Charm Rings and Connectors

The pieces that join a charm together

Every charm ends in something that fixes it: a loop of cord, a ring or a clasp. This range holds those pieces, for making charms, mending them, or hanging more than one from the same phone. Today they are mostly short cord loops with a lobster clasp at one end, sold in packs in black, white or mixed colours, along with metal keyring blanks with a split ring and a short chain, ready for a pendant.

What each piece does

• Lobster clasp cord loops. Tie the cord end to a lanyard patch or a case hole, then clip a charm onto the clasp. Charms swap in seconds, and several can hang from one point.
• Split rings. A tiny double coil, like a key ring. It is fiddly to open, usually with a fingernail or a split-ring tool, but it cannot fall open on its own, so it is the better ring wherever the charm takes a pull.
• Jump rings. A plain open ring of wire, found in many bead kits, for hanging a pendant from a strap.
• Keyring blanks. A chain and split ring ready for a charm of your own, for keys and bags as much as phones.

Using rings and clasps

To open a jump ring, hold it with a pair of pliers either side of the gap, then twist one hand towards you and the other away, so the ends move sideways past each other. Never pull the ends straight apart: that bends the ring out of shape and it never closes properly again. Twist it back the same way to close it.

Strength matters wherever the strap meets the phone. A charm that only hangs carries almost nothing, but a wrist strap takes the phone's whole weight if you let go, and a falling phone can pull an open jump ring apart. Use a split ring there. Some clasps close with a magnet; keep those for charms that only hang. The guide to making a phone charm shows each piece in use.

Questions people ask about charm rings and connectors

Can I hang more than one charm from my phone?

Yes. A clasp or ring lets you hang several from one point. Keep heavy or hard charms short, so they do not tap the screen or the camera as they swing.

Do I need tools?

For cord loops and clasps, no. For jump rings, two pairs of small flat-nose or chain-nose pliers make it easy.

Are these safe for small children?

No. Rings, clasps and crimps are small parts, and the NHS warns that babies and toddlers put small objects in their mouths and can choke. It also warns that swallowed magnets can stick together inside a child's intestines, so keep magnetic clasps well away.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• DIY charm kits
• Lanyard patches and tethers
• Dust plug charms
• Beaded phone charms
• Letter and name charms
• Wrist straps
• Guide: How to make your own phone charm
• Guide: Phone charms and straps: the complete guide