Handmade Surgical
![]() |
Handmade Jewelry-Making Basics - What is a Toggle?
Jewelry-makers should learn terminology of basic jewelry-making components and techniques to work effectively with friends, customers and suppliers.
Jewelry toggles make up one category of many different jewelry closures for handmade artisan jewelry, mass-market costume jewelry and fine jewelry. While toggle clasps definitely fasten jewelry, they can also enhance jewelry appearance.
What is a jewelry toggle?
A jewelry toggle is a set of two pieces: a jewelry loop and a jewelry stick. The jewelry loop is attached to one end of your unfinished jewelry; the jewelry stick attaches to the other end. The jewelry stick gets pushed through the jewelry loop, then turned so it rests longways against the loop, gravity holding the two components in place. A skin-tight jewelry piece without any slack will not last long -- this style closure is made to have some slack.
Toggle clasps come with a bit more risk than lobster claw clasps. However, many jewelry fans seem to regard jewelry toggles as more fashionable than lobster claw clasps. Jewelry closed with toggles may fall off the body if they are made with too much slack; sometimes the toggles may come undone when the tension on the jewelry is relaxed.
Fancy toggles will often be used at the front of a necklace as a visual centerpiece -- especially fancy shaped toggles or toggles with addition decorations.
Jewelry toggles come in many different shapes: round, oval, square, diamond, heart-shaped, floral, stirrup, etc.
Toggle Mechanics
A toggle is most secure when it cannot easily slip back through the loop accidentally. The widest opening of the toggle loop must still be smaller than the shortest distance from your anchor point (often a ring soldered on or cast midway a metal toggle stick) to the end of the stick. The toggle loop must also be big enough to accommodate the smallest beads on the end attached to the toggle stick. The stick must be pulled through the loop before it can be turned to rest against the toggle loop. Many jewelry pieces with toggle clasps will have beads graduated in size from the larger beads at the center, where they are most visible, to the smaller beads at both ends. Toggles that are light with respect to the center beads will shift to the top as a bracelet rotates due to gravity. A heavy toggle will help a bracelet to hang comfortably, with the toggle loop underneath the wrist.
Fastening Toggles
In pieces made with jewelry chain, you may see chain end caps soldered onto the chain and toggles connected with link locks or soldered jump rings. Unsoldered chain pieces will often use open jump rings, split rings or link locks. Jewelry designers will usually fasten toggles to bead wire projects using flattened crimps. Some designers favor clam shells or bead tips to make the transition to the jewelry closures for bead wire projects and fiber projects such as knotted silk jewelry. Inexpensive leather or fiber pieces may be knotted directly onto the toggle pieces with overhand knots.
Toggle Materials
Your "stick" may be as simple as a button with a shank used with a loop of seed beads on bead wire. Your loop may be quite fancy, with "expandable" toggles of several rings attached together. The rings on both the toggle loop and toggle stick should be firmly attached. Toggle sticks with spiral patterns seem to be susceptible to bending more than many other designs.
Toggle in the United States will often be made of one of the following materials:
- Platinum
- Palladium
- Gold
- Gold-Filled
- Silver: Thai silver, sterling silver (.925 silver)
- Titanium
- Surgical Steel
- Brass, usually plated with gold, silver, copper, antique copper, antique brass, gunmetal/black nickel and imitation rhodium
- Wood
- Stone
Many of these materials are available in different surface textures: shiny, matte, brushed, etc. Crystals, cubic zirconia and gemstones may decorate toggles of the more expensive metals.
The jewelry designer's unique sense of design and style will define the jewelry aesthetics and the the possible toggles for a jewelry piece. Fortunately, toggles are available in a wide range of prices, shapes and materials.
About the Author
Paul Brandon knows toggles and writes for OhioBeads.com, which sells bulk jewelry chain and jewelry findings (in sterling silver, gold-filled, antique brass, antique copper, gunmetal, imitation rhodium, silver-plate, gold-plate).
|
|
Surgical English $39.95 Surgical English |
|
|
Surgical Gloves $6 Surgical Gloves - Raekwon |
|
|
Surgical Steel Dangling Removable Feather Belly Ring $25.76 This belly ring is like no other, handmade with dyed feathers in light pink and aqua and beaded leather cords. The feather dangle is removeable with a easy to use lobster claw clasp for easy wear without having to remove the ring from the piercing. Type: Belly Ring Metal: Surgical Steel Gauge: 14 gauge Dimensions: 32 mm wide x 117.28 mm long All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. For your health and safety, body jewelry is not returnable or exchangeable.Note: To maintain the delicate feather, it is suggested that you remove the feather clip prior to showering, swimming, physical activity, or wearing constrictive clothing. See Treatment Guide for further information. |
|
|
Handmade Vintage Copper Heart MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade Vintage Copper Heart MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Pretty vintage style belly ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. This antique belly ring is designed with copper accents and gemstone dazzling features. Structured on an anodized titanium curved barbell gives it dark features for a striking look. Specifications: Approximately 2.5 Inch, 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16 (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Copper, Black Plated Copper, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Handmade in the USA |
|
|
Surgical Team $24.99 H. Armstrong Roberts Surgical Team - Photographic Print |
|
|
Surgical Lamps $129.99 Panoramic Images Surgical Lamps - Wall Decal |
|
|
Surgical Operation $49.99 David Teniers the Younger Surgical Operation - Giclee Print |
|
|
Handmade Lock Me Up Sheriff Nipple Ring $11.99 Handmade Lock Me Up Sheriff Nipple Ring Lock em up and throw away the key. Sexy Sheriff Nipple ring is a fashion that is breaking laws and calling in for back up. Try not to get thrown behind bars with this barbell Sheriff Nipple ring Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 5/8" (16mm) Length, 925 Sterling Silver Charm, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Barbell |
|
|
Handmade February Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade February Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The amethyst color birthstone of February signifies courage and is said to give strength in ones relationships. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |
|
|
Handmade March Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade March Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The aquamarine color birthstone of March signifies protection again dangers from the ocean. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |
|
|
Handmade April Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade April Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The diamond color birthstone of April signifies the symbol of undying love. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |
|
|
Handmade July Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade July Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The ruby color birthstone of the July signifies love and passion. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |
|
|
Handmade May Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade May Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The emerald color birthstone of May signifies insight, development and persistence. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |
|
|
Handmade June Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade June Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The pearl color birthstone of June signifies the symbol of purity. It was said that the peals were hardened tears of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |
|
|
Handmade August Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade August Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The peridot color birthstone of August symbolizes strength. The stone is said to protect the wearer from nightmares. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |
|
|
Handmade October Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Handmade October Birthstone Angel Belly Ring MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS The opal color birthstone of October signifies faithfulness and confidence. Jewelry with opal color birthstones are known to repel evil and protect eyesight. Celebrate you or someone else with this angel birthstone belly ring. Handmade belly ring. Brithstone jewelry is a a great gift idea. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Approximate 1 Inch Length Pendant, Faux Pearl, Handmade in the USA, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS |



US $4.95


























































































