Beads strung on beaded threads are transformed into completed jewelry by attaching cord ends and clasps. Cord ends are available in various sizes, shapes, and designs to accommodate cords of varying diameters. Almost often, cord ends are required to connect a clasp to a piece of knotted jewelry. Clasps are also available in many sizes, shapes, and designs.
When picking cord ends and clasps for knotted jewelry projects, you must always take into account the kind and size of the cord as well as the design of the jewelry. Tiny, delicate beads strung on thin cords or threads require delicate findings. Larger beads strung on thicker threads require solid cord ends and clasps to maintain stability. Sometimes these decisions are based solely on personal preference.
Cord Ends
Before attaching a clasp to most knotted jewelry, a cord end must be linked to the cord. Different varieties of cord ends are intended to function with various cord types and sizes. Therefore, always choose the style and size of cord ends that complement the kind and diameter of the cord for optimal results.
Bead tips are utilized with cords of a tiny diameter, such as silk, nylon, and waxed linen. They serve to conceal and secure the knots at the end of the string. Three varieties of bead tips exist.
Basket bead tips look like little baskets. The knot is threaded and bonded through a hole in the “basket” of the bead tip. The “handle” of the basket is created by bending the hook of the bead tip into a loop using round-nosed pliers. This loop is linked to the clasp before it is entirely closed.
Clamshell bead tips resemble open clamshells with a hook or loop on one end. The thread passes through a hole in the shell’s joint between the cups, and the knot rests between these cups. The knot is cemented for added security, and the cups are then closed over it to conceal it entirely. Finally, the clasp is attached to the open hook or closed loop on the side of the clamshell bead tip.
With an open hook or a closed loop at the top and a pair of open cups, side-closing bead tips resemble an open locket. The wire cannot be threaded through this type of bead tip. Instead, the two cups are closed around the knot once formed. The clasp is attached to the open hook or closed loop atop the side-closing bead point.
Bullion
Bullion, often known as French wire or gimp, is a convenient substitute for a bead tip. It is a fine, flexible, coiled wire tube that is particularly excellent for dealing with silk cords and pearls. Bullion slips over the silk cord at either end of the jewelry project to protect it from damage caused by metal findings rubbing on the string.
Larger diameter cords, such as leather, satin, and waxed cotton, require crimp findings. In contrast to crimp beads, which are only used with flexible beading wire, crimp findings are attached to the ends of the cord to secure a clasp. Onto these findings are then connected rings and clasps to make the closure.
Coil crimps consist of a metal coil with a loop at one end that fits over and is adhered to circular stringing materials. On the loop end, a clasp or ring may be readily fastened. Coil crimps are available in various metal hues to complement clasps and other hardware. In addition, they come in various sizes to handle different diameters of round cable.
Fold-over crimps are U-shaped, loop-terminated metal findings. Around flat or spherical stringing material, the sides are squeezed and bonded. With jump rings, a clasp may be readily fastened to the loop end. Fold-over crimps are available in a range of metal hues to complement clasps and other components
Ribbon crimps are metal embellishments resembling jaws with a loop at one end. Some ribbon crimps are equipped with teeth, while others have smooth jaws. They are fastened onto flat stringing materials and may be bonded for additional stability.
Glue-on finishes are also known as bullet finishes, end caps, and barrel caps. This type of clasp is an excellent solution for cords with a larger diameter. They are available in some sizes to accommodate a variety of thicker cables. To add a clasp, glue the string into the end cap.
Cord Ends for Jewelry: Clasps and Rings
Most of the knotted jewelry has clasps for opening and closing. A classic necklace of knotted pearls is completed with a pearl clasp, commonly known as a fishhook clasp.
In addition to lobster claws, spring rings, and toggles, other essential clasps used to complete knotted jewelry include lobster claws, spring rings, and toggles. S-hooks, J-hooks, and magnetic clasps are more specialized clasps used to complete knotted jewelry.
Clasps are available in a wide variety of styles and patterns. Choosing a clasp for knotted jewelry depends partly on the intended use and partly on personal choice.
Barrel clasps are two-piece, screw-together clasps. This type of clasp is available in various sizes, shapes, and finishes.
Box clasps consist of a box and a tiny, pressure-fitted component that snaps into the box. In addition, some box clasps are equipped with small snap locks for further protection. This clasp works well for bracelets and necklaces. Box clasps are available in several forms, sizes, ornamental patterns, and metals, ranging from plated to precious.
J-hooks are metal pieces with rings or jump rings soldered or unattached to either end. This clasp is ideal for necklaces and is available in simple and elaborate designs. J-hooks are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and metals.
Lanyard clasps are tiny, one-piece clasps with a flexible snap closure formed like a long drop. This clasp is mainly used for identification lanyards, leather jewelry projects, and hemp macramé. Clasps for lanyards are often plated metals.
Lobster clasps are extremely popular and secure clasps commonly combined with flexible beading wire and crimp beads.
They may be utilized with virtually any clasp and stringing material to complete a jewelry piece. This claw-shaped lobster clasp is available in various sizes, patterns, and metals, from plated to precious.
Magnetic clasps consist of two halves kept together by powerful magnets. This clasp is ideal for lightweight jewelry and for anyone who has difficulty opening lobster claws or spring rings. Magnetic clasps are available in various sizes, styles, and magnetic strengths.
Pearl clasps are oval-shaped clasps with intricate filigree decorations. This sort of clasp is secured with a hook-and-snap fastening. Pearl clasps are usually crafted from precious metals, although other metals are also available.
S-hooks are metal devices with soldered rings or jump rings attached to both ends. These clasps are ideal for necklaces and are available in primary and elaborate designs. S-hooks are available in limited sizes, styles, and metals.
Spring rings have the appearance of rings with spring-loaded barrels. This clasp is typically used with flexible beading wire and crimp beads. Additionally, a spring-ring may be utilized with virtually any finding and stringing material to complete a jewelry piece. These clasps are available in many sizes and metals, ranging from plated to precious.
Toggle clasps consist of two components: a ring and a bar. The bar glides through the ring and closes by lying over it. This clasp is less secure than a lobster claw or spring ring, but it is more user-friendly. Toggle clasps are manufactured in various ornamental styles and are frequently incorporated into jewelry designs. These clasps are available in many sizes and metals, ranging from plated to precious.
Typically, tube and bar clasps include a bar and two, three, or five loops on each side. The clasp component consists of two slidable and interlocking pieces. Some versions of these clasps have a magnetic feature for increased security. The metals used to create tube and bar clasps range from plated to precious.
When fastening a clasp to a string end, rings are utilized. Various ring types are available to suit a variety of uses. Each form of the ring has a distinct function and is available in various sizes, shapes, wire gauges, and metals.
Jump rings are open, unsoldered rings that connect clasps, pendants, charms, and other components to a chain or another. The most typical shape for jump rings is round; however, they are also available in an oval form. Because jump rings are not soldered, they should not be utilized to hold a substantial amount of weight or to fasten a piece of jewelry that experiences significant wear.
Soldered rings are closed rings compatible with crimps, flexible beading wire, and numerous cord ends. Soldered rings offer the highest level of security.
Split rings are thin wire spirals in the style of a key ring that are used to firmly connect clasps and charms to chains, clasps, and other rings. Split rings are the most flexible and accessible type of ring.
