! (2,000 BC)

'Wire-wrap Jewelry'

It involves wire obviously, and pliers.
That's it...
No solder, no pre-made settings, no adhesives.

Nothing but the hands of the artist shaping wire with desire.

 

(This is not an example of ancient art.
This piece is by Stu)


Developed originally during the 'Mycenaean' civilization's height of power (2000 BC),
The earliest examples of 'wire-wrapping' are referred to as ' filligree'.

Those early examples of delicate hand-made art were based upon spiral designs depicting waves and earth-related images.
Stones & gems were not integrated into the jewelry until much later.
Few examples of this early art-work have survived over the centuries, but what has is lovely in design & craftsmanship.
After the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization, this craft was almost lost for over 300 years...
 


The 'Hellenistic' Period (323 - 30 B.C.) saw a major Egyptian influence.
This was mainly shown in the addition of gem-stones to the artform.
Garnets, Quartz and Amethyst became integrated parts of the jewelry.
The fine craftsmanship was popular with and worn by the rich and powerful.

These styles were popular throughout the Roman occupation, until approximately 400 A.D.,
when more conservative styles came into vogue.
Copper and bronze hammered work, utilizing very little wire or gem accents became the predominate style.

The Byzantine Age ( 4th - 5th Century ) saw a resurgence in ornate design.
Not just the gem, but the intricacy of the setting once more became of importance.
And once again, the rich, the powerful and those with connections ( & good friends )
were wearing the intricate beauty of this artform.

The Egyptians were especially fond of various Quartz,
(Rose, Citrine, Amethyst)
as well as Garnets and a variety of Tourmaline.
Adding stones to the wire, they created the first true 'jewelry'.

During the Hellenistic Period
(323-30 BC).


The Roman Ocupation saw a return of the earlier,
stylized forms involving only wire.

Yet the Byzantine Age
(4th-5th Century AD)
saw a resurgence in ornate detail and intricate settings.
'Wire-wrapped' jewelry once again was popular,
now integrating more precious gems...
Sapphire, Emerald and Topaz.

Similar styles are still seen today;
Un-faceted stones (cabochons or rounds) entwined in wire -
delicate, lovely, ornamental.

Stu Cochrane specialises in finely faceted deeply-colored jewels,
each displayed in designs of intensity,
originality...
and Wearability!

  


When Gold became popular,
wire-working became much more difficult.
Because it is such a soft and fragile metal, 'Casting' became the method of choice.
This also meant unlimited copies of each design could be made.

There are many artists today crafting unique jewelry
using 'Wire-Wrap' techniques.
Of course each piece is one-of-a-kind, being hand-made.
"Cages" or "freeform" designs are most common.
These styles are very pretty,
but very delicate, and fragile.

Stu creates his jewelry using fine wire of 14ct. 'Gold-fill'
(which is a mixture of Gold & Sterling silver) 

used for strength and durability,

and pure Sterling silver.
Stu's art is different due to the intricacy of his designs and his use of faceted gem-stones. 

Also because of the manner in which he uniquely embraces each stone, they are secured and really are,

Wearable Pieces of Art!

 

Enjoy Elegance...

Revel in Romance!


To order or discuss your art...

E-Mail us !