The what's what of findings.

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.

Head pins are pins that look a little like a fine nail. They have a long wire with a flat top on one end. The flat section can also be replaced by other shapes such as stars or hearts. That end is used to prevent the beads from sliding off the pin. Once all the required beads have been threaded onto the wire, the head pin, the non-flat end is then curled into a loop or 'eye' using round nosed pliers. It is onto this eye we attach other pins, clasps, chain etc when beading.

Eye pins are very similar to head pins, but instead of a flat side, the have an 'eye' side (refer above for definition of 'eye'). Again beads are passed onto the wire and the non-eye side is then curled in the same way as with the head pin, to make another eye. The eye pins are used to make when making longer earrings, to join together to make a necklace and much, much more.

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 commonly used for necklaces and bracelets, though you can use them for much more like bag charms. They get their name for their look; they look like the beak of a parrot.

Lobster Clasps are very similar to Parrot Clasps but the shape varies slightly. The shape is more like the claw on a lobster, hence its name.

Barrel clasps are clasps with 2 sides. Each side is attached to either side of the necklace or bracelet and clasp together by screwing into each other. They attach by using 'eye's found on either end of the clasps. Their name also comes from their appearance, as they look like barrels.

Toggle clasps also have 2 sides to them. One is a round part (though the shape could vary and be heart shaped or triangular even) and the other side is a long bar. They clasp together by passing the bar through the 'round' side.

Tiger Tail is a pliable wire that has synthetic coating. Though it is pliable, it doesn't hold its shape. It is used for threading beads onto, much line pearl thread or fishing line. You cannot tie knots in tiger tail; instead you finish off the ends using crimps.

Crimps are used to prevent the beads from falling off the threading material. They are tiny little hollow balls or tubes. You pass them through the tiger tail or other threading material and squash them together with pliers to prevent them from coming off, and holding the beads in place.

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 or Ear Wires, are what earrings are made with. The hook is the part that goes through the piercing in the earlobe. They are also commonly known as Shepherd Hooks and are so because they look like a shepherd's staff. They also have an 'eye' end, to which you attach the decorative part of the earring.

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: http://www.lifestyle-information-services.com

About the author: Terri Batsakis explains what various silver findings are known as 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.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated