What clasp should I choose for…?
- Light- to medium-weight strung jewelry: Spring rings, lobster clasps, pearl clasps, or magnetic clasps work well for most light- to medium-weight necklaces and bracelets. Choose size of clasp according to weight: very light = small clasp, medium weight = medium clasp and so on.
To attach: For very light necklaces, use bead-tips with these clasps, or for heavier pieces and bracelets, use crimp beads. For leather and thicker cord, use coil ends or fold-over crimps.
Do not use bead tips for bracelets, anklets, or any other jewelry that will be under heavier wear pressure.
- Medium- to heavy-weight strung jewelry: Toggle clasps, hook and eye clasps, and large lobster clasps work well for most medium to heavy necklaces and bracelets. Choose size of clasp according to weight: medium weight = medium clasp, heavy = large clasp.
- Multistrand necklaces: Any clasp. Choose size of clasp according to weight: very light = small clasp, medium weight= medium clasp and so on.
- Chokers: Any clasp. Choose size of clasp according to weight: very light = small clasp, medium weight = medium clasp and so on.
Easy finishing methods
- Adjuster beads work well with 1mm and 2mm cotton cording and leather. These two-hole beads are easy to use. Simply string two adjuster beads onto one cord end and tie a knot. Take the other end of your cord and string it through the second hole of both adjuster beads in the opposite direction of the first cord end. Give yourself one to two inches of slack, and tie a knot. The beads should "grip" the cord and make it possible for the wearer to slide the piece open and closed according to their needs.
- Bead tips: String this clam-shell shaped finding onto silk cord or synthetics such as Nymo and Superlon. To help make a good-sized knot, tie a knot around a seed bead that sits in the "cup" of the bead tip. Dab a little glue on the bead for extra security, then close the bead tip over the knot and seed bead (basically push the shell closed).
- Crimp beads: great with Beadalon or Tigertail. Just string on a crimp, make a loop and put the end of the loop through your crimp bead, then either flatten the crimp bead with flat-nose jewelry pliers, or use crimping pliers to create a smaller, rounded crimped bead.
For a more professional-looking finish, you may want to cover the stringing cable with french wire (bullion), and/or cover the crimp bead with a crimp cover.
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