Handmade Japanese

Handmade Japanese

Handmade Jewelry Basics - What is a Cone Finding?

Accelerate your progress toward jewelry professionalism by learning the terminology of different jewelry-making components.  Converse easily with fellow jewelry makers, locate potential suppliers faster and boost your jewelry-making reputation by using correct terminology.

Definition of a Jewelry Finding

A "jewelry finding" is a component of jewelry less than a finished piece.

What is a Cone?

A cone is a three-dimensional jewelry finding that provides a taper from the larger size of a jewelry piece to a smaller size near the ends of the same piece.

Basic Cones

A classic cone finding has a small round hole at the top and a large round hole at the bottom;  it is hollow inside and the walls are usually smooth.

Fancy Cones

The basic principle of tapering from large to small still applies, but fancier cones may have textured surfaces or filigree surfaces.

Cone Materials

Cones are available in the noble metals (gold, sterling silver and platinum).  However, most DIY jewelry projects will use cones made of gold-filled, sterling silver, silver-plated, antique brass, bright copper, antique copper, gunmetal, imitation rhodium and nickel.

When to Use Cones?

Jewelry designers use cones to hide a transition from multiple strands of chain, bead wire, knotted silk or other jewelry making fiber to a single connection near a jewelry closure (clasp, toggle, s-hook or hook-and-eye).  A wire-wrap or eyepin holds multiple strands, then the cone covers the connection point between the strands and the wire wrap.  The wire outside of the cone connects to a clasp or an intermediate finding, usually with another wire wrap.

Bead weaves based on Japanese Kumihimo techniques use larger cones to "cap" braided strands.

Alternate Use for Cones

Another use for cones is to simulate angels' robes in angel earrings at holiday times.

Conclusion

Designers who know cones and jewelry findings will present themselves more easily as jewelry professionals.

About the Author

Paul Brandon knows cones and writes for OhioBeads.com, which sells bulk jewelry chains and jewelry making findings to the U.S. market.

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