Beaded Jewelry - Ten Popular Jewelry Findings

Every beaded jewelry maker knows that it is not only the beads that make a piece of jewelry beautiful. From the functional to the fabulous, jewelry findings provide much of the structure and look of beaded jewelry projects. Below are ten of the most popular jewelry findings.

Jewelry Findings - Eye Pin

The eye pin is one of the staples of all beaded jewelry projects. This pin is usually one to two inches long, made of flexible wire, with a small loop on the end of the pin. It is designed for beads to be threaded onto it.

The eye pin is often used for dangles on a beaded necklace or in earrings. The top of the eye pin is looped over using a pair of pliers, to attach it to the earring or necklace. They can also be attached one to the next in a long chain.

Jewelry Findings - Jump Ring

A jump ring is simply a metal ring that is open at one point. These are used to connect pieces of a beaded jewelry project together. The correct way to use them is to slid the ends apart sideways rather than stretch the circle out of shape.

Jewelry Findings - Spacer Bars

Spacer bars are used in many necklaces or bracelets that have multiple strands. The spacer bar is a small bar of silver or gold toned metal with multiple holes in it. It is used to keep the strands of the beaded necklace or bracelet separate and neatly arranged.

Jewelry Findings - Bead Caps

Bead caps can be very plain metal cups that are used to fit over the whole end of larger beads. They can also be very ornate filigree or cut out additions to the beaded jewelry pieces. Some barely surround the bead's hole, while others cover almost half of the bead.

Necklace Clasp - Lobster Claw

This type of necklace or bracelet clasp resembles a lobster's clay. On one side, there is a circle or oval. The other side of the clasp is the claw. It can open or close to attach to the ring on the other side of your beaded jewelry project.

Necklace Clasp - Barrel Clasp

A barrel clasp looks like a small barrel with a ring on each end. This type of beaded jewelry clasp screws together in the middle to keep your necklace or bracelet secure.

Necklace Clasp - Toggle Clasp