Findings is a collective term used to describe the small components that hold pieces of jewelry together. These are typically made of metal. They are an integral part of the jewelry-making process as and are something that jewelry makers buy in bulk.
If you want to know exactly what are jewelry findings, keep reading. Below, we've put together everything you need to know. And, if you're in need of wholesale silver findings for resale or your own use, check out ELF925 wholesale silver findings store.
What are findings in jewelry making?
Whether you're a jewelry-making novice, a professional gem-smith, or a wholesale reseller, findings are a crucial part of jewelry pieces that are important to understand.
You can think of findings as the foundation of a piece of jewelry. They are small pieces of metal formed into a variety of shapes and connectors and are made from a range of different materials. These include pins, hoops, wires, and beads and are used for all types of jewelry all available in different finishes.
Sterling silver findings for jewelry making, for instance, are prized by amateur and professional crafters to give structure to a piece without disrupting the finish.
The term "findings" is likely a leftover from early jewelry making when small scraps of metal were "found" around the workshop and used.
Who uses findings?
Sterling silver jewelry findings (and those of other materials) are typically used by 3 types of groups or individuals. These are:
● Crafters: From amateur hobbyists to cottage industry jewelers, findings are used by individual crafters to make homemade jewelry. One of the most common uses by crafters is bead craft, using various bail findings with beads to create beautiful designs for sale on marketplaces like Etsy.
● Professionals: It's not just the hobbyists who need findings either. These components are essential even for professionally made jewelry. Jewelry findings are made by manufacturers and professionals by machine and by hand. They are then used by jewelry makers in a variety of ways. Components come in different gauges and are chosen based on the design of the main piece.
● Wholesale findings resellers: Resellers will sell findings on to the general public and commercial enterprises for a profit. They will typically buy them in bulk and sell them on to customers including hobbyists and professionals. Resellers should keep in stock a variety of styles, colors, and types of findings so creators can find just the right component for their product. For example, gold findings are perfect for Christmas jewelry.
Types of findings?
There are thousands of different varieties of findings, with some bespoke and unique components made by handmade jewelry makers.
Ultimately, though, they can be broken down into four categories:
Earring findings
● Ear wires
● Posts
● Threads
● Chandeliers
● Clips
● Cuffs
● Jump rings
These are used to connect the earring piece to the ear. The different types of findings give not only a different look to the final piece but also fit differently on the ear. A cuff, for example, will keep the ear closer to the ear. A french hooked wire, however, will allow it to hand a little.
There are also jump rings, used to connect a hanging earring to an ear wire finding, for example.
Bracelet findings
These are functional components used to connect the two ends of a bracelet together. While these are essentially functional in nature, they are often embellished and given a quality finish of their own. Clasps connect bracelets with a hook system whereas cuff ends are used in leather and material bracelet work, pushing through and lodged.
Necklace findings
● Pearl clasps
● Lobster clasps
● Toggle clasps
● Bayonet clasps
Like bracelets, necklace findings mostly consist of clasps. As this is worn on the back of the neck, it can often be seen. This is especially so for those with shorter hair or if wearing hair up. It's important then not to neglect the importance of necklace findings. Jewelers will typically choose a fastening that fits in with the overall aesthetic of a piece, therefore with a variety of options available.
Other types of findings
● Bails
● Bell caps
● Pegs
● Link connectors
● Crimps
While these are the main types of fastenings, there are countless more to be found. These can be found on pieces like charms, bead figures, and even rings. Findings such as crimps can give necklaces or bracelets a neater finish, for example. Or bell caps and bails can be used to attach stones.
Takeaway
Whatever your project or purpose, jewelry findings are a functional and stylish way to finish jewelry. Whether you’re a jewelry maker or reseller, visit ELF925 now to explore our range of findings and wholesale jewelry.
Elf925 offers bulk discounts, fast shipping, and has a long history of providing only the very best jewelry and components to the industry.