What Are Headpins and Eyepins?

Headpins

A headpin is a straight metal wire with one end finished by a flat disc, ball, or decorative cap.

• Acts like a nail: slide beads onto the shaft, and the head prevents them from slipping off.
• Ideal for making dangles, drops, pendants, and earring components.

Eyepins

An eyepin is a wire with a small loop (eye) at one end.

• The eye loop acts as a connector.
• Beads are strung onto the shaft, and the other end is formed into another loop.
• Used for creating links, connectors, and chained elements in necklaces or bracelets.

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Why Use Stainless Steel?

Feature	Benefit
Strength	Doesn’t easily bend or break like softer metals. Holds heavy beads securely.
Tarnish-free	Doesn’t oxidize, rust, or change color over time.
Hypoallergenic	Safe for sensitive skin, unlike many plated metals.
Reusable	You can unbend and reuse them without snapping.

Especially useful for bracelets, keychains, and earrings that take more wear and tear.

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Types of Stainless Steel Headpins

1. Flat Headpins

• The head is a small flat disc, like a nail head.
• Best for general use when the bottom of the bead doesn’t need to be decorative.
• Sleek and minimalist — good for modern, clean designs.

2. Ball Headpins

• The head is a small round ball, often 1–3 mm in diameter.
• Adds a tiny decorative detail beneath the bead.
• Ideal for feminine, boho, or dainty earrings.

3. Decorative Headpins

• Some feature stars, spirals, or hammered textures.
• Used when you want the head to be visible and part of the design.

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Common Sizes

Length	Gauge	Uses
25–38 mm (1–1.5″)	22–24 gauge	Earrings, small dangles
50–75 mm (2–3″)	20–22 gauge	Larger beads, pendants
100 mm+ (4″)	18–20 gauge	Multi-bead clusters, heavy stones

Tip: Gauge numbers are inversely related to thickness — lower number = thicker wire.

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How to Use Them in Findings

Headpins (Flat or Ball)

Create a Beaded Dangle (e.g., for Earrings or Charm Necklaces):

1. Slide a bead (or several) onto the headpin.
2. Use round-nose pliers to form a loop at the open end.
3. Wrap the wire if desired for a more secure finish (i.e., a wrapped loop).
4. Attach it to an earwire, chain, jump ring, or clasp.

Used In:

• Earrings
• Pendants
• Beaded charms
• Cluster components

Eyepins

Make a Connector:

1. Slide a bead onto the eyepin.
2. Use pliers to form another loop on the open end.
3. Link both loops to chains, clasps, or other components.

Used In:

• Bracelets (as links)
• Chandelier earrings (multiple dangles from one point)
• Bead stations in necklaces
• Chain extensions with beaded elements

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Design Examples

1. Earring with Stainless Ball Headpin

• Ball head acts as a tiny bead stopper.
• Slide on crystal + spacer bead.
• Form a loop and connect to an ear hook.

2. Bead-Link Bracelet with Eyepins

• Connect 10 eyepin links, each with a gemstone bead.
• Form a chain with jump rings.
• Add lobster clasp at one end.

3. Pendant Drop for Necklace

• Large flat headpin + agate bead.
• Wire-wrap top and attach to chain center.

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Care & Handling

• Don’t use regular cutters on stainless steel — it’s tough and can damage blades.
• Use flush cutters rated for steel.
• Bend with good pliers to avoid wrist strain (stainless is less pliable than copper or silver).

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Summary of Why They’re Worth Using

Feature	Stainless Steel Headpins & Eyepins
Strength	High — won’t easily bend or distort
Tarnish Resistance	Excellent — no polishing needed
Hypoallergenic	Yes — good for earrings
Price	Affordable and long-lasting
Finish	Polished silver tone or matte available
Style Options	Flat head, ball head, or decorative head