Bails

Necklace Bail and Pendant Bail

Just the way to hang your charms and pendants

There are many types of bails, from the very simple snap-on necklace bails to the very elaborate and fanciful larger bails. The snap-on bails are the simplest to use and are the most common and popular. They merely open up, clipping onto the ring or loop of your pendant and then onto the necklace chain itself.

Other types of bails could include the triangle bail, the pinch bail (prong bail) which when large enough, could most attractively be used as a bead-hugger for a treasured, focal bead.

Nowadays, there are also the very lovely reusable bails that have a magnetic fastener and occasionally with an extra loop on the bail itself so that you can attach further beads, charms, or dangles from the bail itself.

Bead Caps

Bead Caps

beautifying your beads

Bead Caps

Bead caps are occasionally referred to as Bell Caps.

In jewellery-making, they are most often used to enhance a bead or stone. They can be used to 'cap' just one side of the bead or both. They are also often used to cap the end of a string of beads, as in a necklace, just before the clasp or hook. No matter where you use the beadcaps, they will add a distinct detail and texture to your design.

What size should I use?

Users often wonder what size bead-cap to use for their beads. Should you use a larger cap than your bead, or a smaller size? There is no general consensus among the jewelry makers. Some feel that using a larger bell cap will either overwhelm the bead itself or cover most of the bead. Some prefer using a bell cap that is smaller than the bead itself so that it 'sits' on the bead rather than covering it.

Personally I think it depends on the overall look of your final design. I must admit that I generally using a smaller size ~ sometimes just a size smaller (e.g. using a 7mm diameter bead cap for a 8mm bead) to a size very much smaller (e.g. using a 3 mm bead cap for a 8 mm bead). It all depends on the final look and what the cap looks like on the bead.

The best advice is to try various sizes to ascertain various looks. You just never know till you do!!

These days, the bead caps come in such mouth-watering variety and sizes .. from very small ones to long large ones. They are also available in a number of colors & finishes.

Humans wear a cap at their graduations. So when you cap your beads, they have graduated as well ... to something even more beautiful!!

Bead Tips + Calottes

Bead Tips & Calottes

for a truly professional finish

Bead Tips

• Charlotte Crimps
• Calottes
• Clam Shell Crimps
• Bead Tips
• Clamp-on Bead tips
• Clamshell Knot Concealers
• Crimp Covers

These types of crimps are used to attach a fastener at the end of your work. They give a professional look to the finish of your work. They can also be an easy way to attach several strands of beads to your fastener.

Even though most of these terms are used interchangeably, the purist will say that there is a distinction between a calotte crimp vs. a clamshell crimp.

Most people would not make a lot of distinction between these variations as far as their names are concerned but how you would use them in finishing your work is a bit different.

Calotte crimp - is side-opening with no holes.

Clam shell crimp - opens at the end and has a hole in the fold-section.

Cabochon

Cabochon

An ingenuous cut that highlights your stone

A cabochon is also sometimes spelt as cabouchon. It is sometimes referred to as just a cab. And sometimes it is incorrectly spelt as cabochan. So what is a cabochon?

Cabochon, traditionally, was a gemstone that had been shaped and polished, but not facetted. Nowadays, it also comes in other materials like cat's eye (optic fiber) and polymer clay.

Cabochon also refers to a method of cutting .. namely cutting a bead or gemstone with a convex, polished, rounded surface without any facets. It also normally has a flat bottom. The "en cabochon" (also called cabbing) cut is more often applied to opaque gems than transparent stones. (Faceting is only normally applied to transparent stones, most notably, diamonds). In fact, opaque, asteriated, iridescent, opalescent, or chatoyant stones are very suited to having an "en cabochon" cut as the cut brings out the interesting features of these types of stones. The stones that fall into these category includes garnet, jasper, bloodstone, moonstone, cat's eye, star ruby, and sapphire.

Particularly with cat's eye, the domed shape of a cabochon cut brilliantly highlights the star or eye of the fiber optic bead; which would not be visible in a facetted cut.

The back of a normal cabochon-cut stone is flat, but with some stones, it may be hollowed out to lighten the colour. The bottom is either polished or sanded. A flat back makes working and setting the stone easy.

