Free tutorials: Learn how to use jump rings to make chain jewelry with beads now!
Ready to get started making jewelry?
All you need is 2 pairs of pliers, some jump rings, and a clasp to make your first bracelet. Add some beads for a pop of color and whimsy.
There are 4 free lessons about how to use jump rings to assemble jewelry on this page –
for quick navigation use these buttons …
If you are brand new to making jewelry – jump rings are the round links of wire used for assembly.
Jump rings can be used to connect various jewelry components or they can connect to each other to form chain. Learning how to use them unlocks the potential to make impressive pieces like these …
Opening and closing jump rings is easy – when you have a practical guide explaining the process step-by-step. And, once you learn how, you’ll be ready to make your first piece of jewelry.
Try it now!
All you need is some sample copper jump rings, 2 pairs of jewelry pliers, and some bright task lighting. You may also want a vellux bead mat and some sort of magnification.
Why magnification? Making jewelry is a highly detailed craft. If you can’t see the joins of the jump rings well – your success will be hindered. There’s no shame associated with amplifying your vision. Pros use magnification all the time. You’ve likely seen a jeweler wearing special glasses or looking through a loupe. And it’s not uncommon for stone-setters to work under a microscope. So, if you need a pair of drug store magnifying glasses – you’re in good company.
Chain-nose Pliers
I recommend a durable pair of pliers for working with heavy jump rings and forming components.
Flat-nose Pliers
The tip on these is wider than chain-nose pliers offering a stronger grip with less tool impact.
Vellux Bead Mat
These bead mats are very helpful for working with jump rings and keeping beads and other small bits in place.
Optivisors (or other magnification)
You can't make jewelry well if you can't see small details. Amplify your vision like a pro!
Click on the images above to learn more about each item and discover sources.
You can find quality pliers at your local jewelry supply store or online.
There’re a wide variety and spectrum of pricing available. But for working with 16-gauge rings – which are on the thicker end of the jump ring scale – you’re better served with a durable work-horse type rather than an expensive slimline version. I highly recommend you click on the images above to learn more about what qualities to look for and why. The goal here is to offer practical guidance and help you spend your money wisely – not to promote tools you don’t really need.
I recommend practicing with copper jump rings …
Copper jump rings are inexpensive when compared to sterling silver. They’re a bit more malleable, but overall, they behave very similar to the silver ones. This makes them a great option for practicing. Plus, you can use them to make some super cute yet low-cost jewelry.
I suggest starting with 16-gauge jump rings with a 5.5mm inner diameter (ID). This size works well for getting started because they’re easy to work with. The thickness of the wire offers good resistance and they’re strong enough to stay closed without needing to be soldered (or permanently closed).
There are many sources to purchase copper jump rings, but I find that Weave Got Maille offers top quality rings at a fair price. So, here’s a link to make shopping easy for you.
Please note: You must select your gauge (AWG) and then select the inner diameter in the drop-down menu.
Shopping tip: Save $ on shipping costs by purchasing some other sizes you may want soon …
- 18-ga 4mm ID are perfect for beginner chain maille patterns like Byzantine
- 18-gauge 3mm ID are great for assembling earrings and necklace links when doubled up
These lessons are featured in the JCWJ Learning Center as part of the beginner series on assembly and our Signature Course where we introduce making wire link components.
Not all jump rings are equal!
Many sources don’t offer rings that are strong enough to stay closed without solder. Sizes can be confusing & how they’re made affects the visual appearance of the joins.
Learn to be a savvy shopper for jump rings …
Learn how to open and close jump rings well:
Watch this video for an in-depth demonstration that will help you truly understand the mechanics of opening and closing jump rings. Includes fabulous tips to help you gain control and reduce unwanted marks on your rings.
How did it go?
Were you able to close all your rings without issue?
If not, there’s no need to worry. Problem solving is covered in the next lesson.
Troubleshooting jump rings:
Top 3 issues and how to solve them …
Now that you’ve watched my in-depth introduction on how to open and close jump rings, it’s time to learn how to fix any issues that may arise while you work with them.
Haven’t seen the intro video yet?
You don’t want to miss the fabulous tips on how best to grip the rings for added control and to reduce unwanted marks from your tools. (Value-packed 10 min lesson.)
Scroll up or click on this link…
Watch the free lesson – How to open and close jump rings now
This troubleshooting video shows you how to …
- Close gaps (for rings with a space at the join)
- Flatten ‘tacos’ (for rings that curve as you open and close them)
- Align overbites (for rings that slip out of round and have one end further out than the other)
Closing your jump rings well is important, but …
Using the right jump ring matters too!
Not all jump rings are equal – many factors come into play:
- Diameter size
- Wire thickness (gauge)
- Type of metal
- Cut method
You may find yourself asking things like what’s the best size to use?
Or you may wonder – how do I know what size the jump ring I have is?
Perhaps you are following instructions that list rings with fractions of inches but can only find millimeter dimensions for sale – is there a chart for that conversion?
