Jewelry construction glossary: jump ring, post, hinge, bail…

Small parts that join, swivel or hang have names of their own. Here are the ones that come up all the time in a workshop, with the Spanish term. For the parts of each kind of jewel, see parts of a jewel.

Rings and loops #

• Loop / ring (argolla): a closed metal ring. In some countries, also the wedding band.
• Jump ring (anilla): a small ring, open or soldered, that joins pieces. See chainmaille.
• Hoop / band (aro): the circular part of a ring or hoop earring.

Clasps and joints #

• Clasp (cierre): joins the ends of a chain or bracelet. See types of clasps.
• Lobster clasp (mosquetón): a clasp with a spring trigger, shaped like a lobster claw.
• Hinge (charnela, bisagra): an articulated joint of two pieces turning on an axis, typical of bangles and boxes.
• Pin / hinge pin (pasador): a rod that passes through the hinge knuckles or closes a brooch.
• Rivet (remache): a metal pin flattened at both ends that joins two pieces without solder. See rivets.

Hollow parts and supports #

• Tube (tubo): a hollow section, the basis of hinges, rivets and beads.
• Post / stem (vástago): the rod of an earring that passes through the ear, or the pin of a brooch.
• Bail (bail): the small loop through which the chain passes on a pendant.
• Core (alma): the interior of a piece, such as the cord around which a wire is wrapped or the core of a filled piece.

Parts for stones #

• Chaton and gallery: see setting glossary.
• Mounting (montura): the metal structure in which the stone is set.