Ending strands and attaching clasps - what do you use?

[SunflowerStudiosJewelry]

Let's say you string a project on tigertail/accuflex/whatever, how do you end the strand and attach the clasp?

I always finish with a crimp bead and Wire Guardian [with the wire going back through the crimp bead and the next few beads], then a split ring, then the clasp.

One of my best customers [my mother, lol] insists that split rings are hideous and unprofessional-looking.

So should I use jump rings instead? I worry about them being strong/sturdy enough!

Also, in most of the designs I see in magazines, the strand is directly attached to the clasp! This to me seems foolish: what if your customer wants a different clasp, or what if the clasp breaks? [This is also why I'm not sure I want to use soldered jump rings]

What are your opinions/techniques?

[Luann Udell]

I attach the strand to a closed jump ring.  I attach clasps with sturdy open oval jump rings.  The opening is on the side of the oval, so less chance of the strand pulling through.  If the gauge on the jump ring is big enough, it will be strong enough for most designs.  And it allows for a clasp change.

You could use a closed jump ring on both ends, for that matter, then use open jump rings on both ends--that would let you switch out even to a toggle clasp, using oval jump rings to attach new findings at both ends...

I quit using split rings because they rotate and the rough ends always caught in my hair or clothing.  I don't know if they're hideous or unprofessional, but I have to admit, I just don't like the way they look anymore.  

If customers want a different clasp and I've made the necklace so it can't be easily switched, I make it very easy for them to put in a special order for the same design with different clasp,  with free shipping if that's what it takes to get them to commit.

And I know it sounds boring, but I try to keep my clasp/closure options to a minimum.  I've learned you can't please everyone, and trying to have "something for everyone" drove me nuts.  It's better for me to keep the creativity in the design itself and streamline my closure process.  (Well THAT sentence sounded odd....)

[SunflowerStudiosJewelry]

Hmmm, 88 views but only 1 reply? I was kinda hoping this to be more of a poll question than just asking for help... 

Tyvm for your answer, Luann. I, too, have had unpleasant experiences with hair getting caught in a split ring, ouch! 

My main concern was about the sturdiness of a jump ring, because when I use split rings, I can literally hold one end of a necklace or bracelet in each hand and pull *hard* and the piece won't come apart. 

But I now see that using a higher-gauge oval jump ring would be a great substitute, so thank you! 

[Polly]

Luann covered just about everything that I would say.

Oval jump rings, the heaviest gauge that fits with your design, are a very good choice.
For some designs, you can also use 2 round jump rings (parallel to each other).  This gives a chain-mail effect, while making connection points more durable.

I used to recommend split rings, but have also decided that they pull out hair too often (ouch).  They might still be a good choice for anklets, but not for necklaces.

There are some designs where you actually want the jump rings to be able to pull apart when tugged hard enough.
ID badge holders that need to get worn around troubled patients, or heavy/spinning machinery, should have a decent break point, to prevent the wearer from being injured when their ID badge is pulled into something.

[Luann Udell]

Oh, Polly beat me to it!  Yes, when jewelry catches on something, you want the earring to pull apart, not the ear lobe!!  :^)