Though the cabochon form of cutting is frequently used for opaque and translucent stones, it is also very effectively used for transparent materials that contain too many inclusion to yield a good facetted stone. Coloration and patterning provide the major interest in such stones.

The cabochon form of cutting is simple but it can totally transform the look of a piece of rock, bringing out the magic of unique shapes and lines in the rock.

The most common shape of a cobochon stone is traditionally oval but a cabochon can come in a variety of shapes - ovals, rounds, teardrops, diamonds, squares. Some jewelers cut their cabochons in irregular shapes which are designed to showcase certain features of the individual rocks.

The cut may also vary in size from quite small, for use in earring and rings, to very large, in the form of a centerpiece on a necklace or brooch. A rock which has been cut into a cabochon may be described as en cabochon, or it may just be called a cabochon.

Clasps - types of

Jewelry Clasps

Oh so many ways to get hooked!

Clasps are jewelry fasteners that you can use to connect/end off your bracelets or necklaces. There are a huge variety of jewelry fasteners for different situations or just for different decorative purposes.

Jewelry clasps are not just functional components used to securely connect two ends of a necklace or other piece of jewelry. The purely functional ones are there for function only, with a subdued appearance that keeps them from overpowering the jewelry. Others are bold, stunning, &/or decorative and are used in innovative way as part of the jewelry's integral design. When you are producing high-end jewelry with precious metals and more expensive beads, you will need clasps and fasteners that fit the top-end of the market. It is always unwise to expend good money for top-quality beads and then take the risk of using lower-end clasps which would detract from the final value and look of your finished piece.

Some types of clasps are more secure than others and some are more difficult to open and close without help from another person. Below are selection of clasps with their accompanying descriptions.

Box Clasps

The box clasp is a method of connecting two ends of a chain. One end has a box/housing with an opening which is notched/grooved on the top of the box. The other end has a flat piece of metal (the tongue) which has been folded over to form a spring/lever. The folded metal spring or lever slips into the hole in the box with the end of the lever sticking out. The compressed spring holds the two ends in place. It is released by pressing the two ends of the lever together. Though not always, it is not uncommon for the connection to be reinforced by a figure 8 catch.

Hook & Eye Clasps

Another very common and simple clasp is the Hook & Eye clasp. You can easily make this yourself with some wire or buy them pre-made. This type of clasp is made up of a simple hook on one side and an “eye”. The picture here shows the eye shaped like a figure “8” but it can just be any shape to which the hook can catch to to secure the jewellery piece. These types of clasps range from very simple to very ornate. These types of clasps are available for single or multi strand designs. It is best to use these types of clasp with heavier pieces of jewelry. The gravity on the weight of the jewellery will better help to keep the clasp closed during wear.

Lobster Clasp (aka Parrot Clasp)

These are also commonly referred to as Lobster claw claps or Parrot clasps (but don't ask me why coz I don't know .. yet! I am guessing it has something to do with the look and shape of a parrot's beak.)

They kind of look like the claw of a lobster. This is one of the most popular and secure of clasps. So, if you have an extra heavy piece of jewelry, they are your best bet. These fasteners use tension from a spring-loaded mechanism to keep the clasp securely closed. The claw catches a jumpring, loop, or a link on a chain on the other end of the piece of jewellery.

They come in many different finishes & sizes. These days, you can even find fun-shaped lobster clasps like heart-shaped, dolphin, etc.

Magnetic Clasp

Magnetic clasps are a relatively new addition to the range of clasps available .. and are definitely one of my favourites. They are easy to put on & take off and are certainly very popular with the older generation because there is so much less fumbling to do. They are also a god-send for people with arthritic fingers.

Read more about Magnetic Clasps ..

S Hook / S Clasps

This was definitely one of the most popular types of clasps, especially before the advent of the more elaborate and fanciful clasps that we have available to us today. It can range from very simple to very ornate.

It can also be easily made using just pliers & thick wire. This type of clasp has been around for a long time and is a certainty that it will be around for a long time yet to come. They are easy to add to any jewellery piece and is also extremely easy for the wearer.

