How to Make Wine Glass Charms

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 25, 2022 Tested

Wine glass charms, also called wine glass markers, are often used at parties because help keep track of which glass is whose. Charms, beads, or a combination of both are attached to a wire ring that fits around the wine glass stem. Crafters can make elegant or whimsical additions that dress up plain wine glasses. There are lots of ways to make wine glass charms, and they are all very easy. Once you get the hang of it, you will have a whole set of charms in no time!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Memory Wire

1
Get some ring-sized memory wire. Memory wire is a special type of wire that keeps its "ring" shape. There are lots of different sizes of memory wire, ranging from ring to bracelet to necklace size. You want to get the smallest size, which is the ring size. Anything larger will slide off the base of your wine glass.
- Look for something that is between ¾ and 1-inch (1.91 and 2.54-centimeter) wide.^{[1]
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2
Measure out 1¼ to 1½ loops, then cut them with a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters. Memory wire is very difficult to cut, so you want to use a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters for this. Do not use your good jewelry wire cutters. They are too delicate for this task, and the memory wire could dull the blades down.

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3
Twist one of the ends of your memory wire into a small loop. Use a pair of round nose pliers to pinch the end of your memory wire. Twist the pliers upwards, against the curve of the memory wire, until you have a small loop. Pull the pliers out and set them aside.
4
Add your bead(s), if desired. You can add one big bead or a bunch of small beads. You can also do a combination of the two: a big bead with small beads to either side of it. Be sure to leave about ¼ to ½ inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) at the end of the wire so that you can make another loop.
5
Consider adding a charm instead of beads. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to open up a jump ring. Pull the ends of the jump ring past each other rather than away from each other. Slip the jump ring through the loop at the top of your charm, then close the jump ring. After this, you can slide the jump ring onto the memory wire.
- You can use a charm just by itself or with some small beads to either side of it.
- If the ends of the jump ring aren't touching, you can pinch the jump ring to push them towards each other until they touch.
- Some charms may already have a jump ring attached to the top loop. If you have a charm like this, simply slip it onto the memory wire.
6
Make another loop at the end of the memory wire to secure the beads. Like before, use your round nose pliers to pinch the end of the memory wire. Twist the memory wire against the curve of the memory wire, then slide them out.
7
Use the wine glass charm. To attach the charm, simply pull the ring apart slightly, and push it onto the stem of your wine glass. The memory wire will naturally keep its shape, so you do not need to use the loops you made to close the ring.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Earring Hoops

1
Get some ¾ to 1-inch (1.91 to 2.54-centimeter) earring hoops or earring wires. You can find these in the jewelry findings section of your local craft store or bead shop. The type that you specifically need look like a split ring. One of the ends of the wire is normal, while the other end is flattened and has a hole punched through it.^{[2]
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- Alternatively, you can also use the type of earring hoop or earring wire that has a looped end (instead of a flattened/punched end).^{[3]
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2
Add your bead(s), if desired. You can use one big bead or a bunch of smaller beads. You can also do a combination of both, with a big bead in the middle, and some smaller beads to either side of it. Slip however many beads you want onto the wire, but leave about ¼ inch (0.64 centimeter) so that you can turn the wire.
3
Consider adding a charm instead. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to pull open a jump ring. Pull the ends of the ring past each other instead of away from each other. Slip the jump ring through the loop part of your charm, then close the jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the earring hoop.
- You can use the charm by itself or with some small beads to either side of it.
- If the ends of the jump ring aren't flush with each other, pinch the jump until the ends touch.
- Some charms may already have a jump ring attached. If you have a charm like this, simply slip it onto the earring hoop.
4
Turn the normal end of the wire up by ¼ inch (0.64 centimeter) to secure the beads. Pinch the end of your wire with a pair of needle nose pliers. Bend the tip of the wire upwards at a 90 degree angle.^{[4]
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5
Close the wine glass charm. In order to close the charm, place the turned end of the wire under the flattened end. Push the wire through the punched hole. If it doesn't hold, carefully pull the charm at the sides. This will create more tension.^{[5]
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6
Use the charm. Simply lift the flat end of the charm up and away, then slide the ring onto the stem of your wine glass. Push the flat end of the charm back onto the bent end to close it.