Jewellery Jargon: Findings
Findings – what does it all mean?
Findings – a word used in beadwork and jewellery making, that may sound confusing in descriptions or statements. This post will hopefully help you to understand what the items I mention actually are and how I use them in my designs. I have other Jewellery Jargon posts and you might find clasp styles helpful.
Wire guardians, Wire protectors
Beading wire and threads can be damaged by wear and tear from clasps and other components.
Wire guardian are little horseshoe-shaped tubes through which beading wire or thread is passed. The arched section is open on one side for ease of threading. The solid sections protect the wire from wear on clasps or connectors.
French wire, Bouillon, Gimp
I may use Bullion or French wire on some designs. It provides a similar protection but is more supple and flexible. It looks like a little soft spring and is available in different size tubes.
French wire is often used to attach a clasp to pearl strands to protect the silk thread.
Crimp beads, Crimp covers
Crimp beads are hollow round or tubed beads which are crimped into place to secure beading wires.
The crimp covers are round beads that have an open seam and when positioned over the original crimp it is closed along its seam. This provides a neat appearance and protect delicate clothing. Squashed crimps without covers may have sharp edges that catch on clothing or scratch skin.
Charlottes, Bead-tips, Clamshell knot concealers
Beads tips, knot covers, clamshells, and calottes are names of covers used to hide crimped beads, the knots in thread and cord and some are used to finish ball chain designs.
Bead tip variations include bottom clamp with double closed loops like pictured, but also side clamp, single loop, open loop, and may be plain or decorative (ladybugs, turtles, flowers etc)
This collage shows how all these elements come together to create a neat look which protects the wire and the beads. The crimping pliers pictured have two groove sections in the jaw. The rear groove creates a “half-moon” or folds the crimp bead onto the wire (top right photo) and the front section rolls the crimp bead into shape (middle left and centre photos). The rolled crimp bead can be left in that state, or finished with a crimp cover (remainder of photos) creating a neat and protective finish.
Do you have any suggestions or requests for information on other terminology that you are unsure of.
I would love to hear from you
I have a fabulous range of original and unique one-of-a-kind pieces currently available in my online store or you can contact me to arrange a custom made piece – just for you.
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