Get inspired with design ideas featuring our wire wrapped pearls.

An important aspect of a jewelry piece design is the clasp. The clasp may not be the most noticeable component but it is the most functional when it comes to wearing a piece and securing it into place.  In some cases, the clasp can also become a striking part of the design too.

There are so many types of clasps to choose from so here is a guide to help explain what options are available and how to use them.

Stud earrings are simple earrings that consist of a straight post that goes through the ear piercing and has a small adornment of a stone, metal ball, or shape that is attached.  The first earrings you wear after piercing, studs create the illusion that the adornment is floating on an earlobe, as the post and backs are not visible.  Common backs that keep the posts in place are butterfly backs, also known as friction backs, or screw backs, that literally screw onto the post.

Gold has been a captivating precious metal since ancient times and a favored material for jewelry making ever since, due to its rich natural yellow color. Pure gold has commonly been associated with power, immortality, and beauty in many cultures around the world because it does not corrode or tarnish. Today gold is still very beloved and fashionable but many hand-made or fashion jewelry lines do not use solid Karat gold because of the costly expense due to its rarity. So what alternative gold material options are available and how do you decide which one to use?

Basic Jewelry Findings Terms

Findings: The component parts and materials used to complete a piece of jewelry.

Bail: Components used to easily attach pendants or charms to a chain without the soldering being required.

Bead: A small, often rounded piece, with a hole through it so it can be strung. Beads can be made from a variety of materials.

Bead Cap: A metal ornament, which is used to highlight beads and turn them into a focal piece.  They are also used to cover up any imperfections or damage around the drilled hole of the bead.

Bezel: A metal ring that holds a stone in its setting.

Cabochon: A highly polished gemstone used in bezel settings.  They have a curved top and flat bottom to allow them to sit in the settings.

Clasp: A device that allows the two ends of a chain to close together. They can be functional and decorative, coming in many styles and shapes.

-Lobster Claw Clasp: With the look of a lobster claw, it has a rounded top with a self-closing bottom hinge that opens when a small lever is pushed.

-Spring Ring Clasp: A round hollow ring with an inner wire that is opened and closed by pulling and releasing a lever on its side.

-Magnetic Clasp: Attracting magnets on each end are used to close securely and open easily.

-Toggle Clasp: Has a bar that is pulled through a ring and cannot pass through again, making it secure.

Crimp Bead: A small round or tubular hollow bead that is secured to jewelry by flattening it with pliers. Often times they are used to secure clasps or floating beads on stringing material.

Earwire: A curved and looped piece of wire that is one part of an earring.  The curved part fits through the piercing of an ear and a loop is used to dangle a decorative finding.

Faceted Stone: A polished gemstone with many flat cut surfaces called facets.  This helps the gem reflect light, making it look brighter and shimmer.

Gauge: The thickness measurement of wire or metal. The higher the number is, the smaller the size.

Gold Filled: Legally required to contain 1/20 gold by weight and more valuable than gold plated. It will not tarnish or fade over time like gold plated due to a different bonding process.

Gold Plated: Covering another type of metal with a thin layer of gold using electroplating.

Half-drilled Bead: A bead that only has a hole halfway through it and can be glued onto metal pegs to create charms, pendants or stud earrings.

 Jump Rings: Small, round connectors used in jewelry making.

-Open Jump Rings: Have a divide in the wire that can be pried open and closed using pliers.

-Closed Jump Rings: Cannot be opened as they are soldered shut. They are ideal for projects that require a stronger connector for heavy or expensive pieces.

Oxidization: A reaction that occurs when sterling silver is exposed to oxygen, sulfur, and moisture in the air over time that results in a dark tarnish on its surface. Some jewelers purposely give a black patina to sterling silver by using chemicals to speed the process up.

Pave: Tiny gemstones set close to one another with no visible metal that results in a “paved” stone surface look.

Pins: Straight pieces of wire, which can come in many gauges and lengths.

