If you have been struggling to open and close jump rings, or you haven’t a clue how to start, this blog post will take you through step by step. With a bit of practice, your jump rings will be secure and neat!
Jump rings are little circles of wire that you can twist open to attach parts of your jewellery together, clasps to chain for example. If you don’t correctly open or close them it can not only look untidy, but can mean your jewellery can come apart. But never fear, I’ll show you the correct way to use jump rings and we will have your jewellery looking professional in no time.
You will need:
-Jump rings. These come in different sizes, usually measured by their diameter in mm. I’m using an 8mm in the tutorial.
-Chain-nose pliers, at least 1 pair, preferably 2. Find out more about the pliers I am using here
How to:
1. Grip the jump ring with both pairs of pliers. Rather than use the tips, try to grip the sides of the jump ring with the pliers. This way, you have more control and the jump ring is less likely to ping across the room!
2.Twist the jump ring open by moving one pair of pliers towards you and the other away from you. You want to avoid pulling the ring apart as this will distort the shape and make it difficult to close properly.
3.The jump ring should still have its circular profile, but with a gap so you can link on a clasp or chain.
4. To close the ring, twist the two halves back together, pushing then gently towards each other at the same time. You want to feel the ends of wire grating against one another so you know the ring will be tightly shut. Keep making small movements until the jump ring is fully closed.
I find the trick to closing jump rings is to use little movements rather than ne big one. Sometime a little wiggle back and forth is all thats needed. If you are not used to using pliers, it can feel a bit strange and take a while for the muscles in your hands to get the memo!
If you have any questions, or want to suggest a tutorial idea, comment below, or contact me on on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook!