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Glossary of Findings

Bail

A bail is used to attach a pendant to a necklace. Some bails are closed, and the pendant must be attached with a jump ring. Pinch bails are open bails that can be directly attached to the hole in a pendant and pinched closed. 

 

Bead Cap

A bead cap is designed to fit on either side of a bead as an adornment. 

 

Bead Tips

Bead tips are used to finish off the end of a strung necklace or bracelet. The cup of the bead tip holds the knot and the loop is used to attach the bead tip to the clasp. 

 

Box Clasp

A box clasp is a two piece mechanism used to fasten a bracelet or a necklace. The box part has a hole into which the tongue part is inserted. 

 

Cagework

Cagework, also known as a stamping, is a finding made from sheet metal which is cut and shaped between two dies, forming a pattern in relief. They can be used in a jewelry design plain or adorned with bead and wire work. 

 

Chain Tags

Chain tags are used at the end of a chain to attach it to either a lobster, trigger, or spring clasp. A jump ring inserted through the smaller hole on the tag attaches it to the chain. The larger hole is for fastening the clasp through. 

 

Chandelier Finding

A chandelier finding is designed to be hung from either a necklace or earring. It has one loop for attaching it to the jewelry piece and additional loops from which beads can be be dangled. 

 

Clam Shell Bead Tips

Clam shell bead tips are used to finish off the end of a strung necklace or bracelet. One cup of the bead tip holds the knot while the other cup is closed down over the knot, to totally conceal it. The loop is used to attach the bead tip to the clasp. 

 

Cones

Cones can be used to attach a multi strand necklace to a single strand clasp or to make bead tassles. 

 

Crimp Cover

A crimp cover is placed over a crimp tube bead to give your jewelry piece a more finished look. 

 

Crimp Tube Bead

A crimp tube bead is used to securely attach a clasp to a jewelry piece. This method eliminates the need for tying a knot in your stringing material. 

 

Ear Clips

Ear Clips are designed for ears that are not pierced. They are usually hinged so that they can be attached securely to the ear lobe. Some have an ornamental piece attaced to the clip such as a ball or a molded design. 

 

Earring Posts

Earring Posts are designed for pierced ears. They can have either a loop or a stem to which you can attach your earring design. Some have an ornamental piece attached to the post such as a ball or a molded design.

 

End Bar

An end bar is used to attach a multi strand necklace or bracelet to a single strand clasp. 

 

End Cord Fasteners

End cord fasteners are used to provide a finished end to a cord necklace or bracelet. The base of the fastener closes around the end of the cord providing you with a loop to which you can attach a jump ring and then a clasp. 

 

Eye Pin

An eye pin is a metal stick with a loop on the end, the pupose of which is to dangle a bead from a jewelry piece. Once the bead is hung on the eye pin it can be attached to the piece. 

 

Fish Hook Ear Wires

Fish hook earrings are designed for pierced ears. They can have either a loop on the front, or a hook, from which you can attach your earring design. 

 

Head Pin

A head pin is a metal stick with a horizontal piece on the end, the pupose of which is to keep the bead on the pin. Once the bead is on the head pin it can be attached to the jewelry piece you are working on. Head pins can have ornamental features such as a simple round ball on the end to something very ornate like a molded flower. 

 

Jump Ring-Open

An open jump ring is a metal ring that is not soldered. These rings can be opened and used to attach one item to another. 

 

Jump Ring-Soldered

A soldered jump ring has been soldered closed, and cannot be opened. It can be used as a connector in a jewelry design. 

 

Leverback Ear Wires

Leverback earrings are designed for pierced ears. They have a hinged back that allows you to secure the earring after it is put on. There is a loop on the front rom which you can attach your earring design. 

 

Lobster Clasps

A lobster clasp can be used to fasten a bracelet or a necklace. The clasp is held closed by a spring mechanism. Obviously ,it got its name from its close resemblance to a lobster claw. 

 

Pinch Bail

A pinch bail is used to attach a pendant to a necklace. This type of bail is open so that it can be directly attached to the hole in a pendant. 

 

"S" Hook Clasp

A "S" hook clasp can be used to fasten a bracelet or a necklace. The hook is attached to each end of the jewelry piece with a jump ring. Only one side of the hook is open. 

 

Spacer Bars

Spacer bars are used in multi strand necklace an bracelet designs to hold the strands apart. 

 

Split Ring

A split ring is a type of jump ring where the wire has been coiled around twice, like a key ring. Split rings are a more secure way to attach items together. They are most commonly used to attach charms to chain. 

 

Spring Ring

A spring ring clasp can be used to fasten a bracelet or a necklace. The clasp is held closed by a spring mechanism. 

 

Stamping

A stamping, also known as cagework, is a finding made from sheet metal which is cut and shaped between two dies, forming a pattern in relief. They can be used in a jewelry design plain or adorned with bead and wire work. 

 

Toggle Clasp

A toggle clasp consists of 2 pieces, a ring and a bar. The bar is inserted through the ring to secure the piece of jewelry. A toggle clasp can be used to fasten a bracelet or a necklace. 

 

Trigger Clasp

A trigger clasp can be used to fasten a bracelet or a necklace. The clasp is held closed by a spring mechanism.