-Ball Pins: Have a small ball at the end to prevent beads from sliding off. Loops can be created with pliers to attach to other findings.

-Eye Pins: Have a small loop at the end. The loop can be attached to other findings to make longer pieces.

-Head Pins: Have a flat or round end that keeps beads from sliding off. Loops can be created with pliers to attach to other findings.

Quality Tag: A small, flat piece of metal that has the metal quality stamp or trademark of the manufacturer or artisan. They usually have a hole on each end to easily attach to the chain with jump rings.

Rhodium Plating: Done like gold plating with electroplating, rhodium plating is used to prevent scratching or tarnishing on sterling silver.  Rhodium is a precious metal of the platinum family and is also a good option for those with nickel allergies as it is hypoallergenic.

Rose Gold: Done like gold plating with electroplating, rose gold is a combination of specific amounts of silver, copper, and gold.

Slider Bead: A bead with an inner silicone layer that allows the bead to grip chain or cord.  The silicone allows the bead to stay in place while also making it easy to adjust its position if needed.

Sterling Silver: An alloy of silver with a silver content of 92.5%silver. The remaining 7.5% is of other metals.

Wire wrapping: Using wire around a bead, stone, other findings, or itself, to create pendants, charms, or decorative patterns for jewelry pieces.

Vermeil:  Vermeil is a combination of sterling silver and gold, usually a sterling silver core with thicker gold plating of 2.5 micron thickness.

Explore all of the findings AZ Findings has to offer: https://www.azfindings.com/wholesale-jewelry-findings

Types of Adjustable Necklaces

Finding the right necklace length can be frustrating, especially if you love a particular chain but can only wear it with certain necklines or pendants. Adjustable necklaces are the perfect solution and can help make a more versatile jewelry collection.  Below are several types of adjustable necklaces and the pros and cons of each one.

The first type of adjustable necklace is the classic chain with extender rings.  It consists of a thin chain with jump rings located at the 18”, 20”, and 22” point.  This type has more cons than pros as it can only adjust to a few fixed lengths.  It is also more burdensome to create, therefore more expensive, because it requires 2 inch chain pieces to be soldered or attached with jump rings at each length point.  Another con is the extra dangling chain can be an eyesore and easily tangle up.

The next type of adjustable necklace is the necklace with extender chain.  This is a regular necklace chain with an attached 2-4 inch piece of a larger link chain.  This allows for more size options than the first, as this type can be adjusted to any length between 18 inches and 22 inches.   It is also a more cost effective option than the first since it is easier to make.  One con to the extender chain is that if it is not matched well with the regular necklace chain, it can look awkward. It can also be tiresome to adjust to the right length, having to open the clasp and close it on different links if you need to alter it.

Another type is the adjustable necklace with slider bead.  This necklace is made by attaching a slider bead with silicone at one end and running the other chain end through it.  A tag or charm can then be fixed to the chain end to prevent it from sliding out.  Adding the tag or charm is not only practical but it allows the necklace to be more fashionable and customizable.  Another great perk of the adjustable necklace with slider bead is that any necklace length is possible, from choker to 36 inches.  It can be adjusted on the go with just a pull and without fumbling with a clasp. The only major con is that the necklace link has to be small and thin enough to fit into the slider bead’s limited hole size.

Lastly, there is an adjustable necklace with a two hole sliding bead.  Both chain ends can be pulled through the two silicone filled sliding bead holes to alter the length, and anything from pendants to tassels can be added on the chain ends to keep them in place.  This popular style, also known as a lariat, allows for more unique design opportunities and again is easy to adjust like the slider bead necklace.  The same con of the slider bead necklace can also apply here, the chain link size is limited to the hole sizes of the slider bead.

