Open or Closed Jump RIngs on Bracelets and Necklaces

by Judy Larson

Everyone has an opinion on this topic. For me, it depends on many factors. Of course, jewelry should not be easily separated from the owner. An expensive piece of jewelry like a gold and diamond tennis bracelet does not have any open jump rings. Even the clasps, which are very secure, can be a bit difficult to open and close. There is most likely a safety catch. In other words, it will not get caught on something and be lost without the wearer noticing it. BUT, the piece is probably delicate enough that with enough force, it might (the operative word here is "might") break and release from the wrist.

Instructions

No matter what type of bracelet I make where jump rings are used, I try to use at least one break-away ring somewhere in the design. Let me tell you a story. My daughter-in-law was on her way to work and hit from behind. She was dragged under a motorized scooter (like a small motorcycle) for a distance and needed plastic surgery/skin grafts to repair some of the damage. She was wearing a bracelet that I had just given her and it saved her hand and wrist and part of her lower arm from the same fate. Notice that there are two jump rings connecting the links as well as connecting the extension chain to the bracelet. When the bracelet was finished, all but one of those little 16 gauge connecting rings were closed so well that the seams were not visible. I was pretty sure that two heavier gauge rings would hold the links together well enough.

The first photo shows a pendant and bracelet with an extra link in case the next person to receive the bracelet has a larger wrist. Don't you just love the Blue Ice Stones accented with small Sodalite cabochons?!

The second photo shows the "road rash" on the stone that was dragged on the pavement.

And the third and fourth photos show the damage to the silver setting and extender chain as well as the slightly opened rings connecting the extender chain. Also visible is where the dragging force pulled the bezel collar away from the stone. The bracelet could have pulled apart had she been dragged further. As it was, it saved her from more damage.

She does not want the bracelet fixed but wants to wear it the way it is to remind her of how lucky she is.

Judy Larson's Open or Closed Jump RIngs on Bracelets and Necklaces - , General Education, , open or closed jump rings

We put our hearts and souls into our jewelry designs. We want them to be loved for generations to come. We each must make our own considered and informed decisions on when to solder and when not to solder links on bracelets and necklaces.

Consider using at least one full-hard 18 gauge or heavier "break-away" ring on each bracelet and necklace. Another option would be to use sterling silver split rings. They will not open as easily as jump rings but will if enough force is applied. Split rings, which look like two jump rings when in place, are perfect for attaching clasps.

How will you make your jewelry safer to wear?

Materials

Silver Filled Jump Rings Closed (18ga) 6mm - Pack of 10

S11-20

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.10
Gold Club Price: $1.58

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Silver Filled Jump Rings Closed (18ga) 5mm - Pack of 10

S11-19

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.43
Gold Club Price: $1.82

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Silver Filled Jump Rings Open (.040) 18ga (OD) 6mm (ID) 4.02mm - Pack of 25

S11-17

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $4.14
Gold Club Price: $3.11

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Tools

Baby Wubbers Bent Nose Plier

G2-1139

G2-1139
Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
Price: $23.97
Gold Club Price: $17.98

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Category: General Education
Technique(s): General Education

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!

Open or Closed Jump RIngs on Bracelets and Necklaces

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