There are a variety of techniques for fastening a center focal section on a necklace. It is useful to anchor the focal section for a number of reasons: it prevents the clasp from sliding to the front, it prevents the pendant from sliding around and creating abrasion on the stringing material, and it creates a cohesive, eye-catching focus for the design.

When creating a center focal section, slide the pendant onto the stringing material first, and then add beads on each side. Choose the style of finding you want to use to anchor the beaded section in place, and then add the clasp.

Bead Bumpers™ are tiny beads that grip onto flexible beading wire. Since Bead Bumpers™ are stretchy, they fit easily onto many different diameters of beading wire. The come in different colors, so you can choose one that complements your design. Use two Bead Bumpers™ side-by-side for extra staying power. These have the added benefit of being able to be adjusted after they are attached, so, with some prior planning, a necklace with a center focal section can easily become an illusion necklace or vice-versa.

Crimp beads and tubes are tiny metal beads that flatten when squeezed with a crimping tool. They are available in a variety of sizes, which you choose based on the diameter of your beading wire. It's important to use a crimping tool instead of regular pliers because regular pliers can accidentally cut into the beading wire. Once the crimp bead or crimp tube is attached to the wire, you can disguise it with a crimp cover. A crimp cover is a c-shaped bead that slips over a crimp bead or tube and provides a decorative touch to the design.

Scrimp® findings are also useful for holding the center section in place. To attach a Scrimp® finding, you loosen the set-screw, slide it onto the beading wire, and then tighten the screw to hold the finding in place. These come in different styles, so you can choose the one that works best with your design.

Crimp Covers and Spring Spacers can also be used to hold center sections in place on suede lace or leather cord necklaces. To attach a crimp cover, simply place the open side over the edge of the cord and squeeze it shut. For the spring spacers, use chain nose pliers to flatten the last ring on the coil.

Links:
Bead Bumpers™
http://www.beadalon.com/BeadBumpers.asp

Crimp Beads
http://www.beadalon.com/BaseCrimpBeads.asp

Scrimp® Findings
http://www.beadalon.com/BaseScrimpFindings.asp

Crimp Covers
http://www.beadalon.com/BaseCrimpCovers.asp

Spring Spacers
http://www.beadalon.com/BaseSpringCordEnds.asp