Jewellery findings are the essential components that bring a piece of ornament together. They are the small but crucial elements that allow designers to create beautiful and functional pieces. From clasps to jump rings, these findings hold everything in place and ensure that the ornaments remain secure and wearable. This article will explore some common types ofjewellery findings that every designer should know. By understanding these findings, designers can expand their creative possibilities and create stunning pieces to delight customers.
Clasps: The Anchors of Jewellery
Clasps are one of the most important accessories, as they provide the means to fasten and secure a piece of adornment around the wearer’s neck, wrist, or ankle. Various types of clasps are available, including lobster clasps, spring ring clasps, and toggle clasps. Lobster clasps are popular for their reliability and ease of use, while spring ring clasps offer a secure closure. Toggle clasps, on the other hand, add an aesthetic element to the piece, often serving as a focal point.
Jump Rings: The Connectors
Jump rings are small, circular metal rings with a split that allows them to be opened and closed easily. They connect different components, such as attaching a pendant to a chain or connecting multiple beads in a bracelet. Jump rings come in various sizes and metals, including sterling silver, gold-filled, and base metal. They are versatile findings that every ornament designer should have in their toolkit.
Earwires: The Earring Essentials
Earwires are the findings used to create earrings. They come in a variety of styles and designs, including fish hook ear wires, lever-back ear wires, and French ear wires. Fish Hook ear wires are the most common and feature a simple hook shape that easily slides into the earlobe. Lever-back ear wires offer additional security with a hinged closure, while French ear wires have a decorative loop at the front for added style. Choosing the right ear wire is crucial to ensure comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Bead Caps: The Enhancers
Bead caps are decorative findings placed on either end of a bead. They add an extra layer of visual interest and can help highlight the beauty of the beads. Bead caps come in various shapes and sizes, from simple cones to intricate filigree designs. They are often used in beadwork and bead embroidery to add a polished and professional touch to the finished piece.
Crimp Beads: The Secure Fasteners
Crimp beads are tiny metal beads used to secure the ends of beading wire. They are essential for creating necklaces and bracelets with a clean and professional finish. To use a crimp bead, the beading wire is threaded through the bead, looped back, and then passed through the crimp bead. Using crimping pliers for crimping covers, the bead is flattened, creating a secure and reliable connection.
Bead Spacers: The Dividers
Bead spacers are small findings used to separate and add space between beads in an ornament design. They can be metallic or made of other materials like glass or acrylic. Bead spacers serve a functional purpose by preventing beads from rubbing against each other and adding visual interest and texture to the overall design. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as rondelle, tube, or bicone, allowing designers to create unique patterns and arrangements.
Jewellery findings may be small in size, but they play a crucial role in creating beautiful and functional masterpieces. From clasps to jump rings, each finding serves a specific purpose in ensuring that the jewellery remains secure and wearable. So, whether you’re a professional accessories designer or a hobbyist, include these essential findings in your toolkit to bring your designs to life.
