Many artists are asked about what inspires them, or they are asked where they find design ideas, or if they are inspired by a particular medium, or design technique. Most of the artists, fashion designers, and other creative types I’ve interviewed for my podcast, The Fashionability Channel, have told me that often ideas come from a variety of sources. Usually, they tell me that they feel inspired by nature, or movement, or light play. There always seems to be something interesting that informs an artist’s design decisions, no matter the discipline, and the resulting artwork, novel, or fall fashion collection reveals an esthetic that’s all their own. When working on a jewelry vignette for my customers, sometimes it’s something a bit more prosaic that ignites my creative energy. One of the areas from which I derive design inspiration are the findings and materials I discover. Sometimes, it only takes one unique clasp, one spectacular bead, or one unusual finding to capture my imagination, and the ideas begin to flow.
Such was the case when, while shopping for jewelry supplies, I stumbled upon a pretty enhancer bail. It was made of sterling silver, and it featured white topaz stones burnished into the metal. I bought it for myself, knowing I would be able to use it in my personal jewelry collection. Then, the ideas for creating something unique for my customers burst into my consciousness. Typically, when inspiration strikes, the ideas come to me almost fully formed, as was the case when I decided to create a collection of interchangeable pendants using enhancer findings.
Okay, lots of jewelry vocabulary already being used here. so I will elaborate. First, let me define the term “finding.” In this case, it is not meant as a verb, which makes its use confusing.
The definition of a jewelry finding is as follows:
1. Findings: The tools and materials used by an artisan.
2. Jewelry Findings: The component parts or materials used in making a piece of jewelry.
3. Functional Jewelry Findings: The component parts or materials used in making a piece of jewelry that serve a mechanical function such as attaching, joining, or linking. Examples of functional jewelry findings include pin backs, catches, hooks, Omega Clips, and jump rings.
There are also decorative findings, and hybrid findings that serve more than one purpose, such as a bead cap or bail. I’ve already written about bead caps here, and about bails here.
So, what is an enhancer bail? Its a finding that is used to attach a pendant to a chain, pearl strand, or bead necklace, to change or enhance the look, that is also easily removable. Most standard pendants are secured to a chain with a tiny piece of metal that is permanent, or is so small that you cannot slide the pendant over the clasp or bead stations along the chain. In that case, if you wanted to remove the pendant, you might have to break the bail to get it off the chain.
An enhancer bail is openable, and therefore, removable. It looks much like a standard pendant bail, although it’s usually a little larger, with a jump ring attached from which to hang beads, gems, or a pendant setting. It is hinged at the top, with a tiny lip at the base of the loop that you can lift up to open the bail. Some enhancers have a spring hinge, reminiscent of a leverback, or omega clip earring back. Then, it can be snapped over, or clipped on to, another necklace, typically a pearl strand. Ideally, the enhancer is narrow enough to snuggle between two pearls, to create the illusion that the pendant is floating from the pearl strand. Even a pin or brooch can be connected to an enhancer, which is a clever way to wear a pin without piercing the fabric of an expensive garment.
When you want to change the look, the enhancer bail can be detached from the necklace and reattached elsewhere, which makes it easy to expand your jewelry wardrobe with interchangeable pendants and drops. You can even switch the enhancer pendant to a leather cord, ribbon, bracelet chain, or even slide it onto an earring hoop. By adding versatility to your jewelry collection, you are not only adding fashion value, but greater dollar value as well. A few enhancer pendants can be much less costly than an entire necklace, as you are making use of chains, bead or pearl strands you already own.
Enhancer bails are found in almost any metal, and if you are a jewelry crafter, almost any pearls, beads, crystals, or charms can be attached to them to create a unique look. If you are a jewelry collector, you’ll find so many ways to wear them! Want to see examples of enhancer pendants? Check out our Drop of Versatility enhancer pendants here.
Find out how these clever findings can enhance your jewelry collection, and sparkle on!
Laura