SilverSilk Glossary
Read our jewelry glossary for a quick and easy guide to all the jewelry terminology we use here at SilverSilk. From chain to findings to tools and supplies, we are here to help. Whether you're a beginner exploring the world of beading and wirework or an experienced artisan looking to refine your skills, this glossary offers clear definitions and practical tips. From pliers and crimp beads to jump rings and headpins, each term is explained. Let’s dive in and unlock the essentials of making jewelry!
SilverSilk Knitted Wire Chains
Capture Chain: This 3mm chain is made of colorful wire knitted around a metallic ball chain.
Flat Mesh Chain: This 5mm knitted wire mesh resembles a metallic ribbon.
Hollow Mesh Chain: Fill this 5mm knitted wire tube with beads or other materials.
Knitted Leather Chain: Colorful metallic cord provides the core for this 3mm knitted wire chain.
Pearlesque Capture Chain: Iridescent tinsel is knitted over metallic ball chain in this sparkly 3mm chain.
Pipe Chain: This 3mm chain is made of colorful wire knitted around a silicone tube.
3-Needle Chain: This intricately-knitted 1mm chain isn’t woven around any inner core for maximum flexibility.
End Cap: Fasten an end cap to Capture Pearlesque Chain to securely finish the ends. End Caps are available in different widths and metallic finishes.
Cord Crimp: These findings are recommended for use with 3-Needle Chain. Use chain-nose pliers to squeeze the center and securely attach the Cord Crimp.
Slide Crimp: Slide Crimps work well for multistrand and loomed designs. Simply slide the end of the chain into the Slide Crimp channel.
Cord End: Our Cord Ends have a small hole at the top so you can seamlessly string it into your design with beading wire or craft wire.
Terminator: Terminators are end caps without an attached ring. They cleanly finish the ends of Capture and Pearlesque Chain.
Head Pin: SilverSilk head pins are essential for making wire-wrapped drops, baubles, or connecting components together for jewelry making.
Ear Wire: Our 20-gauge earring wires are 10mm high with a small ball on the front, making it easy to attach your earring design.
Jump Ring: To open a jump ring, use flat-nose or chain-nose pliers to grasp each side of the ring and twist it open. To close it, brush the ends past each other and listen for a little clicking sound, then bring the ends together.
Ball Chain Connector: Ball chain connectors are open-ended connectors used for attach two pieces of Capture Chain or Pearlesque Chain together from the inner ball chain core.
Other Helpful Jewelry Terms
Crimp Beads/Tubes: Small metal tubes or beads used to secure beading wire.
Crimping Pliers: Use crimping pliers to attach 2mm crimps to beading wire.
Chain-Nose Pliers: Use these narrow-tip pliers to make tight wire-wrapped loops and to weed the ends of capture chain.
Nylon-Jaw Pliers: Use nylon-jaw pliers to smooth wire and close SilverSilk findings. We recommend Wubbers nylon-jaw pliers.
Seed Bead: These tiny beads are frequently used in bead weaving designs. Seed beads are sized by how many of them fit across one inch. Size 6/0 is larger than size 11/0.
Wire Cutters: Use wire cutters to cleanly cut your SilverSilk Knitted Leather Chain and craft wire. We recommend Lindström Tools flush cutters.
Wide-Nose Pliers: Use wide-nose pliers to open and close jump rings and to close SilverSilk 9mm Terminators.
