Split ring vs jump ring—these two might ring a bell, especially to beaders and jewelers and must’ve come to know how important these rings are.
Facts About Jump Rings and Split Rings Identified
Jump ring vs split ring, these terms might be new to many, especially to those who are not into crafts and jewelry-making yet, but jewelers must have mastered what these rings are and what they are used for.
They are tiny rings that come in different sizes, colors and even shapes, used to connect components together to make pieces of jewelry. In this article, you will learn what these rings are, their purpose and their differences. Read ahead and enjoy!
All About Jump Rings and Split Rings
Split ring vs jump ring—these two might ring a bell, especially to beaders and jewelers and must’ve come to know how important these rings are. Jump rings and split rings are two (mostly) circular wires designed for linking components in jewelry-making. But how do these two differ? Let’s get to know them more, below.
What are Jump Rings
Jump rings are thin, single metals that come as circles (most common) or in ovals, triangles, or even hearts and are used to connect components in designing jewelry. They are made with different types of metal or metal alloys with a split at one point in the circle. They can come “open” (unsoldered ones) so anyone can manually open and close/solder them or “closed” (or soldered already).
Know more about jump rings and how to use them through my previous article here.
What are Split Rings
Split rings generally have the same purpose as jump rings, but you can distinguish split rings by remembering that they are what you mostly see in key chains and zipper pulls. They have double loops and will make your jewelry or any accessories more secure.
That’s why split rings are usually the kind of ring that you find on a key ring or any stuff that you want to hang on your chains securely, so you have to slot it onto one end and then move it around the circle until it comes off the other end and is fixed in the center of the ring.
Both jump rings and split rings can come in different sizes and plates i.e. gold or silver plated or can also be copper-colored. Although their primary use is to connect components in a piece of jewelry, they can also be linked together and create a complex design such as chain maille jewelry.
Split Ring Vs Jump Ring: What Do They Look Like
A jump ring is made of a thin single metal strand that is formed (mostly) in a circle to make two ends meet.
Split rings on the other hand are made as a double circle of metal, so one end can be opened up, the component slipped onto it and then worked around the circle until it is in the center. They are helix of metal with both ends exposed.
What They Are Used For
They are both designed for linking components and attaching two ends of jewelry and are essential in jewelry-making because they make your piece locked and secured.
Specifically, they are used to:
- To create links in a bracelet or necklace.
- To add charms to a bracelet or necklace.
- To connect two pieces of jewelry.
- 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.
What is the Difference Between Jump Ring vs Split Ring
The key difference between a jump ring and a split ring can easily be seen by its appearance: a jump ring has concealed ends that are directly facing each other and are sometimes left open (unsoldered) or closed (soldered); while a split ring’s ends are both exposed.
You can also differentiate them from each other by the way they are looped: a jump ring is encircled through a single-strand metal while a split ring is double-looped.
In jewelry-making, especially using tiny components such as seed beads or glass beads, jump rings are preferable to use because they are simple and can easily be opened and closed especially when using pliers. A jump ring is also more ideal when attaching a locket to a necklace or a bracelet.
Split rings are said to be more ideal as ending-rings, The ending-ring is often used as the loop to which the clasp (like lobster clasp, or hook clasp) will latch to close off a piece of jewelry. Split rings are also more used in general such as connecting a strap or chain to a bag or purse, holding keys together on a keyring, and connecting two pieces of chain together.
In a Nutshell
Both rings are essential not just in jewelry-making but in other projects and general uses as well. You can easily differentiate a jump ring vs split ring from each other by the way they are looped: a jump ring is encircled through a single-strand metal while a split ring is double-looped.
A jump ring is more ideal to use than a split ring and vice-versa, depending on the design and purpose. Although one may claim that split rings are more durable than jump rings because split rings are made of metal that has undergone two full rotations.