Clasps, Tools and Findings for Stringing, Design & Jewelry Making, Beads by Mail
FREE ... Every bead order includes FREEBEES--$5, $10, up to $20 worth OF MORE BEADS!
FREE Beads!
Every bead order includes FREEBEES--a selection of findings and beads that will coordinate iwth your order. Our way to say "THANK YOU!"
Sparkling Rose-Design Toggle with Swarovski Crystal
This is a very pretty toggle clasp in a delicate rose design with crystal AB, amethyst, or sapphire swarovski crystal that will spark up your bracelet anklet or necklace! Sterling plated with a slight antique finish, won't tarnish, the circle is 16mm and the bar is 24mm, just the right size for easy manipulation. The photo is enlarged to show detail. Crystal ab, amethyst, or sapphire toggle, $3.70 each, 4 for $11.99 save 20%.
FUN! Stretch Bracelet for Creating Your Own Design!
Here's a way to get creative. Simply add your own dangles to the loops on this well made stretch bracelet. You smarty you! There are 90 loops but many will be hidden by your added dangles. One size fits all. Half an inch wide. The illustrated instructions for making this bracelet are at Beads by Mail's Bracelets How-To page. The beads shown in the design are at our Czech beads page. Stretch cuff with loops, silver color, $8.99 each.
Beautiful Gold & Pearl Clasp
This is a beautiful vermeil clasp, heavily plated in 18k gold over sterling, with a delicate floral motif of pearls, delicate looking but very strong. It's pretty enough to show off in the front of your 2 or 3 strand necklace. It would look stunning with 3 strands of matching freshwater pearls. You can easily adapt it to a single strand if you retain the center loop & remove the 2 outside loops. The "tongue" fits invisibly and is very secure. Size 32mm long, 20mm wide (about 1.3 inches long). Vermeil pearl clasp, $22.99 each, 4 for $78.00 save 15%.
Is Copper the New Silver?
Beautiful, well made copper (solid no plating) clasps, earwires, headpins to try with glass, stone, or
cloisonne beads! These colors will flatter and give you an original design. The toggle clasps are 18mm - 25mm, the
headpins are 2.5" with 4 little balls on the end, and the earwires are very pretty, about an inch with
a coil and a fancy bead. Copper toggle clasps, any shape, 3 sets $5.50. Copper headpins, 4 pair $6.00. Copper earwires, 2 pair for $2.99.
Copper crimps 2mm, 30 for $1.50. Sample pack of 2 toggles, 2 pair headpins, 2 pair earwires, 10 crimps, $7.99. 7-strand satin copper stringing wire,
$8.99 for 30 feet.
Neat Sterling Pretzel Design Component
This is a very pretty an d useful sterling design element, with loops at both ends, and granulation on the ribs, in a kind of pretzel twist. You can see how I added it to the design of the delicate chain necklace--I attached Swarovski drops to it. That idea would make a lovely earring as well. Hand made in Israel. 22mm long. Sterling pretzel with loops, $4.50 each.
Sample Bag of Copper Findings
Here's a great way to find out if you like the look of glowing copper in your designs. A baggie containing 10 shepherd hook style earwires, 10 headpins with ball decor on end, 6 toggle clasps, a shake of crimps. Copper sample bag, $16.99, save some.
Design Idea!
This sterling 3-loop dangler will look super with briolettes or any beads attached to the loops. It is 1.5" long and the easiest creative piece for your necklaces. Made in the US. Sterling 3-loop necklace piece, $7.99 each.
Basics of Bead Stringing, Invaluable for How To
This invaluable handbook covers most every technique needed to string beads, including knotting, memory wire, wire work, crimping, and has many color photos of designs for necklaces, bracelets & earrings. It's a real value for the price! Get it for half price with the Parts Pak or the Bead Board Special! (see below) Basics of Bead Stringing, $12.99 per copy.
Getting Started with Beads Kit
Beginning beaders keep ordering this kit, and they value the time it saves and the easy way they can make their own jewelry with it.
Your Getting Started Kit contains:
- Chain nose pliers, one pair, $13.99 value.
- Quarter Pounder, about 150-200 glass beads, $14.99 value. See photo at top of page for typical assortment--yours may vary.
- 4mm spacer beads, sterling 100 beads, $10.00 value.
- Beadalon 7, 30-foot spool, $3.50 value.
- Sterling crimps, 20, $2.99 value.
- 4 eyeglass leash holders value $2.99
- Silverplated lobster claw clasps, 4 clasps with rings, $2.99 value.
- 2 magnetic clasps, silver.
- Earring findings for 3 pair earrings, $5.00 value, silver.
