Your hand-made jewelry will have a professional, polished look if you take the time to choose the right beads, charms and stones.
When crafting your own jewelry, you often make careful decisions about what kinds of beads, charms, and stones to use. Sometimes, less care is taken in the selection of findings, such as clasps, wires, and earring bases. These parts may not be the most glamorous elements of your jewelry, but they should be chosen wisely. Second-rate findings can make your whole piece look home-made, and not in a good way. Here are some tips for selecting quality findings.
If you shop for findings at local craft stores, you probably know the selection is limited and the products are cheap. Most hobby shop findings are made of base metal that tarnishes easily, may cause skin irritation, and is not very durable. Fortunately, some stores carry findings in sterling silver or gold plate. If your favorite craft store doesn't, search online for a seller who does. You may pay a bit more, but it'll be well worth it a couple years down the line when your jewelry is still as beautiful as the day you made it! If you're looking for something unique and fancy to use in your creations, check out the ads in a recent issue of a beading magazine. There are many artists and metalsmiths who specialize in creating truly unique findings, such as clasps shaped like small animals or pendants with pins on which you can display your favorite beads (and change them as often as you like).
Here are some specific concerns you might want to keep in mind when selecting findings for certain pieces of jewelry:
BRACELET CLASPS. Always select a clasp that can be easily opened with one hand; lobster-claw clasps are ideal if you tend to have difficulty with this. I would advise staying away from magnetic clasps, especially if you work with computers, magnetic strip cards, or other such devices.
NECKLACE CLASPS. In general, you'll want to choose a clasp that is the appropriate size for your necklace, that is, not too large and overpowering, but not too small, either. The exception to this is if you're planning a plain necklace design in which the clasp is the focal point, hanging in front or on the side. In that case, go for something bold and distinctive! Clasps that fasten at the back of your neck should be comfortable and not have any rough, irritating edges. Barrel clasps are a wiser choice than those flimsy, nail-breaking spring ring clasps, as they are sturdy, easy to open, and usually stay put. For an adjustable strand of beads, you can't beat the classic hook-and-chain closure. If you're making a ribbon choker, look for a clamp-type clasp that you fasten over the end of your material with pliers.
EARRING POSTS AND WIRES. There is a variety of earring posts available from bead shops and wholesalers; many have a small, pretty design or semi-precious stone on the post, and a loop for hanging beads or charms below. If you want to attach something of your own directly to a plain post, look for flat-pad earring posts in a precious metal. Be sure to check whether the posts are intended for gluing something on or for soldering. French hooks and simple kidney wires are great for earrings that dangle freely, and never go out of style. Look for nickel-free items if you're prone to skin irritation; niobium ear wires are not only hypo-allergenic, they come in an array of wild colors!
PIN BACKS. Be sure to choose a pin back that is sturdy and long enough to support your piece. Backs with holes in them are useful for the extra security of wiring. For versatility, check out pin backs that also have a hook or bail for wearing your pin as a pendant.
STRINGING SUPPLIES. If you're using wire, always use the best quality you can afford; cheap, base metal wire tarnishes almost immediately. Look for sterling silver, gold, gold-filled, or copper. Tiger tail is a wonderful product, made of a thin stainless steel wire coated in plastic. Use it with tiny crimp beads to make necklaces with a "floating bead" effect. For stringing beads on thread, stay out of the sewing basket! Chances are that sewing thread won't hold up to the weight. Try a no-stretch, nylon beading thread. It comes in a variety of colors and thickness. For your heaviest beads, Kevlar is a good choice.
Selecting the right findings for your jewelry need not be a chore. With the wide variety of attractive, high-quality items available, it might even be fun!
