What Is A Toggle And How Is It Important?

While buying jewelry we many times come across words such as toggle clasp, lobster claw clasp, leverback earring finding, etc. However, we might not always understand what the seller is trying to convey. If you are interested in starting a career as a professional jewelry designer you must first seek proper knowledge regarding the subject. One of the most important and fundamental things to know is the terminology used in this field. An aspiring jewelry maker must be familiar with all the tools and accessories required in making a piece of jewelry along with their names.

One of the many essential jewelry findings to know about is a toggle.  Primarily used as a closure tool for ornaments, toggle is a jewelry functional tool that contains a loop and a small stick shaped link. One end of the jewelry is connected to the loop while the other to the stick. The stick and loop get attached to each other in order to close the accessory.  

Toggles are mainly used in necklaces, bracelets and anklets. From simple to fancy, toggle clasps come in a wide variety of designs, sizes and shapes. Where a simple round shaped toggle can add grace and elegance to the jewelry, a bold and funky toggle can make it look trendy, urban and stylish.

Sterling Silver Leverback

Jewelry Wire and Its Use

One of the most significant accessories of any beading or strung project is a wire. Wires can be made from any metal — copper, brass, nickel and silver to gold depending upon the requirement of the jewelry in question. Wires can be used to make necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings. Using wires in a project is not as simple a task as it seems to be. Only a professional jewelry maker can use this delicate accessory to make alluring and mesmerizing designs. However, for an amateur a basic level of information on how to use a wire for making simple pieces of jewelry can be appropriate to start with.

Anyone can make simple yet elegant jewelry articles with just wires and some basic tools such as wire cutters, jump rings, pliers, jig, earwires, eyepins, beads, studs, pearls etc. The most important thing to consider before beginning a project is the material of wire and its thickness. These two things can be easily determined by knowing the weight and purpose of the ornament being made.

With the help of above tools and a little guidance from an experienced jewelry maker one can easily learn to use a jewelry wire impeccably.

Interesting Facts about Pearls

Pearls are a symbol of beauty, purity and love. Even a glimpse of these white colored blissful drops of nature can mesmerize anyone easily. However, their origin and existence is as mysterious and intriguing as their appearance. The tiny bright pearls are created by water mollusks popularly known as oysters. It is interesting to note that not all oysters can produce pearls but only the one’s belonging to the family of Pteriidae. Such oysters are also known as feathered oysters.

There are two kinds of pearls namely natural and cultured. Both kinds of pearls have the similar properties and value. However, the only difference between these two varieties is in their formation process. While natural pearls are created naturally without human interference, the cultured pearls are produced in a special environment, which is favorable for pearl formation, created by human beings.

Despite all the similarities natural pearls are more expensive and rare than cultured freshwater pearls because they are unprocessed and formed under natural conditions. Now to talk about their appearance, real and authentic pearls are never perfectly round in shape as claimed by many jewelry retailers. Also, pearls come in many different colors apart from white. Pearls not only add beauty to the appearance of the wearer but are also believed to bring good luck and harmony in personal relationships.

Beauty of Brass Chains

Brass chains have set new fashion trends among people of all ages and cultures. Brass is one of the most favorite choices of all jewelry designers due to its durability and flexibility. Brass, due to its yellow color, was originally used as a cheap substitute for gold. However, now the times have changed and brass is considered to be one of the most fashionable and stylish metals to wear.

Brass chains are very economical. Apart from resembling gold and being capable of molded into various forms brass chains are extremely cost effective. Such chains could be made in various different styles, designs, sizes and shapes depending upon the preferences of the buyers. Moreover, jewelry makers frequently introduce new styles and finishing for these chains such as matt tones, shiny, sparklingly polished, etc. These chains could either be used with a pendant or without one, as desired by the wearer.

Brass chains are known for their vintage look. Gold filled chains made from this metal resemble those made in the olden days using pure gold. Thus, more and more people get attracted towards these beautiful and mesmerizing human creations.