Clamshell Calottes are used with beadalon wire, nylon & silk thread. To use, simply place the wire through the hole at the bottom of the calotte, place a crimp bead onto the wire & squash the crimp bead so that it is secure. Trim the end of the wire so that the calotte can be closed easily. You can also use glue on the crimp bead inside the calotte to help ensure that the wire is secure. If you are using nylon or silk thread, simply place the thread through the hole at the bottom of the calotte & knot several times. Secure the knot with glue.