Types of Jewelry Components

All Types of Jewelry Findings and Accessories

Jewelry findings are much more than attachments found at the ends of each piece. They provide much functionality to the final design, improving key factors like functionality, ease of wearing, and security. Some even elevate the overall appeal of the jewelry.

This article will dive into the world of jewelry findings, including their major categories and some of the main options in each.

1. Clasps

1.1 Lobster Clasps

Also called a lobster hook, trigger clasp, or bocklebee clasp, a lobster clasp closely resembles a lobster’s claw, hence the name. This fastener features a small lever that opens and closes the clasp with a spring mechanism, allowing for a secure and durable closure. Jewelers typically use this clasp to complete heavier necklaces and bracelets.

1.2 Spring Ring Clasps

Featuring an intuitive spring mechanism, a spring ring clasp’s simplistic design lends well to lightweight jewelry pieces and those with delicate chains. This sturdy clasp has a small lever that compresses the spring and gives space to insert the ring or tab, securing the piece once the lever is released.

1.3 Toggle Clasps

Toggle clasps commonly come in two pieces, a T-shaped piece and an open loop that’s connected on opposite ends of the jewelry piece. There are no mechanical components here – simply insert both ends of the T-shaped piece in the open loop and it perfectly locks the bracelet and statement necklaces. Not only are these clasps easy to fasten but they also come in different designs, adding a decorative touch to any jewelry piece.

1.4 Magnetic Clasps

Many jewelers complete their pieces with magnetic clasps for their convenient and user-friendly clasping capabilities, making them great for those who don’t want to deal with levers or springs. It’s also ideal for individuals with dexterity issues, as it uses a pair of small magnets to lock the jewelry piece. Plus, they can be embellished with various decorations, adding a stunning finish to the overall jewelry design.

1.5 Box Clasps

Consisting of a small “tongue” and a box, box clasps offer a secure closure usually seen in higher-end jewelry pieces. Typical box clasps have a main connection between the tongue and the box, though some tongue pieces may have additional side clasps to improve their locking mechanism. The box section can also be decorated for extra flair.

1.6 Hook and Eye Clasps

While hook and eye clasps may have a similar concept to toggle clasps, this closure distinguishes itself with an S-shaped hook instead of a T-shaped one. It has a simple and elegant design, making it great for beaded and multi-stranded necklaces.

1.7 Barrel Clasps

Barrel clasps get their name from the barrel-like design the closure has once connected. As the two pieces are screwed together to lock the jewelry piece, it ensures a secure fit that won’t worry the wearer. Jewelers opt for barrel clasps when completing lightweight bracelets and necklaces.

2. Jump Rings and Split Rings

2.1 Jump Rings

Most jewelry pieces won’t be complete without at least a couple of jump rings included, as they’re used to connect important components like clasps and pendants. Made by wire coils wrapped on a mandrel and cut to size to form a single ring, jump rings come in either open or closed varieties.

2.2 Split Rings

For extra security on jewelry pieces, manufacturers may go with split rings. They’re similar to rings found on most keys, these ring types have overlapping ends that ensure the pieces stay in place. Aside from keychains, split rings are usually seen as a component of jewelry with charms added to them.

3. Earring Components

3.1 Posts and Backs

Usually made in pairs, posts and backs keep earrings securely in place and comfortable for daily wear. They’re made from hypoallergenic metals, with the post connected to the earring piece while the back locks the post. Backs may have different designs, ranging from simple round finishes to butterfly or friction styles.

3.2 French Hooks (Ear Wires)

French hooks have a simple and elegant design that complements the design of dangle and drop earrings. Resembling a fishing hook, the curved metal threads through the wearer’s ear piercing and rest in place. It doesn’t have a lock, making wearing them simple and hassle-free.

3.3 Leverback Earrings

Compared to other earring findings, a leverback earring uses a clasp that resembles a lobster claw to attach the earring to the wearer’s ear piercing. The leverback’s hinged back design gives it extra security once attached and is often seen in higher-end or fine jewelry pieces.

