Findings

Findings
For Finishing Your Jewlry

Each type of thread or cord requires specific findings to finish a jewelry.

Our free e-book "Jewelry Making Supplies" gives a list of our favorite threads, cords, ribbons we use to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings with their matching "metal parts".

There are many types of components for jewelry making, among three basics:

Crimp beads are used only with wire thread and snake chain for finishing a jewelry or to make a specific bead pattern playing with beads and thread together.
Here , the first picture shows a pattern with kukui and other types of beads strung on snake chain.
Each group of beads is separating one from each others with beads.
French bullion, gimp is traditionally used for pearl knotting and is used to protect the loop when linking the clasp to the pearls.
You can use it with any type of stringing thread.
Bead tips are also used traditionally also for pearl knotting, but can be used with any type of threads.
Caps, cord tips, coils are used for cords and ribbons.

Here, are pictures of these metal components.

Crimp beads

Crimp beads are used only when you are stringing with stainless steel wire (Soft Flex, Tiger Tail for example).

You make a loop and flatten the crimp bead with a flat nose or crimping pliers.

The loop will be attached to a jump ring or a clasp.

The loop can be "embellished" with French wire/bullion.

It comes in different sizes and finishes.

French wire/bullion

French bullion is usually used for stringing or knotting with nylon, silk or cotton thread.

It is strung in the thread, fold it and make a loop with a knot.

It makes secure loops ( threads break with time) and finishes neatly a jewelry.

Click here to see how to finish a jewelry with stainless steel wire.

Bead tip/cup bead tip or half bead tip

Bead tip for bead/ pearl is used for finishes with any kind of thread.

They are used to hide a knots at the end of beaded strands. Knots are hidden and secure inside the "ball". The loop part will be folded (round nose plier) and flatten(flat nose plier) to a jump ring or a clasp.

If you are using bead tips with wire thread, you will need to use a crimp bead to secure the thread before closing the cups together.

Half cup bead is usually smaller than a regular bead tip and is used when you are stringing small gemstones or beads.

Look at the video to see how to use a bead tip.