There are many different kinds of findings. Focal components display and connect beads and strands. They come in many types of metals and finishes.
Links have a loop at each end.
Bails have a loop to attach a pendant or a dangle and a large loop to be strung over a bead strand.
Spacers sit between each bead, either singly or in groups. They come in many shapes and sizes and are often considered a bead rather than a finding.
Spreaders are a type of connector. It is also used to increase or decrease the number of strands in your jewelry.
Cones are used at the ends of multi-strand necklaces.

There are two types of findings that are essential for making almost any type of jewelry: Wire components and finishing components.
Wire components are described in the term: gauge and size. The gauge refers to the thickness of the wire. The higher the gauge the thinner the wire.

Size is measured in different ways. Head pins and eye pins are measured by length and jump rings are measured by inside and outside diameter.
Head pins are often used to make dangles, and eye pins are used to make links. You can make your own head pins (as I do often) by hammering the end flat, or by turning the end to make a closed loop, then just squeeze it with your chain nose pliers. And to make your own eye pins- just make a loop at the end of a wire.

Jump rings are small circles of wire with flush ends that close securely.
They are used to link components and to make chain mail jewelry.
Soldered jump rings are permanently closed.
Split rings look like tiny key rings. They also offer the security of soldered jump rings, but are more flexible. And closed loops can be attached to them
Finishing components are used to finish and connect pieces.
Thread and wire protectors are a safe guard from friction at clasp connections.
Bullion is a fine coil of thin wire that slides over the thread to conceal and protect it. Wire guards are U-shaped metal plates used to protect beading wire from wear.
Bead tips are used to finish projects. A knot or bead sets inside the clam shell and the hook closes around the clasp loop.
Crimp beads are used with flexible beading wire and can be closed with chainose or crimping pliers.
Crimp covers close over crimps to hide them and they look like beads.
Crimp ends are used to finish cord and ribbon strands.
This should help you to know what you will need to make some jewelry.

In future articles I will go over different tools that are used.