Findings: What are they and how are they used?

Last week we talked about and looked at earring findings. This week we're going to look at findings that are commonly used in pendants and necklaces.

With necklaces and bracelets alike, one important finding is the clasp. Like the jump rings and ear wires we discussed in the last blog post, clasps can be found in many different shapes, metals, and styles, here are just a few examples.

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The class by use depends largely on the style of the necklace or chain I am using. Toggle clasps and hook and loop clasps are best suited for heavier pieces. The traditional lobster clasp is perfect for chains of a lightweight to medium weight. A magnetic clasp can be nice for people that have dexterity issues, however you wanna make sure the necklace is not going to be too heavy for the magnet. And all of these classes there are so many variations in style, size, weight and material. 

Bails

Bails are the connectors on a pendant which allows the pendant to hang from a chain, beaded rope or other type of necklace. Sometimes the bail is attached directly to the piece, and sometimes the bail is used in conjunction with a jump ring. There are bails you solder directly on the piece, pinch bails, glue on bails, tube bails and others. 

There are also bails used on the back of the piece. These are most often fabricated by the jeweler and can't be seen from the front like this one I made for an Amethyst pendant. 

Miscellaneous 

There are a variety of other findings depending on the style and techniques used to produce your piece. 

If youre making beaded necklaces or bracelets you'll probably need some crimp tubes. Thread or fine beading wire is threaded through and crimped to trap the thread/wire so a jump ring or clasp can be attached. Using a wire guard will keep your thread/wire form becoming frayed with use. I used them on all of my beaded necklaces.  

Bead caps can be very handy for separating beads either to keep them from rubbing on one another or for a design aspect. On this beaded necklace you can see the beads caps indicated by the yellow arrow; the crimp tubes indicated by the black arrows; and one example of a simple toggle clasp in blue.

That's a quick dip into findings. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Keep in mind that comments are moderated so as to minimize spam and offensive ads.