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Defining findings for beading. by Terri Batsakis..
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.
One of the most common confusing terms in beading is 'findings'. These are all the metal components used in beading. The metal can vary from nickel, to sterling silver to gold. As with the metal, size and length also varies depending on the items use.
Head pins are pins that look a little like a fine nail. They have a long wire with a flat top on one end. The flat section can also be replaced by other shapes such as stars or hearts. That end is used to prevent the beads from sliding off the pin. Once all the required beads have been threaded onto the wire, the head pin, the non-flat end is then curled into a loop or 'eye' using round nosed pliers. It is onto this eye we attach other pins, clasps, chain etc when beading.
Eyepins are very much like head pins. The difference is eye pins don't have a flat end. Instead they have an 'eye' at one end. You pass the beads through the pin just like with a head pin, and then curl the blunt end once again. These are used more as joiners, making longer earrings or necklaces.
Jump rings are little circle of metal, a bit like rings. They are used to join other findings together, such as clasps, chain or charms. Some are completely round with no break, others contain a break. The ones that contain the break can be adjusted for size.
Split rings look like little keyrings. Very similar to jump rings they are used for the same purpose as jump rings only are much stronger as they have a double loop.
Parrot Clasps are clasps shaped in the form of a parrot's beak, hence the name. They are perfect for all sorts of jewellery making from bracelets, to necklaces, to bag charms.
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 are clasps with 2 sides. Each side is attached to either side of the necklace or bracelet and clasp together by screwing into each other. They attach by using 'eye's found on either end of the clasps. Their name also comes from their appearance, as they look like barrels.
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 are also used to prevent beads from falling off. They provide a cleaner finish. They are shaped like oyster shells with a little hook on it. There is a little hole though the join of the 2 sides of the 'shell' parts. It is through this hole that you pass the thread item. You then crimp the end using a normal crimp, which you then sit into the 'shell'. You then close the 2 sides together and attach to clasp or other findings by curling the hook.
Ear Hooks or Ear Wires, are what earrings are made with. The hook is the part that goes through the piercing in the earlobe. They are also commonly known as Shepherd Hooks and are so because they look like a shepherd's staff. They also have an 'eye' end, to which you attach the decorative part of the earring.
Bead Caps are used as either decoration or as protection for the bead. They are cup like and can be plane or ornate. They are threading around the bead, cupping it.
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.
Author Terri Batsakis explains what various silver findings are known as and their function, making it easier to understand beading patterns in magazines. This information that will also make is easier when purchasing beads, even if you are just a beginner.
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Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Defining-findings-for-beading-/168839
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