Jewelry findings are the essential little components that connect all the elements of your bracelet together, making it functional and beautiful. They may seem small, but understanding the different types of findings and how to use them is crucial for successful bracelet making. Here’s a guide for beginners:
1. The Basic Types of Findings:
- Clasps: The mechanism for opening and closing your bracelet.
- Lobster Clasps: (Pictured) A spring-loaded lever that opens and closes. Versatile and secure.
- Spring Ring Clasps: Small rings with a spring-loaded opening. Simple and secure, but can be a little harder to open than lobster clasps.
- Toggle Clasps: A bar (the toggle) passes through a ring or loop and rotates to secure. Easy to open and close, and often decorative.
- Hook Clasps: A simple hook that fits into a loop. Can be difficult to secure and may come undone more easily.
- Magnetic Clasps: Two pieces held together by magnets. Easy to use, but can be less secure and may not be suitable for heavy bracelets.
- Box Clasps: A more intricate clasp with a box-shaped body and a tongue that fits inside. Secure and stylish, but require more skill to attach.
- Jump Rings: Small metal rings used to connect charms, clasps, and other components.
- Solid Rings (closed): Closed to make sure the bracelet doesn’t come apart.
- Split Rings: Used in keychains.
- Crimp Beads & Crimp Tubes: Small metal beads or tubes used to secure beading wire or cord to clasps, jump rings, or other components.
- Headpins & Eye Pins:
- Headpins: Have a flat or ball head on one end, used to attach beads and create dangles.
- Eye Pins: Have a loop on one end, used to attach beads and create dangles.
- Bead Caps: Decorative caps that fit over the ends of beads.
- Cord Ends: Small metal pieces used to finish the ends of cord bracelets and attach clasps.
- Chain Extenders: Small chains that can be added to a bracelet to make it adjustable.
- Bead Stoppers: Small beads that are placed on your cord or wire to prevent your beads from falling off.
2. Choosing the Right Findings for Your Bracelet:
- Consider the Bracelet Style:
- Elegant Bracelets: Lobster clasps, spring ring clasps, or box clasps.
- Casual Bracelets: Lobster clasps, toggle clasps, magnetic clasps.
- Bohemian Bracelets: Toggle clasps, hook clasps, cord ends.
- Friendship Bracelets: No clasp needed, just a knot.
- Consider the Materials:
- Heavy Bracelets: Use a sturdy clasp, such as a lobster clasp or a box clasp.
- Light Bracelets: Spring ring clasps, toggle clasps, or magnetic clasps.
- Consider the Bead Size:
- Make sure your jump rings are wide enough to fit your beads.
- Consider Ease of Use:
- For those with dexterity issues: Magnetic clasps, toggle clasps, or lobster clasps are easiest to use.
- Consider the Bracelet’s Length:
- The clasp needs to work with the bracelet’s length.
3. Attaching Findings:
- Jump Rings:
- Open the Jump Ring: Use two pairs of pliers (chain-nose pliers recommended) to twist the jump ring open sideways (never pull it apart).
- Attach Components: Slide the jump ring through the loop on the clasp, the loop on a charm, or the loop of another jump ring.
- Close the Jump Ring: Twist the jump ring closed using the pliers.
- Crimp Beads & Crimp Tubes:
- Thread onto Beading Wire: String the crimp bead or tube and the clasp (or other finding) onto the beading wire.
- Position: Slide the crimp bead/tube close to the finding.
- Crimp: Use crimping pliers to crimp the bead or tube securely, securing the finding.
- Using Cord Ends:
- Apply Glue: Apply a small amount of strong jewelry glue to the inside of the cord end.
- Insert the Cord: Insert the cord into the cord end.
- Close Cord End: Close the cord end with pliers.
4. Sizing & Measurement:
- Measure Your Wrist: Measure your wrist to know how long the bracelet needs to be.
- Measure the Clasps: Make sure your jump rings fit through your clasp.
5. Finding Sizes & Materials:
- Size: Findings come in various sizes to fit your bracelet design and bead sizes.
- Material: Findings are made of various materials to match the aesthetic of your bracelets:
- Base Metal: Copper and brass can be inexpensive.
- Plated: Inexpensive, gold-plated or silver-plated
- Sterling Silver: Good quality.
- Gold Filled: Good quality and lasts longer.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and affordable.
- Finish: Select a finish (e.g., silver, gold, antique brass) that complements your bracelet design.
6. Safety & Tool Selection:
- Use the Right Tools: For jump rings, two chain-nose pliers are best. For crimp beads, use crimp pliers.
- Store Small Components Safely: Small findings can be a choking hazard for children. Keep them out of reach.
- Read Instructions: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for the findings you are using.
By understanding these basic findings, you can create professional-looking, durable, and beautiful bracelets.