Defining findings for beading.

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 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 round loose little loops that are used to link other findings together. The diameter of the jump rings vary vastly as do their purpose. They can be used as a decorative piece on an elaborate item of jewellery or to link clasps, charms or spacers. Some jump rings are completely circular and cannot be opened others have a slice through one side that can be opened to adjust the size of the jump ring depending on its purpose.

Split rings are similar to jump rings but have 2 loops going around the circle, a bit like a little key ring. They are used for the same things as jump rings however are preferred due to their strength.

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 are clasps with 2 components to them. One side has a long bar (can be ornate) and the other side is a looped shape, which can be a circle, heart or other. To connect the clasp you pass the bar through the looped shaped, clasping the 2 parts 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 serve the same purpose as regular crimps, only they are more elaborate and give jewellery are neater finish. They have two small round sides joined together to give them the appearance of an oyster shell. There is a small hole between the to sides. Tiger tail or other thread is passed through this hole and a crimp or knot is used at the tip of the threading material. The knot or crimp is then placed into the 'oyster shell' and the two sides are closed together hiding it, giving it a neat finish. The charlotte crimps also have a hook attached that is used to join them onto clasps, jump rings or other findings.

Ear hooks are the hooks attached to earrings that you pass through the pierced section of an earlobe. They are otherwise known as Shepherd Hooks as the hook shape that goes through the ear looks like the hook on top of a shepherd staff. There is a loop at one end onto which you attach and eye pin, head pins or chain to form an 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.

Having a bit of a heads up on what's what in findings will help you are buying findings or following a beading pattern. My next article will continue with more goodies.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

Author Terri Batsakis explains what various silver findings are known as and their function, making it easier to comprehend instructions in beading magazines. This information that will also make is easier when purchasing beads, even if you are just a beginner.