Description:
Vital information for the beginner "stringer".
These are some of the essentials and optional hardware used
in finishing a piece that has been strung by hand in order to achieve a more attractive or professional look.
Most of them can be found in Sterling, Gold Filled, Solid Copper
and Plated Base Metals.
Essentials
2mm Crimp Beads: To be used
with .018" - .024" diameter beading wire to attach a clasp.
Crimping Pliers are recommended but you can use Chain Nose Pliers
also. To learn how to use Crimping Pliers, please refer to this
Free Tutorial By Laura DBL: www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/10573
1mm Crimp Beads: Use these with .010"-.015" diameter beading wire. Micro Crimping Pliers recommended.
Clasps: Shown here are Lobster and Toggle Styles. You attach a clasp to one end of your piece, after stringing the crimp bead.
Jump Rings: Open or Soldered.
Open ones are used for Chain maille or to attach links. Soldered ones
go with Lobster, Spring Ring, and some Hook Style Clasps. Available in
different diameters and gauges.. You can also make your own with this
Free Tutorial by Cas: www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/4020
Optional
Wire Guards: Use to protect the wire from the clasp. When buying these please pay attention to the diameter of the openings, be sure they will fit the diameter of your wire. After threading the crimp bead, you pass the wire through the guard and before you come back trough the crimp bead again, thread the clasp through the guard. Do the same on the other end with the closed jump ring. Sample:
3mm Crimp Beads: Used with 1mm to 1.5mm thick cord or wire. I mainly use it to finish 1.5mm Leather Cord. Use with Jumbo Crimping Pliers.
3-Strand Ends:I use these to finish 3-strand pieces, also used for chandelier style earrings. If you would like to learn to make your own, here is a tutorial that shows you how. This Tutorial is by Abby and she also teaches you how to make a 3-strand Bracelet, this is a 2-for-1 Tut!!
Here is a sample of how I've used these ends and the 3-std spacers: www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/17982
3-Strand Spacers: to keep
your strands separate, just be sure you get the right spacer for the
size beads you will be using on your piece. The plain one here is for
6mm Beads, and the Bali-style one is for 4mm Beads. They are available in a wide range of styles, I happen to prefer the simple ones. Abby also teaches you how to make some of these in the tutorial mentioned above.
Handmade Hook Clasp: You can learn how to make your own Hook Style Clasp, I have not used this style on bracelets, but they work well for necklaces. You can achieve these by combining two of Jodi's Free Tutorials: Wrapped Loops www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/1207 & Spiral Hooks www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/3676
Please NOTE: This information is provided based on my experience of working with these items, and I hope you find it helpful. Thank you for reading!
Valeria ;)
Well done!
Thank you JKay! I knew I had seen something else on jumrings I just did not find it on my search.. Thank you for the tip! :)
Valeria :)
Wire guides tip
Thanks for the tip on wire guards. I'll have to find some. It looks like they will help me to put on the crimp bead and clasp. I don't really understand how they work. Are they an extra piece that will be strung between the crimp bead and the clasp?, Maybe I can find a picture. Appreciate the tip. I'm new and trying to figure this all out.
Hello Desertlover,
Sorry for not responding sooner.
Yes, the wire guards are strung between the clasp and the crimp bead. They are used to protect the wire from any abrasion the clasp may cause. It also gives your piece a nicer finish. Here a bigger version of the picture. They are also known as "thimbles" with some vendors.
Here is a sample on how it is used.
Valeria :)