Speaking broadly, jewellery findings are the component parts or the materials that are used in jewellery making. However, there are different types of jewellery findings and they each serve a particular purpose, be it functional or aesthetic. If you are considering entering the world of jewellery making, it is wise to familiarise yourself with a few of the different types that you can obtain from suppliers, or recycle from old jewellery.
Functional jewellery findings are, as their name suggests, the 'mechanics' of the creation of a piece of jewellery. They are designed mainly for constructive purposes, such as linking, joining or attaching different components of a piece together. The brooch back, for example, is an assembly comprising of a joint, a catch and a pin-stem that can be attached to an item, such as a brooch, either by gluing or soldering. A catch is designed to accept and lock a top wire or even a pin-stem. Used on its own, the catch is an essential piece of equipment when making necklaces and bracelets, as it forms the closing mechanism that holds the item in place.
Earrings occasionally use a wire finding shaped like the Greek letter 'omega'. This 'omega clip' is used as a clip earring finding, pivoting in one end of a yoke or joint attached to the earring itself.
Decorative jewellery findings add an aesthetic quality to a piece of jewellery. There are countless decorative findings available, but you may commonly encounter charms, filigrees and festoons. Charms are the miniature findings that dangle from bracelets and necklaces. Often shaped to look like animals or tokens of wealth, they are usually made from gold or silver. Filigree is an ornamental form of bent wire that can be soldered into intricate designs, while festoons are usually the centrepiece of a necklace, formed by a pendant with rings on either side through which the chain can be attached.
Hybrid jewellery findings are a combination of the two, serving a mechanical function, yet adding depth or decoration to a piece at the same time. Common examples of hybrid jewellery findings include bead caps, bracelet links and locket bails. A bead cap is a metal embellishment that is placed on a bead to mask any damage that has occurred during the drilling of the bead. These can be made from filigree to add an extra layer of decoration to the piece. Bracelet links are generally made from metal and have loops at either end to link with other rings or connectors. Locket bails are bails specifically designed to connect lockets to a chain. A bail is generally oval or 'D' - shaped in design and slides onto the chain without the need for soldering. This can also referred to as clip-on bail.
There are many further types of jewellery findings that are used for a variety of purposes in the world of jewellery. The best way to research them and their uses is to develop your skills as a jewellery maker.
About the Author:
Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire,
jewellery findings
, tools, precious metal clay and precious metal sheet. For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact: Adam Hunter E-commerce Marketing Manager Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491 E-mail:
adam.hunter@cooksongold.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Types and Purposes of Jewellery Findings
|
|
12pcs 28mm ANTIQUE BRONZE FILIGREE CONNECTOR BEADS $3.00 |
|
|
Vintage Pink Filigree Encased Charms Connector Beads $0.99 |
|
|
VINTAJ BRASS FILIGREE BUTTERFLY CONNECTOR LINK BEADS /2 $4.04 |
|
|
VINTAJ BRASS ACORN LEAVES FILIGREE CONNECTOR LINK BEADS $2.57 |
|
|
VINTAJ BRASS ACORN LEAVES FILIGREE CONNECTOR LINK BEADS $2.57 |
|
|
VINTAJ BRASS DIAMOND FILIGREE CONNECTOR LINK BEADS (4) $4.32 |
|
|
2 Sterling Silver Filigree Link Earring Connector Bead $2.98 |
|
|
TBB 21 Various Metal & Filigree Beads (LISTING #1 of 4) $1.79 |
|
|
TBB 21 Various Metal & Filigree Beads (LISTING #1 of 4) $1.79 |
|
|
10 Gold Wrapped Filigree 6mm Beads Connectors Links $5.99 |
|
|
Vintage Fuchsia Filigree Encased Charms Connector Beads $6.50 |
|
|
Vintage Blue Filigree Encased Charms Connector Beads $6.50 |
|
|
Vintage Filigree Metal Wrapped Black Connector Beads $6.00 |
|
|
VINTAJ BRASS FILIGREE BUTTERFLY CONNECTOR LINK BEADS /2 $4.25 |
|
|
Vintage Purple Filigree Encased Charms Connector Beads $6.50 |
|
|
2 Sterling Silver Filigree Link Earring Connector Bead $2.98 |
|
|
VINTAJ BRASS ACORN LEAVES FILIGREE CONNECTOR LINK BEADS $2.70 |
|
|
VINTAJ BRASS DIAMOND FILIGREE CONNECTOR LINK BEADS (4) $4.55 |
|
|
10x Sterling Silver Filigree Flower Connector Bead 8.4m $3.49 |
|
|
2 Bali STR Silver FILIGREE BOX Spacer connector bead $4.69 |
|
|
Vintaj Natural Brass Diamond Filigree Connector Links 21x15mm (4) $3.55 Vintaj® Natural Brass Two Hole Diamond FiligreeConnector/Links21 x 15mm Quantity of 4 This nickel and lead-free item is made of a lovely antique style brass. Layer with other Vintaj® pieces to create earrings, bracelets & necklaces.Use as a bead wrap to create lovely and unique pieces!Measurements: 21mm Long, 15mm Wide.Quantity: You will receive 4 connectors. Check out the rest of our Vintaj®... |
|
|
Vintaj Natural Brass 4 Sided Princess Cut Filigree Connector Beads 15mm (2) $1.95 Vintaj® Natural Brass Four Sided "Princess Cut Filigree" Connector Beads15 x 15mm 1 Pair (2 Beads)This nickel and lead-free item is made of a lovely antique style brass. Link with other Vintaj® pieces to create earrings, bracelets & necklaces. Can be used as for bead wrapping!Measurements: 15 x 15mm, 1mm Thick. Quantity: You will receive 2 connector beads. Check out the rest of our Vintaj® bra... |
|
|
Antiqued Silver Plated Ornate Filigree Diamond Connector Links 21mm (4) $1.75 Antiqued Silver Plated Brass Diamond Filigree StampingConnector Links 21mm (7/8 Inch)4 ConnectorsAntiqued Silver plated brass. These connectors feature lovely vintage style filigree.Would work great in earrings or a delicate bracelet! Measurements: Each connector is 21mm Long (7/8 Inch). 15mm Wide. 1mm Thick. These beads have a defined front and back. Quantity: 4 Connector beads. ... |
|
|
Beadalon Silver Plated 3-to-1 Half Moon Filigree Connectors (Pack of 2) $5.49 Create exquisite chandelier jewelry with these lovely filigree connectors. The filigree features a lovely half moon design, great for necklaces, bracelets and chokers. |
|
|
Charming Life Sterling Silver Garnet Filigree Heart Necklace $17.49 Necklace features beautifully faceted garnet teardrop hanging from a filigree heartTwo faceted garnet beads connect a sterling silver chain to the heart pendantAdjustable chain length ensures the perfect fit for your style |
Related posts:
- Earring Connector bead Overall, the results of jewelry are the components or...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