Spring Ring Clasp

Spring ring clasp uses a spring-loaded mechanism that opens and closes around a loop or jumpring. The spring ring is opened when the arm of the clasp is pulled backwards. Though the most prevalent and common shape is a round spring ring clasp, they now come not only in a huge variety of sizes and colours but also in delightful fancy shapes.

Toggle Clasps

These types of clasps are ever popular. They come in the most fantastic of designs & styles. And they are very easy to use. When buying toggles, make sure that you look at the length of the T-bar that will fit in the other piece. If it's tiny and has little overlap, it's going to fall off. Toggles work exceptionally well on necklaces too and many necklaces are designed with a fancy toggle in Front of the necklace as an alternative focal point.

Read more about Toggle Clasps ..

Slide Lock Clasps

Also known as Tube Bar Clasp, based on its specific closing mechanism. One side of the tube grooved while the other side is slotted. To fasten this clasp, you slide the 2 pieces together and they will lock in place.

These fasteners are also available with a magnetic feature, making it an even more secure fastener.

Magnetic Clasps

Magnetic Clasps

Looks Great and a Life-Saver to Boot!

Having difficulty fiddling with tiny clasps and hooks and springs? Then magnetic clasps will put a big smile on your face and keep you fashionable all at the same time.

Magnetic-clasps are a relatively recent innovation but they are making massive headway into the hearts of jewelers - artisans and wearers - alike.

The ease-of-use of the magnetic clasp enables everyone including elderly people, sufferers of arthritis, or those with painful fingers to adorn their jewelry easily and effortlessly.

A magnetic fastener consists of 2 pieces of magnets in the clasp which literally spring together to 'fasten' that piece of necklace or bracelet. Normally the magnets are fairly strong which ensures that the jewelry piece will not come apart easily or accidentally.

As its popularity grows, the manufacturers and supplies of these clasps have come up with more and more innovative and beautiful designs. They are no longer just functional but are sometimes so beautifully designed that they can form part of the integral beauty of a created piece.

Do not just pull the magnets apart when opening a magnetic clasp. This will weaken the magnets over time. Rather, open the clasp as if you were snapping a piece of pretzel.

It has been long believed by many and studies have also shown that magnets may be therapeutic. They may be effective in alleviating pain and discomfort in the hands and body. However magnetic findings &/or beads are not intended to be sold as medical devices nor are they meant to replace/supplement a doctor's care or prescribed treatment.

You should never use magnets if you are pregnant, wearing a pacemaker, defibrillator, or any other implanted electro-medical device. Keep magnets away from computer disks, monitors, videotapes, cassette tapes, and credit cards as the magnetic fields can interfere with or damage such devices.

"Clever Clasps" as aired on television, are a form of magnetic clasps. However some customers, though finding the Clever Clasps to be effective, have also found them to be overly heavy or bulky. There are many other magnetic clasps that are coming on the market that do not have that bulk problem but instead can offer a whole range of styles, colours, finishes, and shapes.

Toggle Clasp

Toggle Clasp

What are Toggles? Usage & Storage Tips

Toggle clasp (also known as "toggle") is a two-piece clasp that is attached to opposite ends of a piece of jewelry. One section of the clasp has an open center (round, square, oval, or some other shaped-opening). The other half is a T-bar that attaches to the components at the other end. You insert the "T" into the hole which holds the worn jewelry in place.

Toggles that have square or oval openings/holes are easier to get on and off, and are also more secure, than round ones.

Toggle clasps are one of the most popular jewelry closures/jewelry clasps around - both for their functionality and for their contribution to the overall design of the piece of jewelry. They are very easy to put on and take off - which is always helpful when you don't want to or can't fiddle with clasps that have little spring mechanisms. They can be also very sturdy and very attractive.

These kinds of clasps are widely used to secure bracelets, anklet, and necklaces, but jewelry artisans also incorporate them into their necklace designs. They are also great as "secure point" in a lariat. And if you have an especially interesting or attractive toggle, then in the design of your necklaces, the clasp can be designed to rest to the side or at the bottom of pendants, rather than at the back.

