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Knowing what findings to use in beading.

By: Terri Batsakis

As with all industries, beading has its own terminology. How do you know what each thing is called and what it's used for? This article will shed some light.

You have come across the term 'findings' and wondered what on earth it was about. Basically, 'findings' are all the metal components that are used in beading. They vary in composition from nickel to sterling silver, and they vary is weight and size.

Headpins are tiny nail like pins. They have a flat top at one end and a blunt pin on the other end. Other shapes like hearts and swirls could be found in place of the flat end. The flat end prevents the beads from sliding off the pin. When you have finished passing on all the required beads, you curl the blunt end into an 'eye' using round nosed pliers. This little eye or loop is what you can join more pins to, or any other findings such as charms, or chain. These are normally used at the end of earrings to 'finish' or can be used to attach beads to charm bracelets.

Eye pins are pins that have a curled end, into a small loop, leaving the other end free to pass beads through. Once all beads are passed through, the other end can then also be curled into a small loop. You can then join these small loops to other eye pins , making a series or chain of beaded eye pins. These are very common in bracelets, necklaces or earrings.

Jump rings, are tiny little ring like loops that are used to join other finding together. Some are complete circles; others have a cut in them. The ones with the cut through them can be adjusted for size.

Split rings are very similar to jump rings. They are small loops that loop over a couple of times making them look like little keyrings. They are used as an alternative to jump rings. They are more suited for heavy linking than jump rings as they do not open up as easily as jump rings. Perfect for linking bracelets clasps.

Parrot clasps are one of the most popular clasps. They are shaped like a parrot's beak, hence the name. They are widely used for bracelets and necklaces.

Lobster clasps are used the same as parrot clasps though they look more like the pincers on a lobster and that's how they get their name.

Barrel clasps resemble a tiny barrel, giving them their name. They are clasps that come in two parts that screw into each other. Each side of the clasps attaches to either side of the bracelet or necklace. They can be attached using eye pins, jump rings, split rings or tiger tail wire.

Toggle clasps also have two parts. Again you join each part to either end of the necklace or bracelet in much the same way as a barrel clasp. The toggle clasps however has a long side that resembles a bar and a shaped side, can be round or other shape such as a heart. To clasp the toggle clasp, you merely pass the long side through the 'round' side, joining both ends together.

Tiger Tail is a nylon coated wire that is used for many different beading needs including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bag charms, and much much more. It is a soft bending wire that does not hold a shape, rather acts as a threading line to hold beads. It is a stronger alternative to pearl thread, string or fishing line. Crimps are required on the ends of the wire to keep the beads from falling off as you cannot tie a knot in the tiger Tail.

Crimps are tiny little balls or tubes, hollow, which are used to prevent beads from falling off thread of any sort. They do so by pressing them closed using pliers.

Charlotte crimps look like little oyster shells with hooks on them. At the join there is a tiny hole. This is where thread, fishing line or tiger tail is passed through. A knot or regular crimp is then used at the tip of the threading material and is hiding by closing the two oyster sides. They are used to beautify pieces by hiding the knots and crimps. The hook is then used to attach the charlotte crimp to a jump ring, split ring, ear hooks or other item.

Ear hooks are wires used to make earrings. They used for pierced ears. They are alternatively known as Shepherd hooks. This name derives from their appearance which is like that of a shepherd's staff. One end of the wire has an 'eye' onto which you attach the earring you are making.

Bead Caps are used around beads to prevent them being scratched or damaged. They are also used for ornate purposes. They can be elaborately decorative or plain and simple.

If you start with the basic jargon and get to know that you will be well on your way to sounding like a professional. Keep a look out for my next article which will add to this list.

Article Source: Main Articles

About the author: Terri Batsakis explains what various silver findings are called and their function, making it easier to comprehend beading patterns in magazines. This information that will also make is easier when purchasing beads, even if you are just a beginner.
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