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Crimping is just one of the many different ways to attach a clasp to the end of a jewelry design. The method you choose should be based on how you want the design to look and your own personal technique preference.
EZ-Crimp™ clasps (http://www.beadalon.com/SterlingSilverEZCrimpFindings.asp) feature a tiny coil that crimps onto the beading wire, making regular crimp tubes unnecessary. They're available in a variety of styles, such as toggle, S-hook and hook-and-eye. You can also use plain EZ-Crimp™ ends and then add your own clasp.
To use an EZ-Crimp™ (http://www.beadalon.com/ezcrimp101.asp) pass the wire end inside the crimp end, and then use a EZ-Crimp™ pliers to squeeze the bars together. The coil inside flattens to securely hold the wire in place. Because the pliers have a rounded jaw, the entire coil is squeezed shut, which holds the wire firmly in place without damaging the wire.
You can also use a special finding called a “Scrimp” to attach a clasp (http://www.beadalon.com/scrimp101.asp). A Scrimp™ finding contains a miniature screw. Scrimp™ findings are a great way to finish a design because they are completely removable, which allows you to adjust the length or pattern after attaching the clasp.
Use a Scrimp™ finding in conjunction with a Wire Guardian™ finding for a secure finish. A Wire Guardian™ finding is a small hollow loop that fits over the end of beading wire where it attaches to a clasp. A Wire Guardian prevents abrasion and breakage. To use a Wire Guardian™, pass the beading with through the Scrimp™, Wire Guardian™ and clasp. Then pass the wire back through the Wire Guardian™ and Scrimp™. Turn the screw to secure the Scrimp™ finding.
The thinnest diameters of Beadalon wire are knot-able, which is great for beaders who are used to working with thread. Pass the thread end through a bead tip before knotting to protect and hide the knot. A bead tip also makes it easy to attach a clasp to the end of the design and gives the necklace a professional-looking finish.
Another way to avoid crimping is by using memory wire (http://www.beadalon.com/memwireendcap101.asp) to create your jewelry designs. Memory wire is tempered wire that "remembers" its shape and retains its coiled form. It's basically one-size-fits-all and comes in pre-formed necklace, bracelet and ring sizes. You don't have to use a clasp to connect the ends because they automatically stay in place on your neck, wrist or finger.
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