Beading Findings Explained: Jump Rings, Clasps, Crimps—What You Actually Need

Beading Findings Explained: Jump Rings, Clasps, Crimps—What You Actually Need

Beading Findings Explained: Jump Rings, Clasps, Crimps—What You Actually Need

Beading is fun until you hit the “tiny metal parts” wall. Jump rings? Crimps? Head pins? It can feel like you need a whole hardware store just to finish one bracelet.

You don’t. Most beginner projects only need a small set of findings—especially if you start with stretch cord. This guide explains the most common findings in plain English, what each one does, and what you actually need to buy first (without overbuying).

1) What Are “Findings”?

Findings are the small metal components that help you:

  • connect pieces

  • add a clasp

  • secure stringing wire

  • attach charms

  • make finished ends look clean

Think of them as the “fasteners” of jewelry.

2) The Essential Findings (Beginner Must-Know)

Jump Rings

Small metal rings that connect components (like a clasp to a chain).

Used for: attaching clasps, charms, connectors
What to know:

  • “Open” jump rings twist sideways (like opening a keyring, but sideways), not pulled apart.

Beginner tip: Buy two sizes:

  • small (for delicate connections)

  • medium (for attaching clasps/charms)

Clasps

The closure that lets you put jewelry on and take it off.

Common beginner clasp types

  • Lobster clasp: secure, most common

  • Toggle clasp: easy to use, stylish

  • Magnetic clasp: very easy, but can be less secure for heavy pieces

Beginner tip: Lobster clasps are the safest starting choice.

Crimp Beads / Crimp Tubes

Tiny metal beads/tubes that clamp down on beading wire to secure the end.

Used for: finishing necklaces/bracelets made with wire (not stretch cord)
You’ll need: crimp beads/tubes + crimping pliers (or flat pliers in a pinch)

Beginner tip: Crimp tubes are often easier to crimp neatly than round crimp beads.

Beading Wire (Stringing Wire)

Flexible wire (often coated) used for necklaces/bracelets that need structure.

Used for: gemstone strands, heavier beads, polished finished jewelry
Not needed for: stretch bracelets

Beginner tip: Start with one “medium” wire option and learn on simple designs.

Bead Tips / Clamshells (Optional but nice)

Tiny “shell” ends that hide knots and create a clean finish.

Used for: knotting techniques or finishing thread/string
Beginner note: useful, but not essential at the very beginning.

3) Helpful Extras (Only If You Make Certain Projects)

Head Pins

Straight pins with a flat or ball end.

Used for: making dangles, earrings, charm drops

Eye Pins

Pins with a loop at one end.

Used for: linking beads together into small chains

Chain Extenders

Small chain pieces added to adjust length.

Used for: making necklaces/bracelets more flexible in sizing

Split Rings

Like tiny key rings.

Used for: stronger attachments than jump rings (great for keychains/charms)

4) What You Actually Need (By Project Type)

If you’re making stretch bracelets

You only need:

  • stretch cord

  • beads

  • scissors

  • optional: bead needle

  • optional: tiny drop of clear-drying glue

✅ Findings needed: none (no clasps, no crimps)

If you’re making clasp bracelets/necklaces (wire-based)

You need:

  • beading wire

  • crimp tubes

  • clasp

  • jump rings

  • optional: wire guardians or bead tips (nice but not required)

✅ Minimal findings set: jump rings + clasp + crimp tubes

If you’re making charm keychains / zipper pulls

You need:

  • split rings (best) or jump rings

  • charms

  • optional: lobster clasp (for zipper pull)

✅ Minimal findings set: split rings + (optional) lobster clasp

5) The Best Beginner “Do Not Overbuy” List

If you want the simplest starter set, buy:

✅ Jump rings (2 sizes)
✅ Lobster clasps (a small pack)
✅ Crimp tubes (only if you’re using beading wire)
✅ Split rings (if you’re making keychains/charms)

That’s it. Everything else can wait until you know your favorite projects.

6) Basic Tools (Keep It Minimal)

To work with findings, you’ll want:

  • small pliers (needle-nose)

  • cutters (for wire)

  • optional: crimping pliers (nice upgrade)

Beginner tip: Two small pliers make opening/closing jump rings much easier.

Final Thought

Findings don’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re starting with stretch bracelets, you can skip most of them. If you want clasp jewelry, focus on three essentials: jump rings, clasps, and crimps. Build your collection slowly—based on the projects you actually make.

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