Styles of findings can be thought of in terms of what kind of jewelry each is used in. (Note that Rings & Things offers so many findings that not all of them show up in the "Findings" category of our online store; you'll find many more in the "Chain, Cable & Cord" category, for example.)
Earring findings can be divided into those used for pierced-ear earrings (primarily ear wires, ear threads, and posts), and those used in non-pierced earrings.
Necklace findings include both the stringing materials (ranging from various kinds of chain to specialized beading wire (cable) and cords) and any parts used to affix beads or charms and pendants to the necklace. (Mainly bails are used for this.) Another key type of necklace finding is clasps, which appear in numerous types including toggle clasps, lobster clasps, spring-ring clasps, pearl clasps, and more. Connectors and links are also highly popular findings for necklaces (as well as for other uses).
Bracelet findings include both stringing materials (forms that decorative items can be fastened onto, and specialized bracelet chains cut to the proper length) and clasps used to fasten the ends of the bracelet together. (See the necklace findings section for more about both.) To be included in the category of bracelet findings are leather cuff ends, which "snap" together. You can also buy a variety of other bracelet forms, including bangles, cuffs, magnetic-clasp cable bracelets and disk-and-loop and square-and-loop bracelets.
Miscellaneous other findings are found in countless varieties, reflecting the infinite range of jewelry-making possibilities. Among these are cuff link findings, shoe-clip findings, suspender clips, beadable bookmarks, beadable pens (for writing), and lighter covers (for cigarette lighters), to name only a few. (Note: check our site often for new beadable findings!)
There are many suppliers of jewelry findings. Some suppliers are the classic retail "local bead stores" (LBS). Others are wholesale companies that sell via catalogs, online, or both, like Rings & Things, where you're reading this right now! We supply local bead shops, so if you're an LBS, click here to apply for our Bead Store program!
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