Clasps - types of

Jewelry Clasps

Oh so many ways to get hooked!

Clasps are jewelry fasteners that you can use to connect/end off your bracelets or necklaces. There are a huge variety of jewelry fasteners for different situations or just for different decorative purposes.

Jewelry clasps are not just functional components used to securely connect two ends of a necklace or other piece of jewelry. The purely functional ones are there for function only, with a subdued appearance that keeps them from overpowering the jewelry. Others are bold, stunning, &/or decorative and are used in innovative way as part of the jewelry's integral design. When you are producing high-end jewelry with precious metals and more expensive beads, you will need clasps and fasteners that fit the top-end of the market. It is always unwise to expend good money for top-quality beads and then take the risk of using lower-end clasps which would detract from the final value and look of your finished piece.

Some types of clasps are more secure than others and some are more difficult to open and close without help from another person. Below are selection of clasps with their accompanying descriptions.

Box Clasps

The box clasp is a method of connecting two ends of a chain. One end has a box/housing with an opening which is notched/grooved on the top of the box. The other end has a flat piece of metal (the tongue) which has been folded over to form a spring/lever. The folded metal spring or lever slips into the hole in the box with the end of the lever sticking out. The compressed spring holds the two ends in place. It is released by pressing the two ends of the lever together. Though not always, it is not uncommon for the connection to be reinforced by a figure 8 catch.

Hook & Eye Clasps

Another very common and simple clasp is the Hook & Eye clasp. You can easily make this yourself with some wire or buy them pre-made. This type of clasp is made up of a simple hook on one side and an “eye”. The picture here shows the eye shaped like a figure “8” but it can just be any shape to which the hook can catch to to secure the jewellery piece. These types of clasps range from very simple to very ornate. These types of clasps are available for single or multi strand designs. It is best to use these types of clasp with heavier pieces of jewelry. The gravity on the weight of the jewellery will better help to keep the clasp closed during wear.

Lobster Clasp (aka Parrot Clasp)

These are also commonly referred to as Lobster claw claps or Parrot clasps (but don't ask me why coz I don't know .. yet! I am guessing it has something to do with the look and shape of a parrot's beak.)

They kind of look like the claw of a lobster. This is one of the most popular and secure of clasps. So, if you have an extra heavy piece of jewelry, they are your best bet. These fasteners use tension from a spring-loaded mechanism to keep the clasp securely closed. The claw catches a jumpring, loop, or a link on a chain on the other end of the piece of jewellery.

They come in many different finishes & sizes. These days, you can even find fun-shaped lobster clasps like heart-shaped, dolphin, etc.

Magnetic Clasp

Magnetic clasps are a relatively new addition to the range of clasps available .. and are definitely one of my favourites. They are easy to put on & take off and are certainly very popular with the older generation because there is so much less fumbling to do. They are also a god-send for people with arthritic fingers.

Read more about Magnetic Clasps ..

S Hook / S Clasps

This was definitely one of the most popular types of clasps, especially before the advent of the more elaborate and fanciful clasps that we have available to us today. It can range from very simple to very ornate.

It can also be easily made using just pliers & thick wire. This type of clasp has been around for a long time and is a certainty that it will be around for a long time yet to come. They are easy to add to any jewellery piece and is also extremely easy for the wearer.

Spring Ring Clasp

Spring ring clasp uses a spring-loaded mechanism that opens and closes around a loop or jumpring. The spring ring is opened when the arm of the clasp is pulled backwards. Though the most prevalent and common shape is a round spring ring clasp, they now come not only in a huge variety of sizes and colours but also in delightful fancy shapes.

Toggle Clasps

These types of clasps are ever popular. They come in the most fantastic of designs & styles. And they are very easy to use. When buying toggles, make sure that you look at the length of the T-bar that will fit in the other piece. If it's tiny and has little overlap, it's going to fall off. Toggles work exceptionally well on necklaces too and many necklaces are designed with a fancy toggle in Front of the necklace as an alternative focal point.

Read more about Toggle Clasps ..

Slide Lock Clasps

Also known as Tube Bar Clasp, based on its specific closing mechanism. One side of the tube grooved while the other side is slotted. To fasten this clasp, you slide the 2 pieces together and they will lock in place.

These fasteners are also available with a magnetic feature, making it an even more secure fastener.