One of the most common confusing terms in beading is 'findings'. These are all the metal components used in beading. The metal can vary from nickel, to sterling silver to gold. As with the metal, size and length also varies depending on the items use.



Head pins are pins that have a flat section at one end. These pins are commonly used to pass beads onto to make earrings, charm bracelets and necklaces. The flat section prevents the beads from falling off the pin. They look a little a fine nail. The non flat ended side is then curled into an 'eye' which you can attach onto other pins or clasps. There are some head pins that have an ornate shape such as an arrow or flower in place of the flat end. These serve the same purpose.

Eye pins are pins that have a curled end, into a small loop, leaving the other end free to pass beads through. Once all beads are passed through, the other end can then also be curled into a small loop. You can then join these small loops to other eye pins , making a series or chain of beaded eye pins. These are very common in bracelets, necklaces or earrings.

Jump rings are round loose little loops that are used to link other findings together. The diameter of the jump rings vary vastly as do their purpose. They can be used as a decorative piece on an elaborate item of jewellery or to link clasps, charms or spacers. Some jump rings are completely circular and cannot be opened others have a slice through one side that can be opened to adjust the size of the jump ring depending on its purpose.

Split rings are very similar to jump rings. They are small loops that loop over a couple of times making them look like little keyrings. They are used as an alternative to jump rings. They are more suited for heavy linking than jump rings as they do not open up as easily as jump rings. Perfect for linking bracelets clasps.

Parrot clasps are commonly used for necklaces and bracelets, though you can use them for much more like bag charms. They get their name for their look; they look like the beak of a parrot.

Lobster clasps are used the same as parrot clasps though they look more like the pincers on a lobster and that's how they get their name.

Barrel clasps resemble a tiny barrel, giving them their name. They are clasps that come in two parts that screw into each other. Each side of the clasps attaches to either side of the bracelet or necklace. They can be attached using eye pins, jump rings, split rings or tiger tail wire.

Toggle Clasps are clasps with 2 components to them. One side has a long bar (can be ornate) and the other side is a looped shape, which can be a circle, heart or other. To connect the clasp you pass the bar through the looped shaped, clasping the 2 parts together.

Tiger Tail is a soft bendable wire, coated with synthetic. Though you can bend it, it does not hold its shape. It is used instead in place of thread or fishing line, to thread beads onto. You cannot tie the ends of tiger tail together, and so need to crimp off the ends.

Crimps are used to prevent the beads from falling off the threading material. They are tiny little hollow balls or tubes. You pass them through the tiger tail or other threading material and squash them together with pliers to prevent them from coming off, and holding the beads in place.

Charlotte crimps serve the same purpose as regular crimps, only they are more elaborate and give jewellery are neater finish. They have two small round sides joined together to give them the appearance of an oyster shell. There is a small hole between the to sides. Tiger tail or other thread is passed through this hole and a crimp or knot is used at the tip of the threading material. The knot or crimp is then placed into the 'oyster shell' and the two sides are closed together hiding it, giving it a neat finish. The charlotte crimps also have a hook attached that is used to join them onto clasps, jump rings or other findings.

Ear hooks are the hooks attached to earrings that you pass through the pierced section of an earlobe. They are otherwise known as Shepherd Hooks as the hook shape that goes through the ear looks like the hook on top of a shepherd staff. There is a loop at one end onto which you attach and eye pin, head pins or chain to form an earring.

Bead Caps are used as either decoration or as protection for the bead. They are cup like and can be plane or ornate. They are threading around the bead, cupping it.

This is a basic list that should be enough to get you going. At least you are now equipped with the more common items. The list really is endless. I will be submitting a follow up so stay tuned!