What a jump ring is

A jump ring is a small metal ring with a cut in it. You twist it open sideways with two pliers, hook it through a chain link, a clasp or a charm, and twist it closed again. It is the connector behind almost every necklace and bracelet: the clasp is attached with one, pendants hang from one, and permanent jewelry is welded shut at one.

A closed (soldered) jump ring has no cut and is used where nothing needs to pass through it again, for example at the end of a chain that a clasp hooks into. A split ring is a tiny key ring: a double coil with no gap, much stronger than an open jump ring but slower to attach and too bulky for dainty chain.

Which jump ring for which chain

  • Chain up to 2 mm

    Use a 3–4 mm jump ring in 22–24 gauge (0.6–0.5 mm wire). Thinner wire slips through the link; thicker looks clumsy. This is the permanent-jewelry range.

  • Chain 2–4 mm

    Use a 4–5 mm ring in 20–21 gauge (0.8–0.7 mm). Match the metal of the chain: gold filled with gold filled, sterling with sterling.

  • Chain 5 mm and up

    Use a 6–8 mm ring in 18–19 gauge (1.0–0.9 mm), or a soldered ring plus a lobster clasp of 9 mm or more so the closure is as strong as the chain.

Chain to jump ring chart

Read the link size on any chain page, find the row, and use that ring. Wire gauge is AWG; diameters are outside measurements.

Chain widthTypical stylesJump ring (outer)Wire gaugeClaspUse
up to 1 mmfine cable, satellite3 mm24 ga · 0.5 mm6–7 mm spring ringPermanent bracelets, dainty layering
1.1–2 mmcable, paperclip, satellite, rolo3–4 mm22–24 ga · 0.6–0.5 mm7–9 mm lobsterPermanent bracelets and anklets, everyday necklaces
2.1–3 mmpaperclip, figaro, curb, marina4–5 mm20–21 ga · 0.8–0.7 mm9–10 mm lobsterEveryday necklaces, pendant chains
3.1–5 mmcurb, rope, long & short, box5–6 mm19–20 ga · 0.9–0.8 mm10–12 mm lobsterStatement necklaces, men's chain
5 mm and upheavy curb, hammered oval, bars6–8 mm or soldered18–19 ga · 1.0–0.9 mm12 mm+ lobster or toggleBold necklaces and bracelets

Match the metal every time: gold filled rings on gold filled chain, sterling on sterling, 14k on solid gold. Jump rings · Clasps

Jump rings by the piece and by the hundred

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Clasps that match

Clasps for Jewelry by Jewels and Chains

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Questions makers ask

Jump ring vs split ring: which is stronger?

A split ring is stronger because there is no gap to pull open, but it is bulkier and slower to attach. On chain under 4 mm use a jump ring closed properly, or a soldered jump ring; use split rings for keychains and heavy charms.

How do I open a jump ring without weakening it?

Hold each side of the cut with flat-nose pliers and twist one side toward you and the other away, like opening a door. Never pull the ends apart, which distorts the circle. Close by twisting back past centre until the ends click together.

What size jump ring for a necklace clasp?

For most chains, a 4–5 mm ring in 20–21 gauge on a 9–10 mm lobster clasp. Go to 3 mm rings and a 7 mm clasp for chain under 1.5 mm.

Do gold filled jump rings tarnish?

14k gold filled has a thick bonded gold layer, so it wears like gold for years with normal care. Gold plated rings have a thin layer and will show base metal at the cut and wear points sooner.

Which jump rings do permanent jewelry studios use?

Open 3–4 mm rings in 22–24 gauge in the same metal as the chain, so the weld is invisible. Gold filled for gold filled chain, sterling for sterling chain, 14k for solid gold chain.

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