What Is the Purpose of Wrapping a Wire Around a Glass Bottle?

Food Preservation

• The invention of glass changed the history of food preservation. Instead of dried or pickled meats and vegetables, people were able to store items in glass jars and bottles. There were many systems used to seal the food in the bottles, such as glass stoppers and corks. In 1875 an inventor by the name of Charles de Quillfeldt crafted a closure system from wire, that wrapped around and over the top of the bottle. The closure secured the lid to the bottle so the contents could be stored. Different forms of this closure still exist on food and other containers.

Decorative Bottles

• Perfume manufactures and individual artisans wrap wire around glass bottles to add a decorative touch to the container. The wire is generally thin, pliable and made from stainless steel or other precious metal. Depending on the application, the wire may be applied around the bottom of the bottle to create a wider base or loosely wrapped and twisted for a whimsical design. The wire is bent into various shapes to conform to the shape of the bottle and may include delicate filigree work.

Gift Giving

• Wine and other bottled beverages are often given as gifts during the holidays or for house-warming parties. A wire wrap is a quick way to decorate the bottle for gifting. Properly fashioned, the wire wrapping may also serve as a way to reseal the bottle if necessary. The wire used to wrap the gift bottles often have beads or small charms attached, which adds to the decorative charm of the gift.

Embellishments

• Craft stores carry a variety of beads and novelties that were formed with holes or hanging loops that accommodate the different wire gauges. The crafter may thread the wire through the beads prior to decorating the bottle or he may add the beads as he wraps the wire. To keep the beads from sliding once they are on the wire, the wire is either knotted or bent slightly. An epoxy glue is sometimes used to secure the decorative wire and beads into place. The type of wire and the embellishments depends upon the desires of the artisan.