Choosing Jewellery Materials and Components

The components you choose decide how a piece looks, how long it lasts and how it feels to wear. For DIY makers and small jewellery brands, smart component choices are one of the biggest drivers of quality and customer satisfaction. This guide explains the main categories and what to consider for each.

Start with the brief

Before buying anything, define:

• Who will wear it, and for what occasion
• How often it will be worn
• Target price and production quantity
• Look: traditional, minimal, boho, statement
• Comfort needs: weight limits, skin-contact materials

1. Base metal

See Brass, Copper, Zinc Alloy and Other Base Metals.

2. Findings

Findings are functional parts. Quality findings prevent most customer complaints.

• Earring posts and hooks: the parts that touch the piercing. Choose materials carefully; the American Academy of Dermatology notes earrings and backs are common sources of nickel exposure.
• Earring backs: secure grip; silicone-padded backs for comfort.
• Jump rings: thick enough to stay closed; soldered rings for high-stress points.
• Clasps: lobster clasps for everyday chains; toggles for bracelets; box clasps for multi-strand pieces.
• Head pins and eye pins: for dangles and links.
• Crimp beads and wire guards: to secure beading wire.
• Bails: to hang pendants.

See Jewellery Component Identification and Types of Clasps and Fastenings.

3. Chains

Choose chain style and thickness to suit the pendant's weight and look. Check that plating matches your other components. See Chain Designs Explained.

4. Stones

• Cubic zirconia for brilliance
• Glass and crystal for colour and value
• Foil-backed flat stones for kundan-style work
• Cabochons for smooth, domed looks

Match stone sizes precisely to settings. See Glass and Crystal Stones and Cubic Zirconia.

5. Beads and pearls

Check hole size, uniformity, coating quality and colourfastness. See Artificial Pearls and Beads, Shells and Resin.

6. Stringing materials

7. Adhesives

Use jewellery-appropriate adhesives designed for metal and glass, follow product safety instructions, and work in a ventilated area. Avoid using adhesive where a mechanical setting would be stronger.

Regulatory and safety considerations

If you sell jewellery, you are responsible for the safety of your materials in the markets you sell to. For example, the EU restricts certain substances, including nickel release and lead in some articles, under REACH Annex XVII; children's jewellery is subject to additional rules in many countries. Ask suppliers for material information and test reports where appropriate. See Safe Jewellery Practices for Children.

Buying tips for makers

• Order samples before bulk purchases.
• Test durability: wear-test pieces for a week.
• Keep plating consistent by buying findings and chains from the same supplier or finish line.
• Record specifications (sizes, finishes, supplier codes) for repeat orders.

See Jewellery Wholesale and Sourcing.

Key takeaway

Components are the hidden foundation of quality. Choose materials for the wearer and the occasion, invest in reliable findings, match stones and settings precisely, and source responsibly. Your customers will feel the difference.

Sources and further reading

• European Chemicals Agency — Substances restricted under REACH (Annex XVII)
• American Academy of Dermatology — Nickel allergy: How to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms

Written by

HANSINI369 Editorial Team

Our editors research jewellery types, materials, care and craft, and review guides when materials, standards or recommendations change. Read our editorial policy.