If your at all interested in jewellery making this is the place to start. Opening and closing jump rings is likely to be the technique you’ll use most in and it’s a really important one to get right. Having neat, secure jump rings is integeral to the aesthetics and function of each jewellery piece. Luckily it’s also probably the easiest technique to learn as well!
The best pliers to use are either chain nose, bent chain nose or flat nose pliers. You need a plier with a flat section so you can get a good grip on the jump ring (I have used round nose pliers in emergencies… no biggie). It’s also pretty useful if you have two pairs (one for each hand) which gives you added control and keeps your nails intact! But if you only have one pair you can use your thumb and finger or a pair of tweezers to do the same job.
Instructions:
It’s best to grip the jump ring across as much of one side as possible. This gives you maximum control when using the other plier/hand to open the other side. Pull the other side towards you. Don’t open the jump ring by pulling the two sides apart in opposite directions. Doing this will bend the ring out of shape!
Once you have used your jump ring, close it back up again moving the ring back into shape.
To strengthen the ring and ensure it is tightly closed up push the two sides gently together whilst moving them back and forward.
And that’s how to open and close a jump ring. Don’t worry if it seems a little tricky at first. It takes a bit of practice to make perfect, but I promise after a little time you’ll be making perfect jump rings automatically!
Hey there! Wow! Coincidence that im trying jewelry making diys tis year and find this post first thing on CraftGawker! Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to taking a further look around here for more jewelry tips. If you have a page you recommend I start at, drop me a link on my last blog post ;) sincere thanks Jeanine ;)
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I prefer to hold the left hand steady, and move my right hand towards me–I’m right-handed. This creates a spiral shape so that I can scoop away from me when connecting this ring to another one. Scooping away is easier on my wrist. (Use the opposite movements if you are left-handed.
I am connecting wire-wrapped beads. I have been using this technique and even bought a magnifying lamp to get the rings back snug, but I’m still finding some don’t seem secure. I’ve invested a lot of time in my project and have completed about 30 jump rings already. I’m wondering if I need to solder as well now. I don’t want my new necklace to break!