- Earring findings for 2 pair earrings, $5.00 value, copper.
- One bead board, $9.00 value.
- 3 feet of black leather cord, 1mm, value $2.99.
- Special Bonus, Free Gift worth at least $8.00 or more!
Special offer: Getting Started with Beads Kit
Everything you Need Only $54.99!
(a $70.00 value if purchased separately)
Sheer Neck Ribbon with Clasp
Always useful, these "scarves" are narrow, crushable legths of chiffon with a chain and lobster clasp to close in back.
The red and black ones have a silvertone bead with loop so you can attach a pendant, which is very handy.
The white one is plain. Some large hole beads, like our Venetians etc. can be strung right on the scarf.
Length adjustable 17" to about 19". The width of the ribbon is 3/4" (white) to 1-1/4" (black, red).
Ribbon neck finding, $5.00 each.
NEW, Extend your Design Ideas with our Parts Pak® Values and SAVE up to $25!
You'll create many new ways to design with the findings in our new Parts Pak®. We've made it easy for
you to try a variety of earring, bracelet, and necklace findings. Let your creativity loose on these sterling
silver and high quality plated parts. Here's a list of what's in your PartsPak.
If purchased separately from us, you'd pay about $63.00. None of the findings in the Parts Pak are included in the
Starter Kit except the lobster clasp and the crimps, which you can always use.
Contents may differ slightly from the list.
Sterling findings:
- 4 Sterling earring clutches
- 2 sets, heart and bar toggle clasp
- 6, 7mm split rings
- 6, 2" eyepins
- 4, 2-hole spacer bars
- 2 sterling toggle clasps (ring & bar)
- 6 sterling shepherd hook earwires
Variety of included metal or plated findings:
- 10, 5mm silvertone jump rings
- 8, 6mm goldtone split rings
- 10, 3" goldtone eyepins
- 6 quilted silvertone 4-loop spacer bars
- 4 silvertone lobster claw clasps with ring
- 6 silvertone clip ear findings with loop & 6mm ball
- 8 silvertone post with pad for earring back
- 8 sterling silver plated European leverback earring findings
- about 10 sterling silver crimps (crimpers)
AND you get ... a 30 foot spool of Beadalon 7.
As stated above, if you purchased all this separately (and if you are enjoying your jewelry making time, you probably would need most of what is in this Parts Pak eventually), it would cost over $63.00. WE ARE OFFERING IT FOR THE UNHEARD OF SPECIAL PRICE OF $42.00 which is a 33% savings for YOU! In addition if you also want to order either one of our extremely popular and useful books, we will include:
Basics of Bead Stringing, an $11.00 value, for $6.50,
Your total savings $25.00! You can order with our Shopping Cart, or call 800-572-7920. But hurry so you can start designing with these useful helpers soon!
35% off! Special Bead Board Package Deal!
Professional Bead Board, PLUS
The Basics of Bead Stringing, PLUS
A really good pair of chain nose pliers, AND a 30-foot spool of Beadalon!
This is a real money saver! The four items you cannot do without if you are going to make jewelry:
- the bead board accommodates up to a 34" necklace design, we like the way this one has several "wells" for those clasps, rings, regular price $9.00;
- the Basics of Bead Stringing book, 83 pages jampacked with designs, ideas, optional endings, knotting, table of clasps and accessories, and more! Regularly $11.00;
- chain nose pliers, very high quality tool, regular price $13.99;
- and a spool of strong flexible Beadalon for stringing all your bracelets, anklets, and necklaces, regular price $7.50.
Tools
Pliers
The single most important tool in the jewelry designer's box is a needlenose (or chain nose) pliers. The one pictured at left is inexpensive and very well made as well as comfortable in the hand. This pliers is all you need for 95% of the tasks. Chain nose pliers, $13.99.
Many jewelers swear by round-nose pliers for making links and turning loops. True, you can get more perfect round shapes with a round-nose, but it is not very good for gripping the work, which you need to do quite frequently. You may actually mar the piece you are trying to grip if you use a round nose pliers. However if you are doing wirewinding they are indispensable. Round-nose pliers $13.99.
If you do a lot of work with jump rings you need two pliers. Get a needlenose and a round-nose.
Thread Nipper
You also need a tool to cut cords. In making jewelry, as in any other job,
using the right tools saves a lot of time and effort. For trimming fine threads you need a nipper that can get into very
small spaces and make a clean cut without "sawing". Thread nipper, $13.99.
Organizing Small Parts is Important
These clear zip-top baggies will help you keep your tiny items organized and clean. Two sizes.