Adjustable necklaces are growing in popularity, proving that they are more stylish, affordable, and simple to use than fixed length necklaces.  AZ Findings offers adjustable necklaces, as well as the jewelry findings used to create them, at great wholesale prices.  Check them out on our website here:  https://www.azfindings.com/adjustable-chain-necklace

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil has been increasing in popularity but interestingly enough, not many people know what this is. Although vermeil might seem like a new trend, this type of metal has existed for centuries.

If you are into jewelry that looks like gold, vermeil may interest you. It is an affordable and durable alternative to real gold. Although there are other similar options as well, such as gold-plate and gold-filled.

So, what is Gold Vermeil?

In short, vermeil refers to a variety of gold-coated metal. For metal to be considered vermeil, it needs to meet three main trade criteria:

• The base of the metal must be of sterling (92.5%) or fine (99.9%) silver. This is why vermeil is also known by its other names: Silver Gilt or Gilded Silver
• The purity of the gold must be of at least 10 karats
• The thickness of the gold coat should consist of a minimum of 2.5 microns (0.0025 millimeters)

If these three criteria are not met, then the metal becomes gold-filled or gold-plated. You can also find gold vermeil in a variety colors such as rose gold, white gold and so on.

How is Gold Vermeil made?

To create gold vermeil, the item is first crafted in fine or sterling silver and is then covered in gold using the process known as electrolysis. In the past, vermeil was crafted using the process of fire-gilding, but this was later banned due to the dangers inherent in this process, especially the issue with mercury causing blindness. Electrolysis results in a consistent thickness and quality that is capable of lasting for a very long time.

How long does Gold Vermeil last?

The durability of your gold vermeil actually depends on the thickness of the gold plating. In other words, gold is the primary factor when determining whether or not the gold vermeil will last. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the gold plating, the longer the life of the piece.

Another factor to consider is the purity of the vermeil. As you may know, the higher the purity of gold, the softer it is and more susceptible to scratches and damage. If you would want gold vermeil that will last for a long time, buying 14 k or 18 k gold vermeil is recommended. Anything higher will be too soft and lower would not have the color of gold you may be after.

How does Gold Vermeil differ from Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled? 

Gold vermeil, gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry are very similar in concept. Only slight differences in execution and materials distinguish these three methods:

Gold Plated- There is no standard metal or gold thickness when it comes to gold-plate. You can find gold plate in a variety of thicknesses and on a range of varying metals and alloys. With gold-plating, there is the high likelihood of the gold finish wearing out and chipping over time as the gold coating is very thin.

Gold-filled jewelry is more valuable than gold-plate. It contains more gold as the gold coating is quite thick. Also, the base metal used for gold-filled items is often a gold alloy. This is hypoallergenic and also does not tarnish. Gold-filled is the next best thing to solid gold. This is why it is costlier than gold-plate or even vermeil.

Gold vermeil is similar to gold-plate in terms of affordability and amount of gold used. The main difference between the two is that vermeil has its strict standards and is made entirely of precious metals (both silver and gold are considered precious metals) while gold plate has different levels of gold thickness and is made with any base metal. If the same criteria is met for both, gold plate and gold vermeil can be one and the same!

How do you maintain Gold Vermeil? 

With proper care and maintenance, gold vermeil jewelry can keep sparkling through the years. Here are some tips for cleaning and storing your gold vermeil jewelry.

1. When you aren’t wearing your gold vermeil jewelry, store it in a fabric-lined box, or a soft cloth away from dust and dirt. An airtight box is ideal as it can minimize the oxidization of the silver base.
2. Avoid placing your gold vermeil near heat as this can cause discoloration and deformation. Also, don’t place any weight on top of gold vermeil jewelry as this can cause damage.
3. To prevent tarnishing, wipe gold vermeil jewelry after use. The accumulation of body oils, cosmetics and grime can cause the jewelry to lose its sparkle and to fade.
4. Avoid wiping gold vermeil items with coarse fabrics or chemicals as this can strip the gold off. Only use a 100% cotton or microfiber cloth to very softly wipe the item and warm soapy water.
5. Never use chemicals to clean gold vermeil jewelry. This refers to makeup, washing liquid and even chlorine from swimming pools. These can discolor the jewelry and strip the gold off.

