Jump Ring Rescue

What I've come up with is parallel jaw pliers and needle files. Before using my parallel jaw pliers, I did take a big file and file the ends flat and shiny. I didn't want the pliers to mar my jump ring.

Twist the jump ring open, open enough to get a small file in there without touching any other part of the jump ring. Place jump ring in the pliers with the open end perpendicular to the top of the pliers. I look out the window, to get a clear and bright view of the end of my jump ring in relation to the end of the pliers. To make this process simpler, I did ben the top of the jump ring (cut side) flat. This allows me to line up the ends for a better solder seam. After flattening, it looks like a "D". After soldering, I use a mandrel and a nylon mallet to round it out again.

Then, hands braced... you can use your bench or your bench pin, whichever is most comfortable for you, file the ends of your jump ring flat. Double check to make sure it's flat. There you go, an easy way to make certain you get a good clean and flat seam to solder for jump rings. I used this method with 12mm, 10mm and 6mm jump rings in making my paper clip chain.