B. Tiger Tail
Also called flexible beading wire, tiger tail is the most common stringing material used for beaded
jewelry. It is made of multiple wires twisted together that have been coated with nylon and is available
in a variety of diameters ranging from very fine (.012”) to very thick (.026”). Consider the smallest hole
size as well as the transparency of the beads in your project when selecting tiger tail.

C. Transite
Clear monofilament also known as “fishing line”, transite is a clear stringing material with very little
stretch, making it ideal for illusion or “floating” designs.

D. Leather, Suede, Cotton and Fibers
Natural fibers add color and texture to beaded jewelry. They are available in a variety of widths and can
be used to create simple to more elaborate designs.

E. Wire
Wire has become an increasingly important material in fashion jewelry. It comes in a variety of
thicknesses or malleability including: dead soft, half hard, and full hard and is typically sold in spools or
in continuous lengths and is offered in a variety of gauges from 26 ga (extremely fine) to 18 ga (thickest
gauge available). Remember, the higher the gauge, the thinner and more delicate the wire. The most
commonly used wire gauges are 22 and 24.

F. Chain
Chain is everywhere! From fine, delicate chain to large, open links adding chain to your design
immediately conveys “modern”. Consider interspersing beaded eye pins between links of chain and
even using individual chain links as decorative jump rings.

A. Crimp Beads & Crimp Tubes
Crimp beads and tubes are used to finish designs strung on tiger tail. When flattened, they attach a
clasp to the
wire, finishing off your design with an extremely secure hold.

B. Cord Ends
Use cord ends to finish off designs using leather, suede, cotton or other fibers. Simply place the material
into the
end and flatten with chain nose pliers. The cord end has a loop on the end to which a clasp can
be attached.

C. Clamshell Bead Tips
Clamshells are the ideal finding for finishing designs strung on lightweight silk, cotton or linen cord. The
final knot
of the design is “cupped” between the two sides of the shell. To conceal the knot, simply close
the clamshell with chain nose pliers.

D. Clasps
Clasps are the finishing element of any strung design and allow you to open and close a piece of jewelry.
Lobster
and spring ring clasps are simple and effective solutions while decorative toggles can serve as
the focal point of your design.

E. Multi-strand Clasps
Multi-strand designs are increasingly popular. Standard clasps can accommodate a few strands of small
beads,
however multi-strand clasps ensure your strands stay evenly spaced and lay flat as intended. The
number of loops
at the end of the clasp determines how many strands it can accommodate.

F. Jump Rings
Jump rings are small wire rings that are used to link different materials together or to attach charms to
a chain.
A small opening in the ring allows it to be easily opened and closed with pliers. Offered in a
variety of shapes and
gauges, circle and oval jump rings are the most widely used.

G. Split Rings
Split rings are shaped like a tight key ring and provide a secure attachment because they do not open
easily.

H. Connectors
The term “connector” applies to any shape or link that is used to connect different segments of a design
together.

I. Earring Findings
Like clasps, there are a variety of choices when it comes to earring findings. Most commonly used types
include:
kidney, French ear wires, lever back, hoops and chandeliers.

J. Head Pins
A head pin is a piece of wire with a nub, ball or decorative design on one end which prevents beads
from sliding off.
They are used to create beaded drops or dangles. 1.5” and 2” head pins are the most
versatile lengths.

K. Eye Pins
Similar to head pins, eye pins differ only in that they have a loop at the end instead of a nub. The loop
makes it
easier to create beaded links, as it eliminates the need to create one of the loops.