Creating a basic bail
How to Create a Basic Bail for Your Pendant
Materials Needed:
- Silver strip (26 gauge recommended)
- Cutting tool
- Multi-looping pliers
- Flat nose pliers (red handled in the video)
Step 1: Prepare Your Material
Cut a fingertip-length strip of silver. 26 gauge is ideal as it provides the perfect balance of flexibility and strength. You can adjust the width according to your design preferences.
Step 2: Trim to Size
Cut the strip about halfway to create your basic bail shape. Remember, this is just the foundation - you can get creative with wire designs later!
Step 3: Form the Loop
Select the appropriate size on your multi-looping pliers:
- Use the slightly larger size for chains that need more space to thread through
- Use the smaller size for cord or smaller chains
Step 4: Create the Bail Shape
- Position the strip about halfway into your chosen multi-looping pliers
- Gently pull both legs of the wire toward each other
- Using flat nose pliers, carefully flatten the shape (work slowly to prevent slipping)
- You should now have a nice, even loop
Step 5: Finishing Touches
For a hidden bail:
- Keep the piece on the pliers
- Bend the longer tail toward the shorter tail
- Roll slightly to create a "P" shape that will lie flat against the back of your pendant
For a visible bail:
- Leave the loop more open, resembling a pinhead
- This allows the bail to become a decorative element of your design
This simple technique gives you versatility in your jewelry making, allowing you to either showcase or conceal your bail depending on your design goals.
Learn how to create a basic bail out of sheet metal!
Tools we use -
26 GA Sterling Silver Backplate
