5 Popular Jewelry Clasps

By Author: Jaimes Watts
Total Articles: 38
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Different types of jewelry clasps are used for different purposes. If you plan to design jewelry, it pays to know which is best for each application. Few things will mark you as an amateur faster than mismatching your clasp with your new creation.

Materials Matter

You can get jewelry clasps from fine metals, base metals, stone, and other non-metal materials. Each has its place in your jewelry making supplies. For example, a gemstone toggle clasp is perfect with a funky large bracelet while a silver “S” clasp decorated with a cabochon is more suitable for a southwestern inspired piece. With all the choices you have, your clasp should fit seamlessly with what you have made.

Shape and Style

There are a number of common styles that you see everywhere; lobster claws, toggles, barrels, hook and eyes, and classic spring rings. The size and style of each of these clasps help determine where they are best used.

Lobster Clasps

These clasps are usually larger than the traditional spring ring, which means they are particularly good for people with larger fingers or mobility issues. They ...
... look great on larger pieces of jewelry, and if coordinated with the metal used on in the necklace or bracelet, they blend in well with even traditional fine jewelry. They are very secure

Toggle Clasps

A toggle clasp has two parts; a bar and a circular end. The bar slides through the open center of the circular end and is turned so that it extends beyond the opening, sealing the link. These are very stylish and come in a variety of shapes, designs, and sizes. They can even be part of the design of a piece of jewelry. They are less secure than other types and therefore not suitable for expensive items.

Box Clasps – With or Without Safety Guards

A box clasp involves a small spring that slides into a larger box and clicks into place. Not as secure as a spring ring or lobster claw, it can be made more resistant to failure with the addition of a safety guard. Frequently seen as part of a strand of pearls, the safety guard adds an additional level of protection against accidental separation.

Decorative Clasps

These jewelry clasps are actually designed to appear as part of the larger design or as a charm on an existing piece of jewelry. They may work in a fashion similar to that of a carabineer.

Magnetic Clasps

A real boon to those with arthritis in their fingers, magnetic clasps allow people to secure a piece of jewelry without having to fuss with complicated clasps. By placing the two ends in close proximity, the magnets draw the ends together. Unfortunately, a sharp tug on the bracelet or necklace can separate the ends, potentially leading to loss.

Jewelry can be customized in so many ways. Whether you are searching for kits, supplies or assistance in creating the perfect custom jewelry design piece, you can find everything you need at design jewelry.