Findings are specialized metal beading components used to connect or finish pieces of beaded jewelry. Findings are sold wherever beads are available. Connectors and finishings are two of the most common types of findings, though there are many other types as well.
Table of Contents
Connectors
Connectors are used to connect two parts of a piece of jewelry. They can either attach dangles or connect two ends of a piece of jewelry (as in a necklace).
- Jump rings: These are C-shaped wires that can be closed to form an “O” by pressing the ends together. Jump rings come in multiple sizes and can connect to thread, cord, or wire to create a point of attachment for clasps or other findings. Jump rings can also connect to one another to form a simple chain.
- Split rings: Split rings resemble smaller versions of keychain rings and are stronger than jump rings because they’re made of doubled wire.
- Clasps: Clasps can fasten and unfasten, making it easy for you to put on or take off jewelry such as beaded necklaces or bracelets. Some of the most popular types of clasps are:
- Spring rings and lobster clasps: These findings feature a spring action mechanism for opening and closing. They need to latch onto a jump ring or split ring at the other end of the stringing material.
- Barrel clasps and torpedo clasps: These clasps are made up of two halves that attach at either end of the string and then screw together.
- Toggle clasps: These clasps consist of a ring attached to one end of a strand and a bar attached to the other end that fits through the ring.
- Hooks and eyes: These connectors consist of an eye to which a hook-shaped component attaches. Hooks and eyes come in many shapes and styles.
- Spring rings and lobster clasps: These findings feature a spring action mechanism for opening and closing. They need to latch onto a jump ring or split ring at the other end of the stringing material.
Finishings
You can finish some beaded projects simply by tying a knot to keep all the beads in place. Others may require findings called finishings. The most common finishings are:
- Crimp beads: Soft, hollow beads or tubes used to cap the ends of beading wire, cord, or any material that doesn’t knot well. They can also be used to form a smaller loop within a longer strand. To use a crimp bead, thread it into place and then crimp, or squeeze, it using flat-nose pliers to make it grip the stringing material.
- Bead tips: Also called clamshells, these are comprised of two small metal cups connected by a hinge with a hole in it. One of the cups has a hook or loop attached to it. Bead tips are used to hide knots at the end of a strand of thread. The thread is pulled through the hole, and the two cups are then clamped around the knot using round-nose pliers. The clasp at the other end of the strand can then be attached to the loop.
Other Commonly Used Findings
There are findings that can help you make nearly any beaded project, from barrettes to frames designed to support beaded lampshades. Some of the most commonly used specialty findings are:
- Earring hooks: These hook-shaped findings, used to make earrings, fit through the hole in a pierced ear. Earring hooks don’t carry any beads. Instead, they support stringing material, head pins or eye pins, or other bead-supporting findings. The hooks can remain open or can close via a hinge. Because earring hooks pass through pierced ears and come in contact with sensitive flesh, they can cause reactions in people who are allergic to the metals they contain. If allergies are an issue, try using passivated (coated) or plastic jewelry. Alternatively, you can try using ear clip findings to make earrings that do not pierce the ear.
- Head pins and eye pins: Head pins and eye pins are long, thin wires with a head or eye at one end. They are used to make dangling pendants. Beads are stacked on the wire with the head or eye on the bottom. Then pliers are used to shape the top of the pin into a hook that can connect to an earring hook or thread onto a necklace or bracelet to make a pendant.
