Understanding the Different Jewelry Components By Ron Peterson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Which gold or silver jewelry settings are most durable? Which gold or silver jewelry clasps are most secure and which are the easiest to manipulate? How long is a gold choker necklace? If you can understand jewelry terms and jewelry components, it is easier to buy the right jewelry when shopping for gold or silver jewelry online and off. So here is a brief guide to some of the most important jewelry components.

Choosing Necklace Length

Most necklaces are one of several standard lengths. When lengths vary you can use the standards to help visualize how a necklace will fit.

About Jewelry Clasps and Chains

Some clasps are easier to open and close than others and some offer more security. It's easier to choose jewelry when you know how clasps differ, so examine the clasps carefully before purchasing your jewelry.

Surf the web or visit a jewelry store to visualize the popular chains used to create all styles of jewelry.

Gemstone Shapes and Settings

Check out several websites or visit a jewelry store to visualize some of the most popular modern and vintage gemstone cuts. After you get an idea of what is available, then pick the gemstone shape that best matches your needs and esthetic taste.

Remember that a diamond or any other gemstone will look different when placed in different settings. So, as you look around, be aware of the different settings that are used in popular jewelry stores and websites. Also, when choosing a setting for a gemstone you should consider how secure the setting is. That is, you should be aware that some settings hold the stone more securely than other settings.

Different Jewelry Clasps

Jump Ring

A jump ring is a circular ring of metal. It can come unsoldered or soldered closed.

Jump rings come in different diameters and different types of metals and most often a jump ring is used to connect one component to another.

Split Rings

A split ring is similar to a jump ring, but instead of either being soldered closed or a slit being left in the ring. They continue around, sort of like a spring and they come in all kinds of different metals. Often split rings are used as a way to easily connect a pendant or a charm to a piece of jewelry.

Spring Ring Clasps

These are the most common of clasps. Spring ring clasps are used on beaded items like necklaces and bracelets. Actually, it is a little spring inside of the round part of the clasp that allows it to open and close. Spring ring clasps are available in silver, gold, gold-filled, and base metals and they are available in different diameters.

Lobster claw clasps

Just as its name indicates, these clasps look like the claw of a lobster. They are the most secure of clasps and are especially good for any extra heavy piece of jewelry. Lobster claw clasps are available in silver, gold, gold-filled, and base metals and different sizes.

Toggle clasps

A toggle clasps have two sections: the “T” part and the “O” part.

“T” is inserted into the “O” when connecting the two ends of a piece of jewelry together. They are available in a huge variety of designs and metals.

So there you have it. These are the most basic components used in jewelry design. When buying your jewelry take a look at the clasps and gemstone settings that are used in the design of the jewelry. If you are not sure which one is best for you, take the help of a professional jeweler.

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