Versatile Snap-on Bails
by Judy Larson
In my life before retirement, I was a teacher. I had the great privilege of taking trips to Europe as well as to Mexico and Central America with wonderful students. On one of my last trips, students presented me with a coin pendant, which I cherish. No chain ever really did it justice. I love how the coin pendant now is the star of the show hanging from the twisted ring on the paper clip chain. And, it will be super easy to change the coin out for a different pendant with a snap on bail.
Instructions
THE RING AND CHAIN: Two lengths of 16 gauge wire twisted together. A 1 ¾" long piece was cut from that and the ends filed flat. It was then formed into a ring and soldered. After cleaning up it was attached to a 16 gauge paper clip chain (rings made on an 8mm mandrel) with 16 gauge 4.5mm ID jump rings.

Being "snap on" is kind of a misnomer because it does not mean the bail will open and close with a snap. A purchased snap on bail is made of a very hard metal with two overlapping ends on the back side. The inside end is pushed down while the pendant is slid onto the outside end. When the inside end is released, it will spring back to touch the outside end, securing the pendant to the bail. The snap on bail that the coin pendant came with made it easy to attach the coin to the ring.
Judy Larson's Versatile Snap-on Bails - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Design, , snap on bails
Judy Larson's Versatile Snap-on Bails - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Design, , snap on bails
Then I remembered two Southwest Style Pendants I made with Semi Snap On Shield Style Bails. I can change out the pendant any time I want. How versatile is that!
Judy Larson's Versatile Snap-on Bails - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Design, , snap on bails
Judy Larson's Versatile Snap-on Bails - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Design, , snap on bails
Judy Larson's Versatile Snap-on Bails - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Design, , snap on bails
Such endless possibilities! I pulled out some cabochons I was working on, as well as a sapphire link. I can see a couple pieces attached with a jump ring and others that would benefit from a snap on bail. Can't wait to get started!
Judy Larson's Versatile Snap-on Bails - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Design, , snap on bails

Materials

24 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H19-24SM6
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
  • Price: $31.87
  • Gold Club Price: $23.90
Add to Bag
14x10mm Gemstone Oval Cabochon Assortment - Pack of 100
E1-355
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $40.97
  • Gold Club Price: $30.73
Out of Stock
25x18mm Pear Cabochon Assortment - Pack of 10
E1-202
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.97
  • Gold Club Price: $7.48
Out of Stock
30x22MM Assorted Oval Cabochon Mix PK20
E1-367
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $26.00
  • Gold Club Price: $19.50
Out of Stock
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): Design, General Education