ARCHIVED TIPS
Metric Conversion Chart, Measuring Thread and Working with Clasps, Finishing Memory Wire , Threading Beads on Leather, Multi Strand Necklaces, Bead Storage , Cleaning Beads, Beading Surface, Birthstone Colors, Cleaning Silver, Opening Jump Rings, Threads, Crimps, Choosing Pliers, ChoosingWire Cutters, Drilling Holes In Beads, All Pliers Are Not Created Equal, Keeping Track of Loose Ends, Lighting and magnification, Photographing Beads & Jewelry, Getting Odors Out of Beads, Headpin Loops, Straightening Elastic Thread, Measuring Without a Tape, Using Extra Beads, Working with Large Holed Beads, Picking Up Fallen Beads, Designing with Beard

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Jump Rings

 

Kari Bryde
Novel Approach
www.novelapproachdesigns.com

  I learned to evaluate 2 things when choosing jump rings:   

 #1 - You need to use the jump ring in the lowest gauge that will work for your piece; i.e...  

a. A ring that will be able to fit through the chain/holes in whatever your using them on
b. A ring that is appropriate thickness-wise for the style of the piece - for example: higher gauge wire for delicate pieces and lower gauge for chunky pieces (or vice versa if that's the "thing" you want to convey!))
c. A ring that is weight/strength appropriate - lower gauge rings for heavier weighted pieces.  

#2 - You need to use a ring in the smallest diameter that will work on your piece, i.e...  

a. A ring that will hold everything you are "jumping" together and allow the needed movement
b. A ring in diameter that is an appropriate balance for the style of the rest of the piece - for example: 2 large jump rings connected to the bar of a toggle clasp coming off of a chain with smaller sized links might look weird  

So, basically use the lowest guage and smallest diameter jump ring that will work in order to get the greatest strength.  I also double jump rings when I have to use a more delicate weight ring and it does help.  I am not at the soldering level yet in jewelry making so this is how I keep jump rings from being a problem.  I always keep on hand 16g/4mm rings (for chunky projects - these NEVER open up) and 20g/3mm rings (for delicate projects and I sometimes double them) - then I buy other sizes for fun and effect. I think the idea of doubling oval rings and putting the opening on opposite sides is great - will have to try that!    

 This is your magazine as much as  it is ours - Click here to email a beading tip for publication or to pose a question for a future tip.

 

 

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