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How to Finish with a Toggle Clasp

Always make the end-side of the jewellery where the toggle-bar is going to be, is a bit longer and narrower than what you normally might have with other types of clasps. With toggles, you will always need a bit of extra length to maneuver the T-bar through the opening of the other end of the toggle when putting on & taking off. Also make sure that the beads right near the T-bar are not so large that they would hinder the movement of the T-bar through the hole/opening of the toggle.

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Purchase & Storage of Toggle Clasps

It is always important to buy toggle clasps as sets. Sets of toggles are designed to go together. Sometimes when the T-bar is off by even 1mm, the whole clasp might not work right or be sufficiently secure.

Which also means that when you are storing your Toggle clasps, always ensure you store them as sets so that you don't get confused later when you are ready to use them.

Connectors

Jewelry Connectors

many beautiful ways of linking your chains & findings

Amazing Jewelry Connectors

The term "jewelry connector" is relatively modern in its popularity and general acknowledgement. They are also variously called as "link connectors", "sliders", or just "connectors".

In large, the emergence and recognition of this term and what it means has been due to the huge & ever-expanding offerings in this line and the simultaneous demand for these types of jewellery findings.

The term is both precise & vague. Precise because that is exacting what these jewelry findings do ~ let the jeweller connect different bits and pieces together, whether they be from link to link, beads to link, charms, etc. They are undeniably extremely useful as connectors and the plethora of varied designs out there today has enabled jewellery makers to be able to "connect" in really beautiful ways.

However the term "connectors" is vague because it is a very generic term that covers a whole gamut of styles, of shapes, of materials. In fact, by the very definition of the term connector, many other jewelry findings falls easily into this category, including jump & split rings, clasps & toggles, sliders.

There is no denying how diversified, varied, and ever-amazing the varieties of connectors there are. And equally undeniable it that at some stage you too will want and need connectors for your creations ~ not just for utilitarian practical purposes but that it will add immensely to the beauty of your designs.

Swarovski channels are also a form of connectors. In the words of Swarovski, "(channels) are single Round or Fancy Stones without foiling fitted with a metal ring around the girdle of the stone. This gives the channels its typical feature: the viewer is able to look 'through' the Round or Fancy Stones."

They can have more than one loop as a connecting-point.

Cord Ends

Cord Ends

ending leather cords the right way

What are Cord Ends?

Cord ends are also known as Thong Ends, Coil Ends, End-Coils, or Crimp Coil ends. Here we use these terms synonymously and interchangeably.

Coil Ends are generally used with leather cords. To put a clasp on leather, you will generally need three pieces of items:

• two coil ends
• and a hook, latch, lobster, or other clasp

How to use Cord Ends

Putting a coil end on a piece of leather requires a little practice, but it is not too hard.

1. put a little glue on the end of the piece of leather (anything except super glue).
   
   Leather has natural oils and can be a bit oily.  So it could may slip out of the coil end without the help of some glue.
   
   
2. put the leather into the coil end.
   Twist the cord slightly as you push it all the way into the coil end. The ease of this step usually varies because cord widths & textures can vary.
   
   
3. Place the coil end in between the jaws of an ordinary pair of flat-jawed pliers; using the broader end of the pliers (i.e. away from the tip of the pliers & nearer the joint of the plier). Crimp down the first part of the coil end (the end away from the coil-end-ring).
   Some people crimp down the first half of the coil end, others crimp down the 1st or first few coils (the end away from the coil-end ring)..
   
   
   Do not crimp down so hard that you cut the leather.
   To test the secureness of the crimp, hold the coil with one hand and pull on the leather cord with the other.
   The cord should expand a little bit which indicates that the coil end is securely crimped.
   However if the leather starts to pull out, you need to crimp down again a bit harder.
4. Do the same for the other end of the leather cord.
   
   
5. Note that there is a ring at the end of each coil end. You may want to attach a clasp to one of these rings at one end of your coil-ended leather cord. At the other end of your cord, you can choose to leave the coil end as is so that you use the ring of the coil end itself, or attach a jump/split ring to the coil-end-ring at the other end.

Thickness of leather to size of cord end
For 2mm cord, it's better to use the 1-2mm, rather than the 3-4mm cord end. If the cord is too large for the opening of the coil end, shave part of it down with a razor blade.

