Jewellery findings are essential components in jewellery making used to connect pieces together, the building blocks of most jewellery designs, findings are used to link, fasten and secure jewellery pieces together. From clasps to scrolls to ear wires, findings are a must have in any workshop.
Findings is the term used to collectively describe the individual components of jewellery making and there are a lot. If you’re new to jewellery making, knowing what findings you need can be a difficult task, which is where we want to help.
Here’s our full guide to all of the jewellery findings and what they can be used for…
Jump Rings – Jump rings are used to attach two separate components together. Jump rings can be supplied open or closed. Open jump rings can be twisted and attached using snipe nose pliers whilst closed jump rings can be easily attached and used at the ends of bracelets and necklaces. Although primarily used to attach a clasp to a chain, jump rings can also be used to make chainmail jewellery.
Earring Findings – Earring Findings covers a broad range of findings that are used to make earrings. These include ear wire, ear hooks and ear studs. There are also earring backs, earring hoops, pins and posts. There are multiple styles, shapes and sizes of earring findings that can be used to create a range of earring designs.
Clasps – Clasps are essential for fastening your designs. Used as finishing elements to your jewellery piece, clasps are there to ensure the jewellery piece stays firmly where it is supposed to however it also is there to compliment the design. There are so many types of clasps to choose from including the traditional bolt ring clasps and trigger clasps as well as toggle clasps, cylinder clasps, magnetic clasps and more.
Connectors – connectors are unique findings, fitted with a loop on each side, these are designed to connect two sides of your jewellery piece together. Connectors are often designed with a gemstone or pattern and are fitted with closed jump rings on each side, ready to be attached to chain, cord or any other findings. Connectors are most popularly used in bracelet and necklace designs.
Bails – A bail is a popular choice of finding that is used to attached a stone. Bails are often simply designed so as not to take focus from the charm or gemstone that will sit in the middle. All you will need to do is use an open jump ring to attach your drop or pendant of choice. Bails are commonly used for necklaces but are a great way to attach charms to bracelets.
Bell Caps – Bell caps are commonly used to attach gemstones to jewellery. These are the perfect finding option for unusually shaped stones and can be used when adding gemstones to ear wires or chains.
Headpins and Eye – Both headpins and eye pins are used when working with beads and crystals. Beads can easily be threaded on to the pins and the loop and flat stoppers will ensure that they don’t slide off. Additional findings including ear wires can then be easily attached.
End Caps – End caps are predominantly used to be attached to the end of cord and leather to create a neat finish. End caps are available in various styles and are fitted with loops which can be connected to clasps.
Split Rings – Split rings are formed from a double coil of wire and are often used for keyrings.
Crimps – Crimp beads are predominantly used in beading jewellery and are designed to be attached to the ends of wire and string that can often be difficult to knot. Thread your wire through the crimp bead and through your choice of clasp or finding and then back through the bead and then use crimping pliers to flatten the bead snuggly.
Extension Chains – Extension chains are simple and versatile, designed to extend the length on a standard chain. Extension chains can easily be attached with a jump ring, on to an existing chain. If you’re a new jewellery maker, understanding what jewellery findings are and what each is used for can be overwhelming. Before you start it’s important to read up on what findings are available and what each is used for and hopefully our own guide has helped you. Don’t forget to head back to our how to make jewellery hub for more advice, support and tips to help you on your jewellery making journey.
Maria Hussain