| New jewelry designers will come up to speed | | | | beads and charms in the middle of the pin (above |
| faster when they earn the terminology of | | | | the first loop), a second loop is wire wrapped. |
| different jewelry-making components. Find the | | | | These links can be used "in line" - between two |
| right components quicker, project professionalism | | | | sections of chains or strung beads. |
| to potential customers, and enhance your jewelry | | | | Headpin Materials |
| making credibility by using correct terminology. | | | | Headpins are available in the noble metals - gold, |
| Definition of Jewelry Findings | | | | silver and platinum. However, in the DIY Jewelry |
| In the jewelry industry, "jewelry findings" are | | | | market, headpins are usually sterling silver, |
| components of jewelry less than a finished piece. | | | | gold-filled or brass plated with silver, gold, antique |
| Definition of Headpin | | | | copper, antique brass, gunmetal, imitation rhodium |
| A headpin is a long, thin piece of wire with a | | | | and nickel. |
| "head" -- a flattened piece of metal bigger than | | | | Headpin Diameters |
| the diamter of the wire that acts as a stop to | | | | Headpins are also available in a variety of wire |
| beads on the wire. The opposite end of the | | | | diameters. Very thin headpins (under .020 inch |
| headpin is flush cut, not sharp as with straight pins | | | | diameter/24 gauge) are often required for |
| used in sewing. | | | | freshwater pearls or for gemstones sourced in |
| Fancy headpins may have a ball end, granulated | | | | India. Thick headpins (21 gauge) may match a |
| bead design, crystals or other decoration as the | | | | bold jewelry design better than a thin headpin. A |
| head. | | | | headpin may need a small stop bead to be used |
| How is a Headpin Used? | | | | with a bead that has a larger hole size. |
| Headpins are used to create dangles (such as | | | | Conclusion |
| earring dangles) or links, with beads or charms | | | | Headpins come in a wide variety of shapes, |
| wire wrapped onto the pin. For a dangle, beads | | | | designs and prices. After mastering simple |
| will rest against the head. The remainder of the | | | | jewelry construction using stringing methods, |
| pin will be twisted and wrapped to make a loop | | | | learning to use headpins and wire wraps will |
| which can be strung on stranded beading wire, silk | | | | dramatically extend the possibilities in jewelry |
| or another jewelry fiber or attached to a clasp | | | | design. One who learns what pearl clasps are |
| with a jump ring or split ring. | | | | and how they are used will project a professional |
| To create a link, the head end of the pin must be | | | | knowledge and attitude when making jewelry. |
| wire wrapped into a loop; then, after putting the | | | | |