Beading Connectors

Beading Connectors<br /><br />This article continues the series of how jewelry works. Prior to this article jewelry closures were discussed explaining the difference between six types of clasps used as closures for necklaces and bracelets.<br /><br />Those interested in beaded necklaces and bracelets probably have noticed that there are funny looking metal connectors sitting between the beads and the clasps. Two of the more commonly used connectors are crimp beads and fairly new on the market the ScrimpTM design. These two types of connectors are used only with beading wire however not with silk thread or other beading medium.<br /><br />If used properly both are very reliable ways for jewelry makers to attach beading wire to clasps. Scrimps are more heavy duty and are better connectors for necklaces or bracelets with heavy gemstone or metal beads. If you examine your own necklaces or bracelets you can identiy the crimp beads by the fact that they are flat tubes of metal with a crease running vertically across the tube. The metal tube was originally round. During the process of securing the wire in the tube it was flattened by the special tool used in this application crimp pliers.<br /><br />How to Use Crimp Pliers:<br /><br />Crimp pliers are funny looking pliers that have two stations in the jaw of the pliers. Reference the clasp assembly image shown below at the end of the bead strand a crimp bead is strung, followed by one end of the clasp. Then the beading wire is then reinserted into the crimp bead with the end of the beading wire sticking out the opposite end of the crimp bead. The crimp bead is placed in the station so that the open end is facing you. The beading wire should stick out on either end of the vertical bar of the cross in a straight line. Position the crimp bead directly over the hump in the station and firmly press. The crimp bead will sort of curl into a U shape. You should have a dip the middle of the crimp bead with one strand of the beading wire sticking out on either side of the dip. If your beading wires are both sticking out on the same side of the dip you must start over again. It should fold in on itself forming a tube. Scrimps have a barrel like appearance with a screw inside the barrel. The beading wire is inserted in the same manner as the crimp beads although with Scrimps it is no big deal if the wires cross. To secure the wire within the barrel a screwdriver is used to tighten the screw against the beading wire. This is a skill that takes a little practice however as the slot in the screw is quite tiny.