- 2" x 3", on the left, 2 dozen (24) for $1.29.
- 2" x 2", on the right, 100 for $2.79.
NEW! Vermeil Toggle with Garnet
Vermeil is sterling that has been covered in 14k gold for a rich look at a
great price. This toggle's bar has small garnet cabochons on each end. It is
pretty enough to wear in the front of your necklace. The loop is 15mm & the
bar is 25mm.
Toggle clasp with garnet cabs, $16.00 each set.
Hand Braided Faux Leather Cord for Creating Unique Designs
This fine quality leather cord is 1mm in diameter & fits through most beads that have larger holes.
You can also attach pendants to it for instant jewelry ready to wear. We use it frequently, and you don't need
a clasp, just knot it at the length you like. Leather stringing cord, 2 yards for $3.99.
Sterling Add-A-Bead Hoops Hand Made
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| We have had many requests for this earring. There are 7 loops for adding beads or other charms. The loops are spaced nicely around the hoop. What's nice is that you can change the choice of beads on the hoops so easily! The hoop wire itself has a square shape about 2mm thick. 27mm diameter. Earring clutches not included. Made in the USA. We also feature a similar design with 9 loops and an integral post and clutch, measuring 1.25" in diameter. The hoop is 2mm sterling round wire. The wonderful colorful "fiesta" style uses Venetian millefiore with Austrian crystals in aqua and topaz. Takes about 1 hr. to make a pair. And they are the most comfortable style of earrings to wear! Sterling add a bead hoops, with 7 loops, $17.99 per pair. Hoops with 9 loops and earpost included, $22.00 per pair. |
Yes We Have Beadalon Stretchy Elastic Cord for Stringing!
The stretchy elastic cord is clear so we can't show a picture of it. It's 0.5mm (half a millimeter) thick which means it goes through all beads except freshwater pearls which have tiny holes. You need about 10 inches for a 7-inch bracelet. Stretch elastic cord, $2.50 for 2 yards--enough for 5 bracelets.
Is Copper the New Silver?
Beautiful, well made copper (solid no plating) clasps, earwires, headpins to try with glass, stone, or
cloisonne beads! These colors will flatter and give you an original design. The toggle clasps are 18mm - 25mm, the
headpins are 2.5" with 4 little balls on the end, and the earwires are very pretty, about an inch with
a coil and a fancy bead. Copper toggle clasps, any shape, 3 sets $5.50. Copper headpins, 4 pair $6.00. Copper earwires, 2 pair for $2.99.
Sample pack of 2 toggles, 2 pair headpins, 2 pair earwires, $7.99.
Memory Wire Bracelets are the Easiest to Make & Enjoy
Left you see examples of memory in use. It is so easy to work with, and you can switch your
bead combinations around with no trouble. Plus a package is so inexpensive, no need to
worry about mistakes. 75 loops per package, with easy instructions included.
Bracelet size memory wire, $13.99 per one-ounce package.
Glue--We Don't Ship It--Visit Your Craft or Hardware Store
You need to experiment with different types of glue to find the brand you like best. You want one that sets fast but not too fast. You definitely want one that glues metal to other surfaces, and one that glues uneven surfaces. We don't sell glue because it doesn't mail well. You can find all kinds of glue at a craft store, hobby shop, or hardware store.
- Hot glue is great but tends to change with the ambient temperature. If the glue gets too cold, it will fail. Best for gluing large items. Sets very quickly.
- Epoxy is probably the best for most projects, but some types set too quickly. Also some of the stronger epoxies require careful use if you don't want your fingers glued to your face! Any hardware store has various selections of epoxy. Craft stores carry a wide selection as well. E6000 is very popular with jewelers: it sets slow enough to allow you to change your design, yet is very strong and you can manipulate it with your fingers.
Toggle Clasps & Other Styles For Every Budget
These clasps are different and priced so you can try them
Left, sterling--a wavy heart shaped loop with a bar. The heart is about 14mm, the bar is 20mm and all edges are smoothly finished. Sterling heart toggle clasp, $2.99 each, 4 for $9.99.
Copper over Pewter Toggle Clasp
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| Just what you may have been looking for--a copper-finished toggle clasp. This one is very nicely done, the loop is 9mm and the bar is 12mm. You will be very pleased with the performance of this clasp. Photo slightly enlarged. Copper toggle clasp, $4.50 each, 5 clasps for $19.00 save! |
Sterling Toggle Clasp Great for Bracelets
Attractive hand made rope edge toggle clasp in solid sterling. Loop is 12mm, bar is 22mm. Toggle clasp, $5.50 for the 2 pieces.
