How to Open and Close Jump Rings

Making jewelry sometimes requires using jump rings. Even if the jewelry that you make doesn't require them, it might make your life a lot easier to know how to use them.

It should be noted that jump rings can be used for connecting different parts of your jewelry, adding clasps, giving motion, and even making chains of your own. These small rings come in a wide range of sizes and are only made of a single coil of wire rather then looking like tiny key rings (these rings are known as split rings).

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jump ring of your desired size and color.
• Two pairs of pliers, which ever kind your prefer. However it is easier if both pliers have a flat section which will make it easier to hold the jump ring with.

1. Hold the jump ring in each pair of pliers (one on each side of the small slit in the ring).

2. Twist the ring toward you. It is important that you never pull the ring apart or you won't be able to get the ends to match up easily and it can cause your jewelry to fall apart.

3. Your jump ring is now open. You can attach it to the pieces you wish to connect by sliding them onto the jump ring.

4. To close your jump ring grip it in the pliers again (one on each side of the slit).

5. Close by twisting the ring back.

6. If need be carefully and gently squeeze a little to make the ends match up.

Tips & Warnings

• Be gentle. You don't want to pull it out of shape or make it look odd.
• Never pull your ring apart. This makes it very hard to make the ends match back up and is a lot more work then it would be other wise.

Resources

• Beautiful Beads and Jewelry-Your Jewelry Making Resource Website