What are Jump Rings: Things You Need To Know

How to Properly Use Jump Rings

In crafts like jewelry-making, the beads, stones, chains, and pendants may star in a piece of jewelry but behind them, are these tiny rings that play a supporting role but are essential in putting together these precious bits to make a piece of jewelry. They are called jump rings.

What are jump rings? What are jump rings used for? You may have asked or might have heard these questions but today, you will get to know what these tiny pieces are and everything about jump rings through this article.

What Are Jump Rings
    Appearance
What Are Jump Rings Used For
How to Use Jump Rings
    What you will need:
    Techniques on how to open a jump ring:
    Techniques on how to close a jump ring:
    How to solder a jump ring:
Summary – Key Notes About Jump Rings

    

What Are Jump Rings

A jump ring is a must in crafts especially in jewelry making because it connects everything together in any kind of accessory or jewelry. Jump rings are tiny circles of wire that meet at the end and are not welded together. They are primarily used to attach a clasp to a chain or a drop to an ear wire or any component that calls for a connector—that is what a jump ring is for.

Appearance

Jump rings usually come in circles but there are also oval-shaped jump rings available. You may also find hearts and even triangle jump rings which are rare. Circular jump rings are the most common because they can easily blend with any design plus it is easier to connect the other materials through it. While oval jump rings are best for hanging pendants or earrings. 

Jump rings also vary in colors—they can be gold-plated while some are silver, copper, etc.

What Are Jump Rings Used For

What Are Jump Rings Used For

A jump ring makes a beader’s life easier and is an integral part of jewelry making. Chiefly used as connectors in jewelry-making, jump rings are so versatile that you can also make a unique piece out of them. Primarily, jump rings are used for:

  • Linking beads to beads.
  • Connecting components like clasps or earring hooks to jewelry
  • Suspend pendants from necklaces
  • Extend the length of bracelets or necklaces in place of a chain
  • And even to create jewelry. 

Jump rings come in different shapes and colors. See them and shop now by clicking here.

How to Use Jump Rings

Jump rings may look easy to use because they are just tiny circles that connect everything in your jewelry piece, but it’s not as easy as it seems. You don’t want to waste even a single jump ring when you incorrectly open or close it as it might damage its quality and shape. Below are the basic steps on how to use jump rings.

What you will need:

Techniques on how to open a jump ring:

In using a jump ring, it is important not to forcefully twist or move the ring as it might get damaged and the shape might turn out distorted.

  1. On your working surface, bring your jump ring and two flat nose pliers.
  2. Use one flat nose to grip the jump ring in one hand and use the second pair to secure the ring on the other.
  3. Gently twist the two halves of the jump ring so that it opens (doing this with too much force will cause the ring to deform).
Techniques on how to open a jump ring
Photo credit: beadclublounge.com
  1. Slightly twist both sides of the jump ring until it’s open just enough to allow you to attach your chosen components
  2. Insert the required component before sealing the finding shut. See below steps on how to close a jump ring properly.

Techniques on how to close a jump ring:

After connecting the components through a jump ring, it might get more challenging to close the connector because the components get in the way. Below are the steps on how to make closing a jump ring easier:

Techniques on how to close a jump ring
Photo credit: cooksongold.com
  1. Hold the jump ring using the plier on one side, and the other flat nose plier on the other side.
  2. Carefully twist both sides of the jump ring back together until they are closely fronting each other.
  3. Gently curl back towards the closed position, until the two ends of the opening sit flush to give a neater and more secure finish.
  4. You can lock it in as is or you can completely close the ring by soldering it through the steps below. 

How to solder a jump ring:

  1. Make sure that the components are well positioned and the jump rings are closed.
  2. Carefully apply solder paste 
  3. to the joint.
  4. Through a fine flame, heat the solder evenly on both sides of the joint until it flows into the seam.
  5. Turn off the fire and allow the piece to cool before cleaning.

Summary – Key Notes About Jump Rings

Jump rings are not only used as connectors but you can also play around and make some jewelry out of them! Chain maille is an example of jewelry you can make using jump rings. 

Before purchasing your sets of jump rings, it is important to take into consideration first what design you are going to make so everything blends in. Consider the diameter, color and thickness of jump rings you will need before buying them.