Show Your Love: Finishing Details

When you browse handmade jewelry, do you look at it from every angle? I definitely do! I think well-made jewelry should always be comfortable and safe to wear, so I am usually looking for these indicators when I inspect something I want to buy:

• Smooth ear wires

• Points and edges have been sanded or smoothed

• Skin-safe adhesives

• Hypoallergenic metal findings (clasps, ear wires, chain)

• Carefully closed jump rings

For me, these details are so important and they tell me about the level of care, practice, and consideration that an artist has put into their work. Jewelry is an intimate medium because of its interaction with the human body, and finishing details show that an artist has thought about that interaction. I think it shows respect to the finished product as well as respect to the customer.

Below, I've rounded up some tips and resources for some of my finishing preferences. If you are a creator, I hope you find them helpful! If you are just a lover of handmade jewelry, I hope you'll keep these details in mind the next time you browse!

Ear Wires

Most pre-fabricated ear wires have finished ends that are smooth and rounded off. If you plan to make your own ear wires (out of sterling silver, for example), there are a couple of ways to finish them: with fine grit sandpaper or a cup burr. You can use a cup burr in a Dremel, a pin vise, or even between finger and thumb! Make sure to get a burr that is the same size (or slightly larger) than your wire gauge.

Finished Edges

My rule of thumb is exactly that! If I can run my thumb carelessly over an edge, whether it is metal, polymer clay, or some other material, and I can't feel any snags or pokes, then that usually means my edges are finished. If I want to be extra careful, I will wear the jewelry around the studio, making sudden movements and shaking to check if there will be any unexpected pinches. Everyday jewelry should be able to do everyday things!

Safe Materials

Everyone's skin has different sensitivities and I am definitely not a medical professional! But! To keep my jewelry comfortable for most people, I prefer sterling silver and stainless steel. When I need a gold-tone, I use gold-plated or gold-filled findings. For very sensitive ears, I have titanium studs and wires available.

Jump Rings and Closures

My favorite way to open and close jump rings is with two needle-nose pliers wrapped with a little bit of masking tape, but there are so many ways to do it! Jump rings don't need to be pinched or pulled with the pliers - you really just need a little leverage.

With polymer clay, jump rings can't be soldered together after they are attached to clay, so they are sometimes left open, and you will see a seam where both ends meet. This is not a bad thing as long as the jump rings are closed carefully and are strong enough to take a little tension. If a jump ring has been closed correctly, you should not be able to see the seam very easily. If needed, you can also buy pre-fabricated closed jump rings that have already been soldered shut - I like to use these with my clasps on beaded jewelry to add some strength.

Consider Every Angle

The back sides of jewelry aren't seen by most people, but that doesn't mean they should be forgotten. After I've sanded and finished the "unseen" parts of my jewelry, I like to put a little something there for the future owner to see and enjoy when they put on and take off their jewelry. Besides, earring backs are often visible to passersby from different angles, so why not make them look just as interesting as the front?!

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