Spotlight Saturday: Jump Rings

Jump rings are used in just about every project but finding the right one can be tough.  I think it helps to have all different sizes and colors on hand for comparison.  Why use the wrong size when you don't have to.  Sometimes it can feel like you are Goldilocks, trying ring after ring... but you'll know when it's right.  When a project calls for a lot of jump rings, like chain maille or the Carmela Necklace, the jump ring opener can be a valuable tool.  Worth it's weight in gold, you might say.

Featured Video: How to use Beadsmith's Jump Ring Opener

The Beadsmith's jump ring opener is such a convenient tool to help you open and close jump rings while keeping your hand free.  It can also replace the need for a second pair of pliers in some cases.  It will help to steady jump rings so they don't go flying across the room.  

Featured Project:  Carmela Necklace

Shown here is the center piece of the Carmela Necklace.  It is comprised of gold plated oval connectors and gold plated jump rings.  Jump rings are what brought this idea to life.  They were the perfect little connecting tools to use as building blocks in this piece.

Featured Product:  Jump Rings

There are many varieties of jump rings. Because many jump rings are so inexpensive you can always have extra in your jewelry storage. When choosing the right jump ring, pay attention to the gauge of the jump ring as well as the size. When looking at gauge the higher the gauge number, the thinner the jump ring. For example, a jump ring that is 18 gauge is much thicker than a jump ring that is 22 gauge. This also applies to wire and other findings. See our handy wire gauge guide in our Techniques & Guides section on our website. There are a lot of helpful tools there.