If you have too thin a leather in comparison to the coil end you want to use, you can fold over the end of the leather cord before inserting it into the coil end.

At the end of the coil is a ring. Ideally, you want to attach a clasp to one side, and either use the ring on the other side as is, or attach a jump or split ring to it. The Lanyard Clasp is great because you can slide it right onto the coil-ring. With other clasps, you will probably need a jump or split ring to connect the coil-ring to the clasp. The concern here is that the coil-ring is somewhat brittle. If you move the end of the ring too far, in order to open the ring up so you can slide a clasp onto the wire, sometimes this coil-ring will break. Be careful.

Crimp Beads

Crimp Beads

for a Professional Finish

Crimp Bead

Crimp beads are used with all beading wires to secure the start and finish of the strand. The wire is threaded through the crimp bead, around the clasp loop and then back through the crimp bead. The crimp bead is then crushed flat (using flat nose or crimp pliers).

Crimp beads can also be used on each side of a “floating” bead to hold it in place on flexible beading wire (such as Soft Flex or Beadalon), transparent beading thread or cord.

Crimp beads can come as either beads (round beads) or as tubes: it is a matter of preference which you choose. The crimp tube is generally more popular as they are much easier to secure. Crimp beads can be used in the place of a bead tip (aka charlotte crimp) or in addition to the charlotte crimp in order to help keep the knot inside of the charlotte crimp.

Read about: How to use crimp bead to finish wire or thread.

Crimp Covers

Crimp Cover

for a Super Professional Finish

Crimp Cover

Crimp covers (or also called crimp bead covers) are great little inventions. They finish you crimps so that they look like little beads. So professional .. and so easy.

A lot of jewelry makers do not like the crimped-bead look when it comes to finishing their jewelry pieces. Now with the crimp cover .. it ends up looking just like a lovely, tiny bead .. instead of a crimped look.

You will normally need a crimp cover that is just a little larger than your crimp bead or tube.

The industry norm on stating measurements is by the closed diameter. So if you see a crimp cover that has a size stated as 3mm, that usually means that it is 3mm in diameter when closed.

Read how to use Crimp Covers for a perfect finish.

Earring Findings

Earring Finding

how beautiful can your earrings be?

The Bountiful Word of Earring Findings

Earring finding are often also classified as "earring component". Both are synonymous generic industry term which covers all the bits and parts you would use for making earrings. They include earring chandeliers, ear studs, ear posts, earring connectors, ear wires, and much more.

There is an endless variety of earring finding. Basically anything that you can use to make earrings or parts thereof can be classified under this umbrella term.

Earring Hooks

There are many types of earring hooks, in a variety of styles. They are all known as earring hooks though sometimes the terms are used interchangeably and synonymously with each other. They can also be specifically named, according to their styles or shapes.

Some common terms are:

• Earwires or ear wires
• Fish Hooks
• Shepherd hooks
• fleur de lis level back
• lever back
• kidney style

Earrings Posts

earring posts This earring finding consists of a metallic post that goes through the hole in the ear and is secured at the back of the ear, usually with a butterfly nut. Both the front of the post and the backing can come in a variety of styles

The stud in front can be plain, studding with gemstones, or have a wide range of decorative styles. The nuts can be the standard butterfly nuts, solid cones, or wider based nuts with intricate designs of their own.

Butterfly Nuts and Comfort Clutches

These are used on earring posts, behind the ear, to hold the earring in place. The standard, smaller ones are generally called butterfly nuts.

Comfort clutches are generally larger and are required for larger or heavier stud earrings. They provide more stability and will prevent the heavier earring from droop or being lop-sided when worn.

Ear Clips or Clip-ons and Screw-Ons

These are suitable for people who do not have pierced ears. They snap on or screw securely into place and usually have a loop below the clip to attach dangles and beaded jewelry.