Gold vermeil is the ideal choice if you love the look of gold but affordability gets in your way. It gives you the look without the steep price. The main reasons people choose gold vermeil over the other two is because it is more affordable than gold fill and more valuable than gold plate. Make your decision based on your preferences and what you deem is important.

Introducing our NEW Sterling Silver Diamond Cut Bead Chain!

We are so excited to finally be able to put this gorgeous Diamond Cut Bead Chain onto our site. This chain was wildly popular at our trade shows this year and we completely sold out at each one; we didn't even get a chance to list it! We have finally been able to re-stocked for the holiday season and offer this amazingly versatile chain in 4 different finishes. The 4 finishes available for this style chain are rose gold, yellow gold, oxidized silver, and rhodium plated silver.

This unique chain made in Italy is a brand new design for 2018-19! Diamond cut on both sides making it very sparkly, unique, and luxurious looking! Each bead on this chain is cut to look like a faceted round diamond. The edges are round a smooth, making it very comfortable to wear. This chain is ideal for bracelet and necklace making. No matter which side this Diamond Cut Bead Chain lays on or rolls to, the bright reflective shine of the facets is there to please!

This chain is great for earrings, necklaces, anklets, and of course bracelets. This chain is also great for layering and pairing with other chains. This is the sort of chain you can add to your every wear collection. The simple facets on each bead gives off an amazing glimmer, adding that sense of sophistication to any ensemble. Regardless of the finish you choose, this chain can match with anything and everything. The Diamond Cut Bead Chain is certainly one of the most versatile and BEST SELLING chains we offer at AZ. We offer some of the best wholesale prices in the findings industry with the absolute GREATEST service you'll find. If you're in need of a reliable findings company, you've found the right one!

SKU:101048

Shortcut: Diamond Cut Bead Chain 

Edison Pearls are a ground-breaking achievement in the farmed pearl industry. Named after notable inventor Thomas Edison, who once proclaimed “there are two things which couldn’t be made at my laboratory - diamonds and pearls”, siblings Weijian Zhan and Weiyu Zhan, did in fact, create a new species of freshwater pearl.

The Edison’s premium features such as high luster, large size, and vivid colors have been favorably compared to the upscale salt-water varieties such as South Sea and Tahitian.  But unlike the salt-water pearls, Edison pearls are much more affordable and accessible to the average person thanks to the method in which they are cultivated.

After years of research and experimentation by the Zhan family, their company Grace Pearls, and with the assistance of Zhejiang University in east-central China, the Edison pearl made its debut in 2010.  This new species of freshwater pearl was created by combining some cultured freshwater pearl and some salt-water pearl farming technology and techniques.

The exact pearl making method is not revealed by the creators, but in general, Edison pearls are made by implanting tiny beads into mussels that are specifically selected through genetic research.  Only one bead is implanted, using a secret implanting technique, into each mussel to ensure one large, round pearl is grown.  This is unique as most freshwater mussels produce many small pearls at once. Another unique quality that separates Edison pearls for other freshwater pearls is they can be made in naturally metallic hues and bright colors such as pink, purple, peach, white, gold, and bronze.

Thanks to its creators, the Edison pearl has transformed the pearl industry by allowing more people than ever before to own and cherish impressive pearl jewelry pieces.

Take a look at our Edison Pearl Necklaces here: https://www.azfindings.com/edison-pearls

Etsy Search Changes in 2018

If getting your listing to appear in the first page of Etsy search results was difficult before, it just got a lot harder in 2018. Many ETSY sellers are seeing sales drop in 2018 and wondering what is going on. As always, ETSY search is changing again. Today, we are going to focus on the most significant change – Context Specific Search Ranking (CSR).

