Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Jump Rings

—literally. Whether you’re crafting earrings, bracelets, or intricate chainmaille designs, using jump rings correctly ensures your jewelry is both beautiful and durable. But it’s easy to make mistakes when working with them—mistakes that can lead to broken pieces, sloppy finishes, or even lost components.

To help you avoid frustration and elevate your craftsmanship, here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid when working with jump rings, along with tips to get it right every time.

1. Using the Wrong Size Ring

Why it matters:
Each jewelry design requires a specific jump ring size for optimal strength, spacing, and flexibility. Rings that are too small can restrict movement, while oversized rings can cause pieces to fall apart or look unbalanced.

What to do instead:
Match your jump ring’s gauge (thickness) and inner diameter (ID) to the project and components. Use size guides or aspect ratio calculators to find the correct dimensions for your design.

2. Using the Wrong Gauge (Wire Thickness)

Why it matters:
Too thin and your jump ring might bend open with wear; too thick and it becomes difficult to work with or may not fit your components.

What to do instead:
Common gauges for jewelry are:

• 20–22 gauge for lightweight earrings

• 18 gauge for standard necklaces and bracelets

• 16 gauge or thicker for heavy-duty chainmaille or pendants

Match the gauge to the weight and purpose of your piece.

3. Opening Rings the Wrong Way

Why it matters:
Pulling a jump ring apart sideways (instead of twisting) weakens the metal and creates an uneven gap that's hard to close properly.

What to do instead:
Always twist open your jump rings using two pairs of pliers—rotate one side forward and the other backward. This keeps the shape intact and makes re-closing easier and more secure.

4. Leaving Gaps in the Ring Closure

Why it matters:
Even the tiniest gap can lead to components slipping off, especially in high-movement areas like bracelets and necklaces.

What to do instead:
After connecting your components, carefully twist the ring closed until the ends touch and "click" into place. If you're working with softer metals like sterling silver or copper, gently rub the seam to harden and align the ends.

5. Not Work-Hardening the Closure

Why it matters:
Soft metals like silver and copper can open again over time if not work-hardened after closing.

What to do instead:
Once the ring is closed tightly, gently wiggle it back and forth a few times with your pliers. This hardens the metal at the joint, improving its strength and long-term security.

6. Using Low-Quality Jump Rings

Why it matters:
Cheap, poorly cut rings often have burrs, uneven cuts, or weak closures. These flaws reduce the overall quality and strength of your jewelry.

What to do instead:
Invest in saw-cut jump rings, which offer clean, flush ends that close tightly. Look for reputable suppliers who list the material, cut, and finish of the rings.

7. Mismatching Metals

Why it matters:
Using jump rings made of a different metal than the rest of your piece can lead to tarnishing, corrosion, or inconsistent coloring over time.

What to do instead:
Match your jump ring’s metal with the rest of the components. For hypoallergenic pieces, stick to stainless steel, titanium, or niobium. For premium designs, use sterling silver or gold-filled rings.

8. Forgetting About Aspect Ratio

Why it matters:
In chainmaille and some linked designs, the aspect ratio (AR)—the relationship between the ring's inner diameter and wire thickness—is crucial for how the weave performs.

What to do instead:
Calculate the AR using the formula:
AR = Inner Diameter ÷ Wire Diameter
Each weave has an ideal AR range. For example, Byzantine weave works best with an AR between 3.5 and 4.0.

9. Using the Wrong Tools

Why it matters:
Using your fingers or generic tools can scratch the metal, cause slipping, or lead to poorly closed rings.

What to do instead:
Use two flat-nose, bent-nose, or chain-nose pliers designed for jewelry making. For delicate metals, cover the plier tips with nylon jaw covers or use nylon-tipped pliers to prevent marring the surface.

10. Overhandling Soft Metals

Why it matters:
Repeated bending and opening of softer metals (like copper or fine silver) causes metal fatigue, making the ring brittle and prone to breaking.

What to do instead:
Avoid re-opening the same jump ring more than necessary. Plan your design and practice your technique before handling the final materials.

Bonus Tip: Organize and Label Your Rings

Jump rings look similar but may vary slightly in size, gauge, and metal. Mixing them up can lead to inconsistent results.

What to do instead:
Store your rings in clearly labeled containers or trays, separating them by size, gauge, and material. This makes your workflow smoother and helps prevent mismatched components.

Final Thoughts

jump rings for jewelry may seem small, but they can make or break your jewelry—literally. Avoiding these common mistakes helps you create pieces that are not only beautiful but also long-lasting and secure. Whether you're crafting a dainty necklace or an elaborate chainmail bracelet, mastering your jump ring technique ensures your hard work stands the test of time.