The Ancient Art of Wire Wrapping
One of my favorite jewelry techniques is wire wrapping
and wire sculpture. My passion with wire began ten years ago when
my niece purchased a wire bracelet from her friend made out of colored
telephone wire. The design was simple and intriguing and I was
fascinated with it. The next day I had purchased piles of wire and my
love affair with wire began and I haven't stopped since!
The challenge with wire wrapping is creating flawless designs without
the use of soldering or casting....creating beautiful art forms and
designs out of formlessness.
The art of wire wrapping is
ancient. We are not sure of the origins but we do know about its
existance as an art form for the last 5000 years. The ancient
Phoenicians are often credited with the creation of wire wrapped
jewelry. Wire wrapped art work has been found in the Pyramids and
Egyptian tombs. But there is evidence that even 1000 years earlier than
the Phoenicians wire wrapping was happening. "Biblical records show
detailed instructions being given to Moses to construct the tabernacle
and the priestly garments and attire. The design for the breastplate of
Aaron, the High Priest is found in Exodus 28, verses 15, and on it was
to have 12 gems: sardius (ruby), topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire,
diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx and jasper. All were to
be set in gold filigree.
Filigree was gold or silver hammered into thin sheets, then cut into
thin strips and the edges filed smooth, thus making wire. The wire was
woven into a basket of filigree and set into the breastplate. Later in
Exodus, more detailed instructions were given about setting other
gemstones into the rest of the priestly garments. Biblical scholars
have placed this event near 1446 BC, nearly 1000 years ahead of the
Phoenicians."
I carry on with this ancient art form of wire wrapping
and add my own unique vision to my wire sculpted wearable works of
art. I always tell my customers to look for the art wear that
creates that "WOW" effect in you. Those are the pieces of jewelry
that you will absolutely love to wear time and time again. Those are
the pieces that express something essential about you!
(c) 2009 by Mona Jordan.
All
rights reserved.
