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Want to spend more time selling and less time tweaking?

Using ready-made jewelry findings can save you time and effort.

Jewelry suppliers are constantly increasing the range and quality of findings for your jewelry making needs.

There are zillions of options. Look for the jewelry findings that best work for the design you’re working on.

Successful jewelry findings contribute to your jewelry design, visually and conceptually.



jewelry findings beads In custom made jewelry you usually involve in the manufacturing process all the jewelry findings needed.

The fastenings, bails, pins, clasps and any other feature are manually crafted with the jewelry design in mind.

Your jewelry will have a distinct aesthetic appeal.

However, sometimes this detailed and time consuming approach is not possible and is not profitable.

Here are the indispensable jewelry findings you should have at hand.

Earring findings

Earring findings are widely used by jewelers and beaders alike. There are findings to make both screw-on and pierced earrings. Kidney wires and fish hooks loop through the ear lobe, but stud or post fittings look much neater.

Avoid cheap versions and you could look for fittings made of hypoallergenic surgical steel, silver or gold.

Clasps

These come in two parts to be attached at the end of a bracelet or necklace. Bolt rings and crab claw fasteners, which are used with a round metal loop, are the most commonly used and come in several sizes.

Barrels and torpedoes are lightweight and unobtrusive cylindrical screw fastenings. Loop and toggle fastenings are also popular and come in several different models.

Clasps should be secure and inspire confidence to the wearer. You don’t want clasps that fall off or open-up easily.

For easy repair, don’t solder the jump ring that joins the clasp to the body of the necklace or bracelet.

Wire Rings

Rings come in circular or oval shape and come in several sizes and thickness. The ones used for fastenings are usually soldered for maximum security. The more versatile jump rings are not joined.

They are useful for fixing eye pins to earrings or brooch backings, to attach the top of the pendant drops and to attach fasteners to a finished necklace.

Crimp beads

jewelry supply findings Widely used in the beading community, they are tiny ring like beads made out of gold or silver with a smooth or ridged surface.

They are used for joining ends of thread or monofilament and for spacing beads.

The flexible metal of the bead is squeezed in place with pliers.

Threads

A very popular option is nymo. It is a strong and yet fine multistranded nylon thread that comes in many colors and thicknesses.

Monofilament is another option. It is also a strong and flexible thread that comes in translucent colors, although it doesn’t work very well for heavy necklaces. Elastic jewelry cord is widely used for making snap bracelets, chokers and rings.

Cords

Silk cord is the best option for knotting pearls and other beaded necklaces. It is a hard-wearing, lustrous cord made from natural fibers. Twisted polyester is a cheaper alternative to silk cord but just as strong.

Round cords come in various diameters. You can also use leather cords, satin cord, suede lace, silk or polyester ribbons and embroidery threads.

Wire

Wire is made from a variety of metals ranging from pure silver or brass to nickel. The malleability or flexibility of the wire varies depending on the metal that is made off and the gauge.

Tiger tail is a stringing wire made from tightly twisted strands, like a miniature steel cable, and coated with a layer of clear or colored nylon.

jewelry findings necklace It’s great for any type of jewelry project.

Memory wire comes in coils and is good for chokers and bracelets.

All the jewelry findings we have just listed are available from your local jewelry suppliers.

They can save you valuable time especially before craft shows or deadly dates such as Christmas, Valentines and Mother’s day.

Make sure to store your jewelry findings well.

There are many more possibilities than the ones listed. Click here to see jewelry components.

Go from Jewelry Findings back to Jewelry Tools

References used in this section: Ganderton (2005); Le Van (2005)