Wire Basics - Opening and Closing Jump Rings

by Judy Larson

Jump rings may be small, but they're essential in countless jewelry designs. In the third part of this four part series, Judy Larson breaks down the two basic types, open and closed, and shares why both deserve a permanent spot in every maker's stash. It's a quick refresher that's especially valuable for beginners building their toolkit.

Jump to Each Lesson in the Jump Ring Series

#1 Coiling Wire for Jump Rings

#2 Cutting Coil into Jump Rings

#3 Opening & Closing Jump Rings

#4 Closed Jump Rings Soldering vs Fusing

Instructions

Jump rings are an essential part of every jewelry maker's stash.

They come in many sizes and gauges, and are used in countless designs.

There are two main types of jump rings for beginners.

Closed rings have their ends soldered together and cannot be opened. Open rings can be opened and closed, making them versatile for many different uses.

Judy Larson's Wire Basics - Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , General Education, , two jump rings

Learning to open and close jump rings correctly is not difficult, but it is an essential skill.

The most important thing to know is how not to open them.

A jump ring should always be twisted open like the ring on the right.

Never pull or stretch a ring open, as shown with the ring on the left. This distorts the shape and makes it nearly impossible to return the ring to a perfect circle with flush, even cut ends.

Judy Larson's Wire Basics - Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , General Education, , wire basics opening and closing jump rings

Positioning the pliers on the jump ring:

How to Open and Close Jump Rings Correctly

Use two pliers either two flat nose pliers, or one flat nose and one chain nose.

Where you place the pliers matters a lot!

In the first photo, the jump ring is opened slightly off-center between the pliers. While this works, it's not the most effective method.

When the opening is centered between the pliers (like in the second photo), the twist is more balanced and sits evenly about halfway around the ring.

This centered placement is ideal for a neat, round jump ring that closes flush every time.

If you are using flat nose and chain nose pliers, place the jump ring between the jaws as shown.

Keep the chain nose plier jaws parallel to the center line of the jump ring. This gives you a stronger grip and reduces distortion compared to using just the tips of the plier.

Judy Larson's Wire Basics - Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , General Education, , position the jump ring between the jaws as shown

Open the ring

Twist your wrist and the pliers in one hand to move one side of the jump ring forward or backward.

In this example, it was moved forward, but either direction works.

Close the ring

How to Close a Jump Ring Properly

After adding your desired element to the jump ring, it's time to close it.

Use your pliers to twist one side of the ring backward (opposite the opening direction).

Then twist that same side forward again to the original position.

Repeat this back-and-forth twisting motion a few times. This "work-hardens" the metal and helps prevent the ring from opening later.

Keep twisting until the ends of the jump ring scrape together snugly you should not see any light through the seam, nor feel any gaps or edges with your fingers.

If necessary, gently even out the ends to make sure they are flush.

Congratulations! Your jump ring is now securely closed and ready to wear.

Jump to Each Lesson in the Jump Ring Series

#1 Coiling Wire for Jump Rings

#2 Cutting Coil into Jump Rings

#3 Opening & Closing Jump Rings

#4 Closed Jump Rings Soldering vs Fusing

Judy Larson's Wire Basics - Opening and Closing Jump Rings - , General Education, , close up of jump ring between two pliers

Materials

Silver Filled Jump Rings Open (.040) 18ga 5mm - Pack of 25

S11-15

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $3.00
Gold Club Price: $2.25

Out of Stock

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: $4.42
Gold Club Price: $3.32

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Wire- variety of gauges and metals

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Tools

Flat Nose Wire Pliers

G2-506

G2-506
Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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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

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20 X 15 Inch Padded Work Mat

MAT-620.00

MAT-620.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.95
Gold Club Price: $11.21

Out of Stock

Optional Tools

The Complete Jump Ring Forming Set

DUR-1309

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $448.00
Gold Club Price: $336.00

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Category: General Education
Technique(s): General Education

Reviews

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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!