Anklets Projects
Handmade Jewelry-Making Basics – What is a Pearl Clasp
Come up to speed faster as a jewelry designer when using correct terminology for different jewelry-making components. Locate the right findings faster, converse with suppliers intelligently and boost your credibility in the jewelry making marketplace.
What are jewelry Findings?
A jewelry components less than finished pieces are called “jewelry findings” or just “findings”.
What is a Clasps?
To connect the ends of a necklace, bracelet or anklet, you may use a jewelry clasp, toggle, s-hook or hook-and-eye closure. A jewelry clasp is different from toggles, s-hooks and hook-and-eye closures in that they provide a lock between the two ends of the jewelry by using two or more pieces. The connection is more secure than pinching an s-hook or hook-and-eye finding closer together or putting a safety chain on a toggle.
What is a Pearl Clasp?
Pearl clasps originated with pearl jewelry. Now, pearl clasps may connect a single strand or multiple strands of pearls, beads, or jewelry chain.
A pearl clasp has at least two parts – a body or “box”, plus an insert that locks into the body, sometimes called a “bracelet tongue”. The number of jump rings on the bracelet tongue should match the number of jump rings on the body — one set of rings per strand. Designs come in simple polished metal, corrugated metal, filigrees, “bullseyes” or other fancy pattern. The bracelet tongue may push directly into the body or may need to be inserted around an intermediate pin that provides some safety if the clasp becomes undone accidentally.
Some pearl clasps also have additional safety provided by a figure eight and a pin. The figure eight, which looks more like a pop bottle, attached to one side of the clasp will click over a pin fastened to the second side of the clasp.
Pearl Clasp Materials
Pearl clasps have traditionally been made of precious metals – gold, silver and platinum. In the DIY jewelry market, pearl clasps of sterling silver, gold-filled or brass plated with silver, gold, antique copper, antique brass, gunmetal, imitation rhodium and nickel are common.
Conclusion
Pearl clasps come in a wide variety of shapes, designs and prices. One who learns what pearl clasps are and how they are used will project a professional knowledge and attitude when making jewelry.
About the Author
Paul Brandon knows pearl clasps and writes for OhioBeads.com, which sells bulk jewelry chains and jewelry findings to the U.S. market.
Engineers, Fitness Experts and Shoe Designers; I could use help on a project?
I’d like to add a bit of weight to my shoes in order to work out my legs more while I at work as I am on my feet all day at work and as a mother and wifey I have NO time or money for a gym membership. Since flip flop and capri season is year round in Phoenix I’d rather not make use of unsightly ankle weights. So I had a thought…..
I typically wear rather high platform shoes. What if I cut a chunk out of the soles and filled it with lead shot, the stuff normally used as projectiles in shotguns, and sealed it over with epoxy? I have a pair of sneakers with those air pillows in the soles, do you think I could fill those with the lead shot and then invest in some cushy insoles?
I’ve used lead shot to add weight for other projects but not for shoes. Do you think it’s worth a try? Any other ideas?
I thought about making a cute anklet made with lead pellets but I don’t think it’s wise to have my skin in such close contact with lead.
I already walk to work anyway.
Filling the sole with lead shot as you propose my not be as easy as you think, because the inner sole is usually of honey comb construction where it is divided into small chambers in order to increase the strength of the sole, it may mean you have to drill a lot of holes.
The ankle bracelet idea is better I think, but don’t use lead. I suggest you use the non-precious gemstone Magnetite [lodestone], if you can find a supplier local who can get you pre-through drilled polished spheres, then you just have to thread them on a string, cord or ribbon. As a bonus you have the possible medical therapeutic benefits of the magnetite being magnetic. This combined with exercise weight just might give you a unique selling point and form a nice little business opportunity.
References:
http://tinyurl.com/2zpcvq
http://tinyurl.com/4mpjon
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