Teapot Toggle Clasp-Sterling
Your bracelet will cheer you up every time you look at this clasp. A sterling teapot with an opening into which a spoon bar fits. Very secure. 13mm x 16mm. Sterling teapot toggle clasp, $6.50 for the 2 pieces.
Tiny Toggle Clasp, Sterling
| This is probably our best value in a toggle clasp, works so well for either bracelet or necklace. We have found some of a much higher quality sterling, stronger gauge, and note the toggle has a little bump on each end to secure it inside the loop. This toggle clasp is fine for either bracelets or necklaces. Made in the USA. 10mm loop, 12mm bar. Tiny toggle clasp, 2 sets for $2.75. Buy 10 clasps for $9.99 & save 35%. |
Lobster Claw Clasp
Shown above are nickel-plated lobster claw clasps that work very well with bracelets as well as necklaces. Lobster claws are "one-handed" clasps, so they are good for bracelets. They come prepackaged with a split ring or tag for a very secure closure. Also available in gold plated finish. 12mm. 4 lobster claw clasps, specify goldtone or silver plate, $2.99.
Eyeglass Leash Keepers
If you are making a leash for eyeglasses these are what you need. They are called
eyeglass keepers. Keepers, 2 pair for $2.49.
Findings
Findings are the indispensable metal or plastic parts such as earwires, necklace and bracelet clasps, jump rings, ear posts, and so on that enable you to wear your bead designs.
Metals Commonly Used in Jewelry Manufacture
Almost any finding comes in the following metal:
- base metal (brass/copper alloy)
- gold-plated
- nickel-plated
- rhodium-plated
- plated in sterling silver
- plated in gold
- sterling silver
- 14 or 18 karat gold
No matter what your jewelry design idea, there is probably a finding to hang it, loop it, set it, or link it. The problem is how to find the finding! Many jewelers create their own.
The illustrations below are a starting guide to help you identify the most basic findings in frequent use.
Take a look through your jewelry box to identify some findings you already own. It's also interesting to visit the costume jewelry counters at a department store to look at the variety of findings used in making necklaces, pins, various styles of earrings, and bracelets. You'll see a lot of gold plated and nickel/rhodium plated clasps, links, and jumprings.
Earring Findings
Headpin
The photo above at left shows headpins. A headpin is a straight piece of stiff wire with a flat or other-shape head at one end. You string beads on it and then turn a loop at the open end with your pliers to make an earring drop or pendant. Headpins come in various lengths, from one inch to 4 inches. Two inch headpins are a good length. Price reduced. 20 two-inch long headpins, silver plated, no nickel, $1.99.
Eyepin
Eyepins
are like headpins only with a loop at the end. You need these for attaching
dangles. Ours are a very high quality silverplated 2-inch length. These are also
handy for attaching clasps and wiring beads. 20 two-inch long eyepins, silver plated, no nickel, $1.49.
Sterling Headpin
You also need sterling headpins, 2" long, 24 gauge wire, 20 (10 pair) for $4.25. (These are the ones in the photo.) If you want eyepins, they are same price & size, please indicate that choice in the shopping cart special instructions box.
Shepherd crook earring
Shown left are sterling silver shepherd hook ear wires.
Very light, they add a lot to your designs. Sterling earwires, 4 pair $2.99.
Gold Fill Earring Finding
Clip with loop
This clip with loop is for unpierced ears. It has a half ball that fits on the earlobe.
You can open the loop with pliers and hang your earring dangle. These are very comfortable and
secure. 4 pair (8 clips) clip with loop, silverplate, $2.49.
Bead Design Board
This bead board is an indispensable and wonderful way to design necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, as well as a great place to keep your current projects. It has inch markings around the curved "trough" for laying out your beads and arranging them, up to a 34-inch length. Smooth gray flocked surface. Includes free instructions. Bead board, $9.99 each.
CRIMPS for securing the clasp to the strand!
If you string necklaces and bracelets with Beadalon or Tigertail, a very strong yet supple material with a monofilament wire core in a smooth covering, you need crimps to fasten it at the ends. 2-mm crimp beads (sterling silver or copper) are 20 for $1.50. 14K Goldfill crimps, in 14k goldfill, are 10 for $1.99.
We show only a few of the wide variety of clasps for necklaces and bracelets. Of course the simplest way to close a necklace is to tie a knot. This works well if your necklace is strung on a single piece of silk cord or hemp or a leather thong. However, if you want your necklace to fit a certain way and be a specific length, you will need a clasp closure. Clasps are easy to attach. The technique you use depends on what you string your beads on - Beadalon, silk, nylon, etc.
Send us an email if you have questions.
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