How to Attach Clasps in Jewelry-Making
Making jewelry is an artistic craft that allows room for creativity. Handmade jewelry made for men, women and children carries a fine mixture of metals, ceramic, glass, wood, stones and clay. Clasps keep each jewelry piece together, but are often difficult to attach. Adding a tight knot or metal crimp below each clasp, at the end of the handcrafted piece, will help to secure the ends.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Jewelry string
- Jewelry wire
- Metal crimp
- Flat-nose pliers
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure and cut the string or wire that will be used to make the jewelry. Add 2 extra inches to the length of the string to attach the clasps. If using a cotton or nylon string, avoid leaving frayed ends. Frayed ends will make it difficult when placing the string through the clasp hole.
-
2
Make a loop with the nylon or cotton string, and place it through the first clasp eyelet slowly. Once placed through the eyelet, pull the ends of the string through the loop, and tie a double knot. Tie the knot tightly to secure the clasp.
-
-
3
Place the wire through the clasp hole -- if using in place of string -- and fold the wire over the eyelet once through. Secure it with a metal crimp by tightly closing it over the string with flat-nose pliers. Metal crimps are available in different colors such as black, silver and gold, and can be purchased at a craft store.
-
4
Add the beads to the jewelry by stringing them through one at a time. Follow the design instructions that have been obtained or created. A remainder of 1 inch of string or wire should be left over upon completion.
-
5
Put the string or wire through the last clasp after adding the beads. Pull the string through the clasp's eyelet slowly to prevent the beads from falling. Tie jewelry strings with a knot, and close jewelry wire with a crimper, to secure the clasp. Leave an 1/8 inch below the clasp hole to give the beads some moving space.
-
6
Cut the ends of the strings using scissors, for presentation purposes. Strings can also be tucked into the other beads if desired. Wire should be cut using jewelry wire cutters.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit silver beaded image by Francois du Plessis from Fotolia.com