Maybe you find some rings at your local bead store, and they list and outside diameter rather than an inside diameter – what’s the formula to figure out the ID?
Or the package lists the wire thickness as a decimal – how do I know what gauge that is?
You’re in luck!
I’ve created a Free Jump Ring Buying Guide that answers all these questions – and more that you may not have even thought of yet.
It includes suggestions for what size rings you need for various jewelry assemblies. Plus, there’s a jump ring size chart with scans of the life-size rings for visual comparison, a wire gauge chart to reference the thickness in both decimals of inches and millimeter increments, and a jump ring size comparison chart for converting American standard and metric measurements.
Start buying your jump rings with confidence today …
Did you find this lesson helpful?
The Jewelry Classes with Jen Online Learning Center is loaded with this type of practical guidance.
This is just the beginning. If you feel empowered from watching these introductory fundamental lessons on the art of opening and closing jump rings – just imagine what the other 100+ lessons in the JCWJ Learning Center have to offer.
Practice makes perfect …
Let’s put your jump ring skills to good use and make a fun and colorful chain bracelet.
The whole point of learning is to make jewelry you’ll love to wear – right?
Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need:
- (31) Jump rings with an inside diameter of 5.5 mm made from 16-gauge wire (either copper or sterling silver)
- (1) Matching lobster clasp (roughly 13-15 mm in overall length)
- (14) Unicorne brand teardrop glass beads
There’s a matching necklace lesson up next – so you may want to purchase enough materials to make both while you’re shopping. Here’s a tally of the materials for both projects:
- 5mm ID 16-ga jump rings: (31) for bracelet + (69) for necklace = (100) for both or more if you want a necklace longer than 16”
- (1) matching lobster clasp for each (upgrade to swivel if possible) = (2) for both
- Unicorne brand teardrop glass beads (or other style beads that feature a 2mm opening): (14) for bracelet + (5) for necklace = (19) for both
Here are some convenient links to sources for these items …
Copper Jump Rings
Weave Got Maille sells great copper jump rings – select your gauge (AWG) and then select the inner diameter in the drop down menu.
Sterling Silver Jump Rings
Rio Grande offers quality crafted 5.5 mm 16-ga sterling silver jump rings - perfect for 1x1 chain with beads projects.
Teardrop Glass Beads
Unicorne Beads offers a wide selection of colors in the teardrop style bead that I’ve used for the 1×1 chain with beads projects.
Silver Lobster Clasp
This 13mm teardrop shaped lobster clasp from Rio Grande is great for simple chain bracelets and necklaces.
Swivel Lobster Clasp
Upgrade to a 14mm lobster clasp from Rio Grande. The swivel action allows the chain to drape freely without tangles.
Copper Lobster Clasp
Lima Beads offers this great 15 mm copper-plated lobster clasp – perfect for use with copper chains.
Get started with your first project –
Instructions for making a 1×1 chain bracelet with beads:
Get written instructions for making this bracelet with step-by step photos for free –
There’s both a right-hand and left-hand version with pictures that match depending on your dominant hand.
Get your free copy of the written instructions: 1 x 1 Chain Bracelet with Beads
Improve your 1×1 chain building efficiency while you make a matching necklace …
This next lesson shows the assembly process without setting it down repeatedly – which can be a great time-saver.
Plus, there’s some great advice for keeping track of your starting point and tips for which end to add the clasp that makes it easy to wear with the front facing out every time (if you use beads that have a ‘front’ side).
Again, you’ll find practical guidance you’re likely not to find elsewhere – with insights that will carry over to other jewelry projects.
Get written instructions for making this bracelet with step-by step photos for free –
There’s both a right-hand and left-hand version with pictures that match depending on your dominant hand.
Get your free copy of the written instructions: 1 x 1 Chain Necklace with Beads
Thinking about making a variation of these projects?
I craft the recipes for jewelry projects with purpose, so you’ll be set up for success. There’s often layers of factors that play a role in the choices I make. But it’s not until you experience making the project that the logic makes sense.
Reflecting on the lessons contained within each project helps you expand your ability to make smart decisions and design jewelry that will wear well and stand the test of time. This is just another perk of having a practical guide who’s willing to share 20 years of accrued knowledge in an approachable manner.
Want to explore more fabulous jewelry projects you can assemble with your pliers and jump rings?
There are lots of impressive pieces you can make including chain maille patterns.
While these pieces look complex – they become remarkably simple when I explain the process step-by-step. And the repetition provides great practice for your new jump ring skills!
Wondering what other lessons are available in the Learning Center?
There’re over 50 stylish jewelry projects along with over 50 supporting fundamental lessons!
Interested in exploring another free lesson?
Explore how to use liver of sulfur to create colorful patinas on copper or master the art of making wrapped wire loops.
These lessons are offered for free to help you discover the premium quality of the instruction you’ll find in the JCWJ Learning Center.