Jewellery adds beauty to a person in the most elegant way. Even a simple addition can change the overall look of a person. A part of jewellery making that everybody tends to overlook or ignore is the findings. Jewellery findings are components of the jewellery that keep the gemstones, string materials or beads together. To be more precise, they are the rings, clasps, connectors and bails of the jewellery that holds the pieces together.
They are available in all finishes, including brass, gold, silver, copper, antique silver and even gunmetals. The reason why these clasps are known as findings dates back to ancient times. They were provided with this name because they were made from leftover bits and pieces of metals. In the end, the name became the identity of these clasps and bails.
Different types of findings go with each piece of jewellery. Some may not suit the look and texture of a particular ornament. Especially if we are considering cultural appropriateness, there are materials which are specifically used for certain jewellery, like Chinese beads used in a pixiu bracelet. Hence, it contributes heavily to the appearance of the piece also. In this article, let us look at the different types of findings and their uses.
- Chandeliers
They often add up as earring connectors, and with them, beautiful dangly earrings can be made. All you must do is add the chain or the headpin of the earring to the connecting hole, and voila! A beautiful earring is made.
Ear wires can also be attached to the connecting hole in this way.
- Bails
There are simple units that are used to attach the component or the focal bead to the chain. In this way, a beautiful pendant is made. The bails are an easier way to secure a pendant which may otherwise require soldering or metalsmith.
- Bead Cap
This type of findings is beneficial to attach the beads and make them look very appealing. The bead cap helps to give detail to the beads and even cover up their imperfections. All you must do is place these caps at either end of the beads during stringing. Even a plain bead can be turned into a pendant just with the help of these bead caps. In short, bead caps are multifunctional and elevate the looks of the jewellery.
- Clasps
They are more prominently used as a part of necklaces and bracelets. They are used to close the two ends of a component. Clasps are available in different sizes and shapes according to the type of jewellery and their size. It is crucial to choose a clasp that suits the jewellery as it can give a finishing touch to the whole component.
- Ear wire
As the name suggests, these are used for making earrings. The wire allows itself to go through pierced ears, and it even allows the user to attach and detach objects. The person can attach mental components, beads and even buttons to the connecting loop. In this way, the creative minds can be explored with unique earring styles.
- Jump Rings
They are connectors that work in jewellery making. There are different shapes for the jump rings, and they include round and oval. There are also open, and close-ended jump rings. The former has a slight split in it, and it can be opened with pliers. On the other hand, closed jump rings are soldered at their end and cannot be opened. They act as a strong connector or a jewellery piece that is very precious and heavy.
Many types of findings serve different requirements of the users. The good news is they are available for purchase individually according to the need of the user.
Author Name:- Ester Adams