Frequently Asked Questions
This page provides useful information on topics related to the jewelry and findings industry, including common questions, jewelry and findings terms, and helpful industry measurements. We will be continuously adding to this page so if you have an unanswered question, please contact us.
For information on terms, pricing, minimum orders, and returns, please visit our Ordering Policy page.
Your Jewelry and Findings Questions Answered:
What is gold filled?
To learn more about gold filled, visit our Metals Guide and view our What is Gold Filled flyer.
What is silver filled?
To learn more about silver filled, visit our Metals Guide.
Can you solder gold filled and silver filled?
Yes. Silver filled and gold filled metals can be soldered with a torch and silver or gold solder to other metals. Be mindful that there is a risk of the sterling silver or gold layer melting enough to show the base metal underneath, so use caution when applying torch heat.
What causes tarnishing and how can I prevent it?
Tarnishing is caused by oxidation. To prevent this, keep findings and jewelry polished and clean. JK Findings sells all products sealed in plastic poly bags with anti-tarnish strips to prolong their shelf life.
Why does silver tarnish if there is anti-tarnish on it?
Over time, the anti-tarnish barrier will wear away and oxidation will occur. The tarnish is most likely due to contact with sulphur compounds or other chemicals that attack copper. Amount of wear and skin chemistry will determine how quickly this will occur.
Does silver with rhodium plating tarnish?
Rhodium plated silver is much less likely to tarnish than raw sterling silver.
How do I clean silver and gold filled?
Most commonly used at home is a mild soap and water to clean jewelry. Mass produced and readily available silver or jewelry cleaner may be used, but the directions must be read before use as many have restrictions.
How do I determine what size pearl cup I should use?
You should use a pearl cup that is roughly two-thirds the size of the pearl you are using.
How do I determine what size bead cap I should use?
You should use a bead cap that is roughly two-thirds the size of the bead you are using.
Are your items nickel compliant with European Standard?
Yes, all of our .925 silver items are nickel free.
Why does silver tarnish when stored with leather and how can I prevent it?
The tannins in leather release gases that cause silver to tarnish. When leather and silver are stored in the same poly bag or container, the gases get trapped inside and tarnishing will occur. To help prevent this, we add anti-tarnish strips and a desiccant (silica gel is the most commonly used) to all poly bags containing leather jewelry with silver findings. The anti-tarnish strips absorb and trap sulfides and pollutants in the air while the desiccant removes moisture from the air. If using your own packaging, it is a good idea to add these two things.
| Definition of Abbreviations |
| Abbreviation | Definition | | Abbreviation | Definition |
| 1# | 1 Number Hard Wire | JR | Jump Ring |
| 2# | 2 Number Hard Wire | LB | Leverback |
| 3# | 3 Number Hard Wire | LC | Lobster Claw |
| 4# | 4 Number Hard Wire | MOA | Minimum Order Amount |
| AT | Anti-Tarnish | MOQ | Minimum Order Quantity |
| C&L | Click and Lock | OD | Outside Diameter |
| CL | Closed | OX | Oxidized |
| CZ | Cubic Zirconia | QSTM | Quality Stamp Trade Mark |
| DC | Diamond Cut | RGP | Rose Gold Plated |
| DN | Double Notch | RH | Rhodium Plated |
| DS | Dead Soft | SPAT | Silver Plated Anti-Tarnish |
| DSCB | Double-Sided Checkerboard Stone | SPS+ | Silver Plated with Silver Plus (AT) |
| ga | Brown & Sharpe Wire Gauge | SR | Spring Ring |
| GP | Yellow Gold Plated | TC | Trigger Clasp |
| ID | Inside Diameter | TO | 1 Troy Ounce = 31.1035 Grams |
Clamoring for clasp clarification? Jostled by jewelry jargon?
Read What's In a Name? A Glossary of Common Types of Findings and Chain which originally appeared in the MJSA Buyer's Resource, Volume One. It is published by MJSA, the U.S. trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design. For more information, go to mjsa.org.