What exactly is Context Specific Search Ranking?

With CSR (Context Specific Search Ranking), buyers will see personalized search results that are the most relevant to them. ETSY is now using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to figure out a buyer’s search intention and return the personalized results to them.

Here are two examples of the new CSR result:

• If a buyer searches for “shoe”, the buyer probably doesn’t want to see a painting of a shoe or supplies to make shoes. Etsy’s AI technology figured the buyer’s search intent is just a pair of shoes to wear and will show the shoes listings only. This improves the buyer’s shopping experiences.
• You have a popular item for sale on ETSY. When your buyer searches for it, it shows up on the first page. When you search for it with the same keyword, it may show up on the 20th page. Why? It is very unlikely that you will purchase your own item; your item is not relevant to your shopping intent!

What does this change mean to sellers?

You are now shooting a moving target!

AI (Artificial Intelligence) system is a self-learning dynamic system. Just like a human’s brain, it absorbs new information every day, learns from it, and adjusts its behavior accordingly. That means even you can manage to get your listing to the first couple of pages. In a short period of time, it may get knocked out of the first ten pages. Each day, a lot of new information feeds into the AI system. It constantly adjusts how it ranks a particular search according to the new information it learned. You are now shooting a moving target! Keeping reading, we will explain what you can do to manage that moving target.

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

With CSR changes, you are no longer seeing what your buyers see in live search results.  This means you lose a valuable tool in measuring your Etsy SEO (Search Engine Optimization) work results! However, there are still a couple of alternative ways you can better assess your search results.

• Use a different computer, ideally at a different location that you have never used, to sign into your Etsy seller account. I personally rent a VPS (Virtual Private Server) for $20 to $30 a month. I use it to store my files, host my blog and do Etsy search research. This allows me to get a view of the live search results of my buyers.
• Use Etsy SEO tools like EtsyRank.com to do research on your search performance.

What should sellers do in 2018?

• Keep applying basic Etsy SEO techniques.

The most basic Etsy SEO techniques are still valid. Etsy search engine is smart, but don’t just rely on it to decide the search result ranking of your listings.

Make sure keywords appear in both title and tags. Use up all 13 tags. Instead of covering redundant keywords, use different keywords. Etsy search is now smart enough to know “shoe” and “shoes” is for the same search intent. You don’t need to waste your valuable tags or title spaces to cover these kinds of unnecessary keywords anymore.

• Sales is the key

Sales rank is now an important factor in ranking search results. To keep your listing on the first page, you need to have constant sales to keep it floating. Once sales drop, the listing starts to sink.

For a new product listing, you need to use some ‘launch’ techniques. Offering a deep discount or generating sales from your social media network will boost your listing’s initial sales rank.  In combination with a good SEO on the listing, it could put the listing in the first couple of pages within a short period of time. Once it gets there, organic sales will come in and keep the listing floating on the top of other lower sales volume listings.

If an old listing cannot be found no matter what you do, consider terminating it and creating a new one to give it a fresh start.

• Social Media, Social Media, Social Media

Many successful Etsy sellers spend significant amounts of time on social media. A big portion of their sales and traffic are actually coming from their Blog, Facebook, instragram, Pintrest or Youtube channel. Do not solely rely on Etsy search for all your sales. Bring in sales from your personal network, community, and social media channels, but focus on the one or two social media channels that are most suitable to your products and yourself. Your time and energy are limited.

• Improve your products and services. Eventually, it’s your product that will make the sale. It’s your services that add the value to your product and keep your buyers coming back. Without a good product and services, your sales will not last, even if your listing gets a good amount of traffic.

The days of stuffing a couple of keywords in the title and having your listing appear in the first couple pages of Etsy are gone. Remember the old days when you could renew your listings and they would appear in the first page automatically? They are long gone! We cannot easily trick the system anymore and we shouldn’t. Instead, focus on your product, your services, and have a solid marketing strategy.