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Making Consistent Hanging Loops

by Judy Larson
Jump rings soldered to components are fine when used to connect them together or used to add a pendant finding to. A jump ring, though, only has one small connection point, making a weak solder join, which may easily fail. Many times jump rings detract from the finished look of a piece. That is when a partial jump ring will fit the bill and look a bit more professional.
Instructions
The first piece shown here has partial jump rings connected to each bracelet section. Then two jump rings, which look somewhat like double half-round wire, are used to connect the components.
The partial jump ring attached to the top of the snail section of the pendants in the second photo is where a bail is attached.
The third piece utilizes partial rings on the focal where bead strands are attached.

The partial rings in all three pieces have two points of solder contact with the main section, meaning that the join is quite strong. The addition of silver balls around the partial rings around the coral coin focal add even more security.
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , bracelet
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , pendants
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , bracelet
Making consistently sized partial loops every time can be difficult. A sewing pin on my work table gave me a light bulb moment one day and I have not gone back.

This method is used with 2.5mm to 5.5mm ID jump rings up to 16 gauge. Adjust the pin size used with jump rings to achieve different results. Use the following method to cut jump rings into a ring loops exactly the same size.
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , pin
Place a jump ring with the seam facing out in a miter jig and vice. Slide a long straight pin (a quilting pin was used here) into the ring.
Push the jump ring and pin against the vise. Tighten the jump ring in place. Remove the pin.
Cut away most of the jump ring protruding from the vise. File the ends of the jump ring smooth, flush with the face of the vise.
Each finished ring loop will be exactly the same size!
If attaching rings to a backing as with the first bracelet shown, slightly flatten one side of each ring loop by running it over 320 grit sandpaper on a bench block.
Note: A t-pin is much thicker than a pin used in sewing. If a t-pin is used the finished ring loop will be much shallower and two jump rings may not be able to be used to connect links
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , slide a pin through the jump ring
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , miter vise
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , file
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , half rings

Materials

Gold Filled Jump Ring Closed 10mm 18ga - Pack of 2
J11-170
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.56
  • Gold Club Price: $3.42
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Gold Filled Jump Ring Closed 8.5mm 18ga - Pack of 2
J11-175
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.20
  • Gold Club Price: $2.40
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Tools

Multi Angle Cutting Jig
VIS-512.00
  • VIS-512.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $84.95
  • Gold Club Price: $63.71
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  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): General Education

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