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Jewellery Parts (Findings)
Findings is the general term given to the components that are necessary to complete your jewellery such as necklace clasps & earring hooks.
We select the highest quality findings most of which are nickel free. Our headpins will not chip when working with them and the pin head is centred.
Crimps
- French Crimps: Used for securing a clasp to a necklace threaded on tiger tail. When compressed (or crimped), crimp beads hold tightly onto what’s inside. They are available in different sizes.
- Carlottes: Used for securing thread to a clasp. Hides the knot used to secure the necklace or the crimp when using wire.
- Box Carlottes: Used for securing leather to a clasp. When the flaps are compressed the carlotte holds tightly onto what’s inside. They are available in different sizes to suit the thickness of the cord or leather.
Clasps allow you to open & close a necklace or bracelet.
- Parrot: Use when a clasp is needed. Operates by a small trigger, which opens the clasp.
- Toggle: Ideal for bracelets or a feature clasp on a necklace. They are a two part clasp featuring a large ring as one side of the clasp & a bar at the other end. Secure by inserting the bar through the circle & pull tight so the bar makes a strong horizontal connection across the top of the circle.
- Multi Strand Clasp: Use for multi strand bracelets and chokers.
- End Bars: Use for multi stranded earrings, bracelets & chokers.
- Spacers: Keep multi strands untangled & flat. Insert them at intervals whilst you are stringing.
Wire Rings or jump rings are metal connectors. An all purpose gadget.
- Round: 4mm, 5mm, 7mm & 13mm. To open a jump ring, twist one end to the side. Do not pry both ends apart, since you will misshapen the ring & weaken the metal.
- Oval: 4x6mm and 6x8mm are more secure than round jump rings as they close on the side of your work.
- Triangular: Used for drops with the hole across the top & pendants.. Use your hands to secure the ring into the hole by pinching together. You may also want to use a dab of glue.
Pins- are pre cut lengths of wire. They can have a head i.e. headpin (stopper) or eye i.e. eye pin (loop)
- Eye pins: Used for linking. Avail in several lengths from ¾” to 2”.
- Head pins: Use to suspend a drop. Also avail in a 3” length.
Earring Findings: there are endless ways to attach beads to ears.
- Earpost with 3mm ball & loop. Is ideal for those wanting a small drop earring.
- Fishhook: Use for pierced ears. Wire hooks pass through the earlobe, with a loop at the bottom end for attaching a decorative bead. Avail plated, surgical steel & sterling silver.
- Ear pads: Ideal for glueing a button or gem on to. Also avail with a loop.
- Clip on: Use for non-pierced ears. Styles incorporate a loop from which the beaded drop hangs.
Bead Caps & End Caps
- Bead Caps. Use either side of a bead. These caps enhance the appearance of your jewellery by drawing attention to the special beads. Also used to stop head pins or small beads pulling through larger holed beads and the top of tassles.
- Bell Caps. Use to connect beads to an ear finding or as a pendant mount. Have a loop.
- End Caps. Use in multi strand necklaces to provide a neat finish.
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Plating Glossary
Plating | Description |
| Brass | A dark yellow alloy of Copper & Zinc. |
| Gold Plated | A dark yellow alloy of Copper & Zinc.
Metal Alloys are the Base Metals with a layer of Precious Metal Coating to achieve the appearance of Gold.
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| Silver Plated | Metal Alloys Copper, Zinc & Nickel are the Base Metals with a layer of Precious Metal Coating to achieve the appearance of Silver. |
| Nickel | A Silver White Metallic Alloy of Nickel, Zinc & Copper or Nickel with Steel. Nickel meets the European Nickel Directive. |
| Antique Silver or Gold | Antique Silver or GoldAn Antique Patina gives the appearance of age to a Bead or Finding by immersing them in a solution of Potassium Polysulphide.
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| Surgical Steel | Steel is Iron which is hardened with Carbon & is available in Surgical Steel for Skin Sensitivity. |
| Stainless Steel | Steel is Iron which is hardened with Carbon & made Stainless by the addition of Chromium. Rust Resistant. |
| Sterling Silver | Silver is a Precious Metal & is White in appearance.
Stamped 925 ie 92.5% Silver content alloyed with Copper which makes it hard enough to work with. The Silver content is regulated by law. |
| Gold | Gold is a Precious Metal. Alloyed with Copper, Silver, Palladium & Nickel. 22 Carat is 91.6% Gold whilst 9 Carat is 37.5% Gold.
The Gold content is regulated by law.
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| Rolled Gold | Is fused Copper or Silver between two sheets of Gold. |
“Alloy” is a mixture of metals.
