Form a loop on a nail or jewelry pin

Jewelry studs, also known as jewelry pins, are indispensable elements in the creation of costume jewelry. They can be used to attach beads to a chain, to create pendants and charms, or to make beautiful dangling earrings.
When it comes tolearning how to create jewelry, it's always a good idea to have them in your toolbox.

Which jewelry studs to choose?

There are four types of jewelry studs:

• Ball-head nails: this metal shank ends in a small ball.
• Flat-head nails: as the name suggests, the head is completely flat.
• Round head nails: this is the type that ends in a ring.
• Fantasy nails: these can end in a flower, an arrow, a spiral, a leaf...

These nails come in a variety of materials: 925 Sterling Silver, stainless steel, brass, gold-plated, Gold-Filled... Stainless steel is the most resistant to torsion, so you'll need good pliers to work it.
Choose your nails according to the material and color of your jewelry, but also according to the diameter of the hole in your beads.
Be careful not to let the pin get in the way, and the head must stop the bead (and not go through it!).

How do I use jewelry pins?

Flat-head, ball-head and fancy nails can be used to create charms and pendants. Thread one or more beads onto them and form a loop to attach the charm to your jewelry.
Round-headed studs are perfect for making spacers, as they already have a loop on one side. Simply string your beads and form a second loop before attaching it to your jewel primer (3:54 on the video).

There are two ways to make a loop with a nail or pin: either make a simple loop (1:10 on the video) or make a pigtail loop (2:09 on the video).
The pigtail loop will hold better, and is best used on jewelry that may be subject to stress.
In our video, Tiffanie shows you both techniques.

What equipment should I use to form curls on a costume jewelry nail? You'll need 3-in-1 pliers (alternatively, round-tipped pliers and wire cutters will do just as well),a nail or metal rod (aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper...), and oneor more beads of your choice.

How to make a simple loop?

Find out below how to make a simple loop on a jewelry nail or rod.