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.
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , bracelet
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.
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , pendants
The third piece uses partial rings on the focal point where the bead strands attach.

In all three pieces, the partial rings have two solder points connecting them to the main section, creating a strong join.

Silver balls added around the partial rings on the coral coin focal provide extra security.
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , bracelet
Making consistently sized partial loops can be challenging.

One day, a sewing pin on my work table gave me a light bulb moment, and I haven't gone back since.

This method works with 2.5mm to 5.5mm ID jump rings up to 16 gauge.

You can adjust the pin size to fit different jump rings and get the results you want.

Use this method to cut jump rings into partial loops that are exactly the same size every time.
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.
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , slide a pin through the jump ring
Push the jump ring and pin against the vise.

Tighten the jump ring in place.

Remove the pin.
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , miter vise
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!
Judy Larson's Making Consistent Hanging Loops - , Metalwork, , flatten
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, , 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: $5.56
  • Gold Club Price: $4.17
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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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Variety of Jump Rings available by metal type
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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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4 Inch Saw Frame
SAW-344.00
  • SAW-344.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
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2/0 Relentless Sawblade - Sold by the Dozen
SAW-400.05D
  • SAW-400.05D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
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6 Piece Assorted File Set with Wooden Handle
G14-7
  • G14-7
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.57
  • Gold Club Price: $4.18
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WET/DRY PAPER 9 X 11 ASST- 20PC- 2EA GRIT 180-3000
ABR-500.90
  • ABR-500.90
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): General Education