Crimp Bead
A soft metal tube squeezed flat to lock beading wire against a clasp. Used instead of knotting on wire-strung pieces.
Beading wire cannot be knotted reliably, so the wire is passed through a crimp, looped through the clasp, back through the crimp, and the tube is flattened.
A well-made crimp is usually hidden inside a small cover bead so the finish reads as clean metal.
Over-crimping cuts the wire, and under-crimping lets it slip. It is a genuine skill.
When you are buying
On any wire-strung pearl piece, tug gently at the clasp end before buying. Movement at the crimp means it will fail eventually.
Stringing
The thread a strand is built on, and the craft of assembling it.
Knotting
A knot tied between each pearl on the thread. It stops pearls rubbing and limits a break to a single lost pearl.
Clasp
The fastening that closes a necklace or bracelet. The most common point of failure and the most overlooked part of a purchase.
Chain
Linked metal forming a flexible necklace or bracelet, sold by length, gauge and link pattern.