3.4 Hoop Earring Findings

Available in various sizes, hoop earring findings are usually part of the actual piece with a simple lock mechanism. It can also be stylized in different ways, like endless, hinged, and click-top. Its versatility makes it ideal for multiple earring designs, whether on its own or as part of an elaborate piece.

3.5 Ear Threads (Threader Earrings)

Ear threads are perfect for jewelry lines that want to showcase a minimalist or modern look. It’s composed of a thin chain that’s threaded through the wearer’s ear, allowing for creative styles and multiple wearing options.

3.6 Clip-On Earring Findings

Clip-on earring findings stand out for its unique attachment style, as it clips on the ear instead of going through the piercing. It’s a great option for a wide variety of wearers, even for those who don’t have a pierced ear. Additionally, it can be stylized to have different designs, from simple to elaborate.

4. Connectors and Links

4.1 Bails

Commonly used to attach pendants to chains, bails help elevate the aesthetics of a necklace to the next level. A bail is a piece of metal that’s connected to the pendant with a loop where the chain goes in. It also comes in different styles, including pinch bails, slide-on bails, and hidden bails.

4.2 End Caps and Cord Ends

Jewelers often used end caps and cord ends to give the ends of cords, ribbons, and multi-strand pieces a stylish and secure finish. These are usually made from a thin metal piece and complements leather, silk, and other materials well.

4.3 Crimp Beads and Crimp Tubes

Crimp beads and tubes are considered essential for jewelry pieces with stringed beads or those with multi-strand designs. It secures the beading wire in place while giving the piece professional-looking ends. Crimp beads have a round shape and may look like metal seeds, while crimp tubes have a more cylindrical finish.

4.4 Chain Extenders

For more flexibility and versatility on necklaces and bracelets, jewelers can add chain extenders. These are typically thin metal chains attached at the end of the pieces, allowing the wearer to adjust the length of the jewelry at any time.

4.5 Split Bar Connectors

Ideal for multi-strand necklaces and bracelets, split bar connectors hold multiple strands together to form an elaborate jewelry piece. They’re usually connected at the end of each strand and are made from thin sheets of high-grade, hypoallergenic metals.

5. Pins and Needles

5.1 Head Pins

Used to create dangles or drops, head pins add style and flair to any jewelry piece. And while these thin metal wires come in flat heads, they can also be modified to have decorative features for more aesthetic appeal.

5.2 Eye Pins

Considered an essential for almost any project, eye pins are central for making links and connecting beads to jewelry. A typical eye pin consists of a long wire with a loop at one end to attach components, with the other end open for decorations like loops and wraps.

5.3 T-Pins and U-Pins

T-pins and U-pins are commonly used in wirework and weaving beads into a piece of jewelry, as they help secure elements in place. Plus, they work either as permanent or temporary pieces as well, allowing for more creativity.

6. Safety and Decorative Components

6.1 Safety Chains

Often used as additional support, safety chains are added in high-value or sentimental jewelry pieces to prevent a bracelet or watch from falling off if the clasp fails.??

6.2 Bead Tips (Clamshells)

Bead tips are typically used by jewelers to cover and secure knots at the end of a bead thread. It gives the jewelry piece a polished and professional finish, further improving the final product’s overall beauty.??

6.3 Spacer Beads and Bars

Make individual beads stand out by adding spacer beads and bars in between these captivating pieces. Not only do these spacers add aesthetically, but they also improve the structure of the design, making it more durable and stable.

6.4 Enhancer Clasps

Turn ordinary jewelry pieces into modular works of art by adding enhancer clasps to their design. These findings allow for pendants or charms to be interchanged, offering versatility and lasting appeal to the jewelry.

Find the Right Findings for the Perfect Jewelry Line

Every piece of jewelry is like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Going with the right findings and fastenings to add to the jewelry design can improve the piece’s functionality while taking its appeal up a notch.

Jewelry makers shouldn’t be afraid to play around with different types of findings. Only by trying out various combinations and secure settings will inspiration spark anew in crafting a new line of jewelry.