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following: clasps; split rings; head pins; bead caps; Bead Spacers;
crimp beads; tubes; clam shells; and earrings.
Clasps come in all the familiar styles, such as lobster, spring, barrel (screw together) and toggles. In addition, there are magnetic clasps, which are nice for necklaces because they use very powerful magnets in each half of the clasp that attract each other to make the connection (very neat). It's very easy to connect magnetic clasps, so they are ideal for people that would otherwise have problems with this task.
Split Rings/Jump Rings are used in connecting anything with loops together, such as the wire end of a necklace and it's clasp. A jump ring is a singular loop, split in one place, so you can twist the ring open to slide in the loop. Helpful hint: Remember to TWIST the ring open rather than PULLING it apart. Once apart you will be hard pressed to return the loop to it's original round perfection. A split ring has a double loop, like a key ring, so needs to be opened as such. Split rings are a bit more trustworthy since they are entirely closed loops, whereas jump rings are much easier to use.
Bead Spacers are self-explanatory in that they space beads apart from one another and can add a lot of interest along a length of string or wire. They come in an almost endless variety of metals (most typically silver or pewter), shapes and sizes and are sometimes referred to as Bali beads.
Head Pins are stiff lengths of wire with a flat round head on one end which literally look like large pins. You can use them to make earrings, or to add dangle beads from a necklace, by sliding beads onto the wire. Once all beads are strung, you will create a loop on the open end that is used to fasten it to the earring post, necklace, etc.
Bead Caps semi-cover the ends of beads to enhance the character of the design. Caps come in a variety of metals and are typically engraved or stamped with a pattern.
Crimp Beads are used for terminating the end of a bead strand, generally onto a clasp for a necklace or bracelet. Using a pair of crimping pliers you squeeze this tiny bead and essentially smash it slightly to hold the stringing material together to form a loop at the end. You might typically string a jump ring and then a fastener through the end loop. Crimps work best with 'tigertail' or braided strand wire as the stringing material. Helpful hint: For beginners, use a round crimp bead vs. a longer, tube-like crimp bead.
Tubes come in various widths, lengths, and metal composition. They can be curved to match the natural curvature of an arm (for a bracelet), or of the neck (for a necklace). You might typically see a silver tube as the single curved bead strung on a black cord necklace.
Clam Shells are used at the end of a strand and typically cover a knot or the crimp bead that holds the beaded strand together. A clam shell looks like it sounds, but has a loop on the outer edge of one of the "shell" sides, and has a hole at the back where the "shells" join. The clam shell is placed on the stringing wire just prior to crimping or tying off. Once the crimp is secure, the clam shell is closed tight and the loop is used either directly with a connector or with a jump ring and then connector.
Earring findings come in a variety of types, but the three most common are posts, leverbacks, and wires. Wires are the least expensive option for a beginner and are easy to find at most craft stores. Helpful hint: All earring types are available in precious metal form but it will cost you, shop around for the best prices because they vary quite a bit by location.
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magnetic clasp
Clamshells
Earwires / Leverbacks