Ear Threaders

Ear Threaders are also known as "Earring Threads", "Ear Threads", "Threader Earrings", "Earthreads", "Pull Through Earrings". They consist of fine and long pieces of chain with a thin, solid piece of metal (post) at one end. This is used to thread through your earring hole, with a piece of chain on each side of the ear. Ear threaders normally have a loop at one end to hold dangles and bead. Simple designs work very well with these earring findings as the chains themselves form eye-catching and interesting, free-swinging parts of your ear adornment.

Ear threaders come in various designs and materials. The two most popular and common ones are the Straight Ear Threader and the U-Top Ear Threader. The latter has a half-curve near the end which allows it to rest securely across the pierced ear hole. While providing more security, it is not length-adjustable like the Straight Ear Threader.

Ear Threaders are very comfortable to wear because, instead of having a hard, inflexible metal in your ear, you have a fine, flexible chain. The straight post is used to thread the earring through the ear, allowing you to easily lengthen or shorten the look of your earrings.

Earring Chandeliers

Chandelier earring findings are very interesting and often adds a professional feel to your work. The range of these earring components is awe-inspiring as they can range from very chic and simple, to elaborate pieces of artwork. The arrangements, embellishments, and designs that you can create with them is quite endless.

Earring Hoops

Earring hoops are most commonly round but they can come in any shape .. and size. Beads can sometimes be threaded directly onto the hoops, or hung from them. Metallic threads or chains can also be 'woven' onto the loops to create very glitzy and unusual creations.

French Wire

French Wire

Jewelry finding or Wire?

French wire is not really jewelry wire or threading material in the traditional sense. In fact, you are more likely to find them under 'Jewelry Findings' category than under wire or stringing materials.

Some of you may know this as 'gimp', 'gimp wire' or 'Some of you may know this as 'gimp', 'gimp wire' or 'bullion wire'.

Though it is still useful today, it is less well known. Many years ago, it was a very core, useful, and important component in jewelry making. Today, it is still a well-known and useful component for all those who are into pearl and other gemstone hand strung jewelry making. And it is also beginning to make a come-back in other areas of jewelry making as it definitely adds an added touch of professionalism.

Many years ago, there were less well-known nor easy way to smooth edges of the holes in beads. Gimp wire was then used to protect threads/stringing materials from the sharp edges of the beads at the clasp. Otherwise those edges would rub against the threads during wear and cut it.

Gimp wire is used not just to protect the threads from the sharpe edges of bead-holes but generally, to protect stringing threads from metal loops and jumprings, from fraying, and to give the finished article a more professional look.

French wire is from extremely fine coiled wire. At first glance, they look like a very smooth and closely linked fine chain. It is very delicate, soft, and flexible to the touch. They are most frequently used with silk threads and pearls. And mainly to finish off jewelry pieces between the crimp and the clasp and/or other metal components.

Simplest way of using French wire (gimp)

String your beads. Then the beading thread is taken through a suitable length of gimp, and immediately back through the bead(s) from where it came. Pull tight so that the gimp creates a 'metal loop' which can be used to attach your strung beads to jumprings or clasps.

Read another way on how to use French Wire/Gimp.

Jump Rings

Jump Rings and Split Rings

the core essentials of jewelry making

Jump Rings

A jumpring is a circular ring of metal. It can come "open" - i.e. unsoldered (more common) or "closed" - i.e. soldered closed. These types of jewelry findings are amongst one of the smallest of the many components used in jewelry making but are some of the most important because they help connect all those parts and pieces together.

Note: Jump ring is also sometimes spelt as "jumpring".

You can buy them from most jewelry suppliers but they are not hard to make for yourself either. They also work great for making chains and using as part of a clasp.

The round jumprings are the most common, and most people find them the most versatile.

However they come in a variety range of finishes (plating), even colours! And tho less common, they can come in many different shapes. They can be manufactured with different types of metals and in different gauges (thickness of the wire).

The stated size of a jump ring is by convention, the diameter of the entire jump ring, measured from its outer edges. The stated thickness is the size/gauge of the wire used to create the jumpring.

Tho jumprings are most often used to connect clasp to the main jewelry piece or different component pieces together, or to add a dangle to the creation, there is actually innovative, inventive, and other creative ways of using them ~ don't be limited by just using them as connectors!

Split Rings

Split Rings resemble little key rings. Like jump rings, they are used to connect link/rings or to hang things off chains, necklaces, bracelets, etc. With their double-loops, they are more secure than plain, unsoldered jumprings.

The stated sizing & thickness of a split ring follows the same convention as jump rings.

Where you would definitely choose a split ring over a jumpring, is when you need the linking-connector (i.e. the ring) to be very secure. For example, when you hang precious charms off an anklet, bracelet, or any other chain jewellery.

Also, split rings are preferable as ending-rings, i.e. at the end of a necklace or bracelet. The ending-ring is often used as the loop to which the clasp (like lobster clasp, or hook clasp) will latch onto to close off a piece of jewellery.

The reason why this is so is because split rings are much more secure than jump rings because the split rings have multi-loops per ring and so are many times stronger & less likely to be accidentally pulled open.

You will want to make sure that you do not spread the loops in the splitring too far apart as that will deform it somewhat. You may also find it is difficult when working with a lot of split rings, coz to open them, you may indeed split your fingernails! This is where the incredible Splitring Pliers come in. It will easily open a split ring so that you can insert your charm onto the split ring, or when you want to attach the split ring onto a chain, etc. The pliers are designed to open the split ring easily and efficiently.

Pins

Head Pins & Eye Pins

the core essentials of jewelry making

Head Pins

A headpin at its most basic, is a metal stick with a horizontal piece on the end. This piece helps beads stay onto the pin.

There are also decorative head pins which, instead of a flat horizontal piece, has a decorative stopper at the end. The stopper could be round, oval, heart-shaped, diamond-shaped, etc. These knob-endings can also sometimes be embossed with decorations and even with dangles.

Eye Pins

Eye pins have the same basic function as head pins, but instead of a horizontal piece on the end of the pin there is a loop. This is helpful when you want to add an extra dangle, e.g. to the end of an earring.

You can also make your own eye pins with the appropriate pliers like wire-looping pliers or even the roundnose/rosary pliers.

Both the head pins & eye pins are basic essential findings for jewelry making. They are used in many bead style earrings or for attaching beads to any type of jewelry piece. If you are into jewelry-making, you can't do without these!

Spacers

Spacers

Spacer Bars, Spacer Tubes, Spacer Beads, and Rondelles

Spacer Bar and Spacer Tube

Spacer Bars and Tubes are endlessly useful, functional, decorative .. and can add endless possibilities to your ultimate design. They come in all designs .. from the very ornate to the super-simplistic.

At its very basic functionality, it "spaces" out your beads. You may be using really expensive beads and you don't need or can't afford to fill out the entire design with the expensive beads. Using spacers, you can space them out ~ saves you money without marring your finished look.

Most artisans use the look of their chosen spacers to ADD to the distinctive look of their creations.

They are most often used in jewelry making for bracelets, necklaces, etc.

Spacer Bead and Rondelle

Spacer Beads

They are also alternatively know as filler beads as often times, they are used to fill up the length of a finished jewellery piece that may be using other more expensive or elaborate beads.

Rondelle beads are also often used in the same capacity as filler beads.

Rondelle Bead

Also known as roundel bead or simply as rondelle or roundel.

Rondelle bead is sometimes also incorrectly spelt as "rondell" or "rondel" - which are correct words in themselves but do not refer to the rondelle beads in the jewelry making world.

Rondelle bead is a subset of the spacer/filler beads as they sometimes serve the same function.

The word "roundelle" or "roundel" refers to the shape - a shape that is not a perfect ball, but rather a flattened ball or saucer shape.

Rondelle beads can come as clear crystal discs, or encircled with chanel-set diamonds or rhinestones. There are also rondelles made from gemstones, rhinestones, metals, hematite, crystal, glass, bone, etc. They are all called "rondelle" due to its shape. However you will also find similar flattened beads like these that are square or triangular. The square ones are called "squaredelle" but very often, they are just lumped together under the category "rondelles". And even though the roundel may be called "roundel bead", when shopping for them, you will often find them under (Jewelry) Findings rather than in the Beads section.

Special Rondelle Beads

Many new, fancy, and delightful rondelle beads are making their way into the market. These can really something extra to your finished items.