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WELCOME TO 2012
Latest Rapt Elegance News
Check out the the lastest news from Rapt Elegance Jewelry. New news every month.
Wire Jewelry Throughout The Ages
The Origins of Wire Jewelry
The origins of wire jewelry date back at least to the days of Moses in Biblical times. In Exodus, chapter 27,Moses is directed to create specific wire work adornments for the garments for the priests of Israel. In particular, the breastplate of Aaron was to be made with stones set in gold filigree.
The arrival of the Hebrews in Egypt due to famine in Israel, and the appearance of woven strips of metal adorning Egyptian coffins both occurred around 1900 B.C. It is thought that it was the Hebrews who introduced the Egyptians to the craft of wire work.
The Development of Wire Jewelry
The Phoenicians of early Greece made metal wire by hammering metal into thin sheets and then cutting the sheets into thin flexible wires. They are credited with the development of wire making. The peak of Greek wire jewelry occurred around 300 B.C. with wire adornments woven into the breast plates of their soldiers and with wire jewelry which included flower shaped beads, beetles and shells.
When the Roman Empire rose in power and the Greek influence waned, so did the popularity of wire jewelry. The production of wire jewelry declined over a number of centuries, only resurfacing in the 8th century in France with the production of gold and silver wire. As the production of gold and silver wire was mastered by increasing numbers of artisans, wire production was commercialized and by the beginning of the 13th century was beginning to be traded to England. Wire jewelry of this era, and indeed most jewelry, featured crucifixes and other religious symbols.
Beginning in about 1837 and lasting almost 45 years, cameos on wire necklaces became very popular. Many of the pieces made during this period are family heirlooms and still in existence today. Cameos on wire necklaces mark the resurgence of the wire jewelry in the Western world.
Modern Wire Wrapped Jewelry
Our current form of wire jewelry – jewelry made without solder or casting – is attributed to a man named C.G. Oxley. He began a jewelry making business in 1903. A large part of the impetus for this business was to provide a type of occupational therapy for and to employ a number of veterans returning from World War I. He provided employment for between 20 and 30 men, and in the process popularized his wire jewelry style. There was sufficient demand for wire jewelry that wire jewelry was found in many department stores, often with the wire artist sitting behind the counter creating as the public watched.
Today, wire jewelry artists can be found in their tents at fairs, festivals and art shows, creating new jewelry pieces and selling their wearable art. Wire jewelry today can still be found in silver and sometimes in solid gold. More often, the wire choices include Argentium silver, a new alloy that is tarnish resistant, 14k gold filled wire and even the new silver filled wire which keeps the cost reasonable. And most recently, wire jewelry created in brass and copper wire has become popular. Cameos still appear in wire wrapped jewelry, as well as the newer >dichroic glass, natural gemstone cabochons and faceted gemstones, shells, coins and many other beautiful and intriguing materials.
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 Jeweler
Products Available at Rapt Elegance
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 | All of the wire wrapped pendants shown here except the Petits are one of a kind originals. Most are signed by the artist (look inside the bail where the artist's initials are stamped).
View Wire Pendants |
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 | Faceted gemstone, natural stone cabochon and dichroic glass wire wrapped pendant and earring sets.
View Handmade Sets |
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 | These wire wrapped jewelry pieces double as both Christmas ornaments and pendants. Each one comes with a Christmas Tree hanger and with a chain or satin cord.
View Handmade Jewelry Ornaments |
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 | Wire alone, and wire wrapped pearls, dichroic glass, faceted gemstones, shell, natural stone cabochons and rough gemstone - find them all here.
View Earrings |
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