Jewellery Component Identification: Findings and Parts Explained
Identify the components inside every piece of jewellery: findings, jump rings, head pins, bails, connectors, settings, spacers, crimps and more, with what each does.
Look closely at any piece of jewellery and you will see small components doing important work: rings connecting parts, pins holding beads, loops carrying pendants. Knowing their names helps you describe problems, order repairs and make your own jewellery. This guide identifies the most common components.
Connecting components
| Component | What it is | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Jump ring | Small open (or soldered) metal ring | Connecting parts, attaching clasps and charms |
| Split ring | Double-coiled ring, like a tiny keyring | Secure connections for charms |
| Connector / link | Decorative piece with loops at both ends | Joining sections of necklaces and earrings |
| Eye pin | Wire with a loop at one end | Making bead links |
| Head pin | Wire with a flat or decorative end | Making bead dangles |
| Chain | Linked metal | Necklaces, bracelets, dangles |
Pendant and charm components
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Bail | Loop or fitting that attaches a pendant to a chain |
| Pinch bail | A bail that clamps onto a pendant |
| Charm | Small hanging ornament |
| Drop | A hanging element at the bottom of an earring or necklace |
Earring components
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ear post | Straight wire that passes through the piercing |
| Earring back | Secures the post (butterfly, silicone, screw, disc) |
| Ear wire / French hook | Curved wire hook |
| Lever back | Hinged hook closure |
| Clip-on finding | Clip mechanism for unpierced ears |
| Ear chain (sahara) | Supports heavy earrings |
See Types of Clasps and Fastenings.
Beading components
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Spacer bead | Small bead between larger beads |
| Bead cap | Decorative cap on a bead's end |
| Crimp bead / tube | Secures beading wire |
| Crimp cover | Hides crimps for a neat finish |
| Wire guard | Protects wire where it loops through a clasp |
| Knot cover (calotte) | Covers a knot at thread ends |
| Beading wire | Coated steel cable for stringing |
See Beading and Wire Wrapping.
Stone-setting components
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Setting / mount | The part that holds a stone |
| Prongs | Claws holding a stone |
| Bezel cup | Rim holding a stone |
| Glue-in cup | A shallow cup for glued stones |
| Kundan frame | Gold-toned frame for kundan-style stones |
Structural components
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Shank | The band of a ring |
| Gallery | The decorative side of a ring's setting |
| Hinge | Movable joint, for example on kadas |
| Screw | Closure on screw kadas |
| Frame / base | The main metal structure |
Traditional jewellery components
- Dori: tie-cord on necklaces
- Ghungroo: small bells on anklets and jhumkas
- Latkan / tassel: decorative tassel on doris and accessories
- Pearl fringe: rows of pearls on jhumkas, chandbalis and necklaces
Why this matters
- For buyers: you can describe problems precisely ("the jump ring holding the drop is open").
- For repairs: you can order the right replacement part. See Loose Stones and Broken Clasps.
- For makers: you can plan designs and source components. See Choosing Jewellery Materials and Components.
Explore HANSINI369 Jewellery. Earrings, necklace sets and bangles for festive, bridal and everyday wear, from the HANSINI369 collection. Find Jewellery for Your Style
Key takeaway
Every piece of jewellery is an assembly of small, purposeful parts. Learning their names makes you a better buyer, a more confident repairer and a more capable maker.
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.
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