1. Earring Hooks and Backs

There are a ridiculous quantity of different kinds of earrings backs and hooks: you want to think about the length, the gauge, the shape, and of course the metal. Brass findings are more likely to be hypoallergenic than the cheaper silver-tone ones, and they come in just as wide a range of types. Try kidney wires for versatility and the ability to switch out your earring dangle frequently, or more traditional earring hooks for a very familiar looking and professional seeming style of earring wire. 2. Headpins and Eyepins However tempting it may be to jettison one in favour of the other, it really is essential that you have both headpins and eyepins in your jewelry making kit - and as a part of your brass findings collection, if you plan on working in brass. They each have very different applications, and it's important to realise that using eyepins where headpins would have been a better choice just looks messy and unprofessional! Only ever use an eyepin if you're going to be utilising that extra loop for something. 3. Jump Rings and Connectors The very most important thing of all about jump rings - after sizing them, of course! - is that they blend in well. Your jump rings and other connectors are not 'features' - or they very rarely are, anyway. Brass findings are wonderful, but if you're using them make sure you're using all brass findings - otherwise, your jump rings and other incidental pieces will stick out like a sore thumb. Make sure you avoid this with high quality brass jump rings and connectors. 4. Various Different Clasps and Catches Not all clasps work for all applications. Necklaces don't really do brilliantly with toggle clasps, but bracelets shouldn't ever have a barrel clasp to close them - and those are just two of many, many examples. Find yourself a wide selection of brass clasps, catches and closures, so that you know for sure you're going to have the right thing for each project you make. It's always best to be prepared in advance, and clasps are one of those things that it is sometimes all too easy to forget about until the very last minute. 5. Spacer Beads and Bead Caps Jewelry is only as good as its components, and a shoddily made piece with no beads capped and everything jumbled in together without spacers will show itself for being exactly that to even the most untrained of eyes. Brass findings, spacers and caps come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they're completely essential for making certain that the finished product is as professionally made as possible. Pick up a few different sorts and have a play around to see which you like the best, and make sure you have a variety of sizes so that they'll fit with plenty of different kinds of beads. What are you waiting for? Take this information and put it to good use creating amazing items you are sure to love!