![]() They come in silver-plated, copper-plated (oval only), or gold-colored “metal.” There are three shapes (for use as crimps): 3mm bullet, 4.5mm round, and 3.5mm oval. Scrimp™ Findings, by Beadalon ™, offer potentially secure 2-strand crimping. Although I have yet to find a similar 3+ strand crimp, there are some interesting and potentially secure 2-strand options on the market. ![]() This product discontinuation led me to seek alternatives and write this article. (At present, there are more Omega inserts available than Magic Findings, and the crimping pliers are being heavily discounted.) There is a dwindling supply of sterling silver and gold-filled Magic Findings available from a few suppliers (see table below) at steadily increasing prices, due to their growing scarcity.Ĭurrent prices range from $1.89 to $2.86 per finding, based on quantity purchased and metal type. Plated versions are no longer available at all. Unfortunately, production of Magic Findings has been discontinued. This resulted in a failed crimp, likely due to insufficient crimping on my part. The only problem I seldom encountered was one of the finding’s internal tubes pulling loose (they are only held inside the outer tube by friction), taking a looped-back stringing wire with it. I opted for the less expensive plated versions and was a very happy customer for several years. Magic Findings initially came in four metals: gold-plated, silver-plated, sterling silver, and 14k gold-filled. The company also offers special U-shaped sterling silver or 14k gold-filled Omega Inserts that may be crimped into the Magic Finding. There are many other ways to use Magic Findings. (Magic Finding images courtesy of Fire Mountain Gems.) This video shows how to use Magic Findings and their special crimping tool. Then I use the special two-step Magic Finding pliers to securely crimp 5 strands of beading wire into a round bead shape. I also thread the tail ends of the wire twice through the Magic Finding. Magic Findings have been ideal for creating my Protestant prayer beads as I need only one Magic Finding per set. 19mm diameter each), resulting in an attractive silver or gold round bead shape. Patented Magic Findings™ offer the ability to crimp together 2-5 strands of beading wire (up to. This article shares my extensive research into the pros and cons of some potentially more secure and beautiful alternatives to relying on simple crimp beads/tubes to secure jewelry projects. Besides, crimps are notoriously ugly and cheap-looking, unless the jewelry designer very neatly crimps them and/or tediously hides them with expensive crimp covers. Buyers who experience failed crimps will probably not be repeat customers.Ĭonsidering all this, I have deliberately sought out fail-proof alternatives to the lowly crimp bead or crimp tube. ![]() Another consideration is the despair a jewelry customer may experience when a crimp bead fails, scattering (and likely losing) beads, destroying an expensive or much loved creation forever. The failed crimp also may have damaged the beading wire, creating additional problems.Īlso frustrating is having one of your customers return your jewelry creation in pieces for restringing due to a failed crimp. When this happens, the beads and/or their components need to be restrung for another try with a new crimp bead. There are few things more frustrating to a beader than having a jewelry project fall apart due to a failed crimp. If you’re a beader who struggles to confidently use crimps to secure beads and other components on flexible beading wire, this article offers neat and easier alternatives to using ordinary crimps.
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