What is the difference between jump rings and split rings?
Jump rings are most commonly defined as a circle of wire that meets at the end and is not welded together. A split ring consists of two complete turns of a helix and pressed flat together where objects can be strung on them.
What is the best wire to make jump rings?
18 gauge jewelry wire is used for making sturdy clasps, jump rings and other findings. Solid (not plated or filled) 18-gauge wire can be used to make rivets.
Do jump rings need to be soldered?
Ideally, all jump rings should be soldered shut to prevent components in your designs from unhooking from each other. In practice, it can be time consuming and expensive to close every jump ring in your creations, but if you select the right size and thickness of open jump ring, it may not be necessary.
What size jump ring should I use?
We recommend 18G, 6mm jump rings for most pendant and necklace constructions, while a 3.5mm to 4mm jump ring with a 20G wire is more appropriate for earrings. The larger and heavier the project, the bigger the diameter and the thicker the metal should be.
What can I use instead of a jump ring?
One thing that might help is making sure you’re opening/closing them properly. Never pull the ends directly apart from each other, but turn them open like a door on a hinge. Alternatively, you could use a split ring or you could use a bail instead. They’re more secure and add a decorative touch as well.
What gauge jump ring should I use?
What is the thinnest gauge of jump rings?
For example, a 4 mm, diameter jump ring, made out of 20 gauge wire is a lightweight jump ring. A 4.5mm jump ring in 18 gauge wire is still small in size but will be considerably stronger. To attach clasps on necklaces or clasps on bracelets, 6mm 18 gauge jump rings are a good choice.
How do you make your own jump rings?
Wrapping on pliers Select your wire. Make a loop at the end of the wire with the round nosed pliers. Make a coil by continuing to wrap the wire around the round nosed pliers. Continue until you have two or three more than the number of jump rings that you need. Cut off the straight ends. Cut the jump rings. Make your jewellery.
What gauge is a jump ring?
Jump rings are typically measured by their Inner Diameter, Outer diameter, and wire gauge. For example, if you made your own jump rings from 18-gauge wire around a 5mm dowel, the Inner Diameter is 5mm, the gauge is 18-gauge (or 1.02mm, found in the Wire Conversion Chart).
What is jump ring jewelry?
Jump rings. Jump rings are (usually metal) rings used to make chains, jewelry, and chainmaille. They are made by wrapping wire around a mandrel to make a coil, then cutting the coil with wire cutters to make individual rings.