Rings and Things

Since I recently tried to put into words “what is a bead,” I thought I’d try this one also:  What are findings?

Hmmm, in just a few words I’d say findings are:

• Jewelry-making parts…
• The components used to make jewelry…
• Everything in your jewelry except the beads & string!

FINDINGS

“Findings” is a phrase that we jewelry-making types use, a lot, for the specialized parts you need for making jewelry out of cord & beads.  We can narrow this definition down and illustrate it by thinking about the kinds of jewelry that findings get used in:

1. Necklace findings — pretty much the parts you bring in to make your pendant or beads stay in the necklace!  (I.e. bails, more than anything.)  Clasps are necklace findings too; among the approximately 50 skidillion varieties are pearl clasps, lobster clasps, toggle clasps, and bayonet clasps.
2. Bracelet findings — like necklaces, you’re essentially looking at clasps here, if it’s the kind of bracelet where you hook the ends together.  Don’t forget leather bracelets, where cuff ends, like the awesome Tafurious line, “snap” it all together!
3. Earring findings — there are basically 2 types — those for pierced ears (so mainly ear wires, posts, and ear threads), and the ones that are for non-pierced ears (solutions like ear clips and ear cuffs).
4. Other random findings — because there are so many jeweled things to be created, there are lots more kinds of specialized findings.  I can think of: belt-buckle backs, cuff links, key rings, beadable writing pens, suspender clips, (finger) ring findings, and beadable cigarette-lighter covers off the top of my head.

Want to learn more about findings?  Go hands-on at your retail LBS (local bead store), or dive into Rings & Things for wholesale-priced findings!  Remember, you can always phone us with questions for your order; it’s 1-800-366-2156.