18 Common Types of Clasps Used In Jewellery

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Jewellery clasps are essential for finishing your necklace, anklet, armlet, bracelet designs. Clasps might look artistry, but they are not just for decor. Did you know Jewellers select Jewellery clasps according to the weight and width or material of that it protects? Let's see the commonly used pins in gold, silver, antique and fashion Jewellery. 

  • Which is the most robust silver Jewellery clasp for a pendant?
  • Is lobster claw the right Jewellery clasp for bracelets?
  • How to recognise Jewellery clasps?
  • Which is the best clasp for heavy necklaces?
  • Can I use a hook and eye clasp for my anklet?
  • How do Jewellery clasps work?
  • Which is the most secure Jewellery clasp?

Find your answers below written by Jewellery pros!

Spring Ring Clasp 

What Are Spring Ring Clasps?

Spring ring clasp unlocks when you push back on a small lever that slides along a circular ring. Once the pin is open, you simply insert the chain or loop that's attached to the piece you're connecting into the open circle, then release the lever to return it to the locked position. There's a little spring inside the clasp that puts force on the mechanism to keep the spring ring shut till you decide to open it again.

Spring ring clasps commonly used and very secure way of fastening your bracelets, anklets and necklaces. But some people have a tough time operating tiny spring ring clasps by themselves. Clasps that connect to a good-sized loop that you can manage easily or to a firm piece are easier to handle. 

Lobster Clasp 

What is a lobster claw clasp?

Frequently people who struggle with smaller, fiddly clasps find these more peaceful to use than bolt rings. It has a closed-loop, so it is perfectly protected when using threads if you want to attach it to the chain using a small jump ring. These robust and secure fasteners are perfect for necklaces, bracelets and keychains. They give a slightly more contemporary look than more traditional clasps, and although they have a chic appearance, they are strong enough to use with quite heavy jewellery. These can be convenient if you struggle with smaller clasps as most of peoples often find these more comfortable to open and close than bolt rings and similar.

These have a loop incorporated within their design, making giving your pendants or necklaces a cleaner finish that carabiner clasps with an open jump ring. These can be useful if you struggle with smaller clasps as our customers often find these more comfortable to open and close than bolt rings and similar.

These have closed loops so they are great for using with beaded jewellery where a fine thread could slip through any gaps, and they can easily be attached to a chain using a small or medium jump ring. A Lobster clasp, also perceived as a Lobster claw, lobster hook, trigger clasp, bocklebee clasp or is a fastener that is held locked by a spring. The lobster clasp is opened or closed by pressing a small lever, usually with a fingernail, long enough to utilise, then it is attached (or removed from) a short link-chain or a ring-like structure. Lobster clasps are called so because of their "pinching" mechanism, and they are often shaped like a lobster's claw.

Bayonet Clasp

What is a bayonet clasp?

A simple and effective clasp used on leather, rubber, metal or polyester threaded necklaces. It allows for the secure content and proper disconnection of the clasp. Care must be taken to ensure that the wearer achieves the best closure with the clasp when performing the task themselves. 

Barrel / Screw clasp

What is a barrel or screw clasp?

Barrel clasps are awesome design element to complete and close your bracelet or necklace. It's another elegant ingredient of style. Can be difficult to attach on bracelets without help, and often comes undone on anklets. This type of clasp is created by two metal barrel ends that screw into one another for a secure strong, and stylish hold.

Just as the name signifies, screw clasps operate by screwing one side of the clasp into the other side. They are normally barrel-shaped, but they can also be any sort of sphere or cylinder. The primary benefit to screw clasps is their security. Because the clasp is threaded, it won't open accidentally open. However, it takes a little accuracy and time to get the clasp closed. When you're approaching behind your neck to do it, that can be annoying. Because these require two hands, they don't work well for bracelets.

Open-box

What is an open-box clasp?

A box clasp is a specifically engineered option that is ideal for bracelets. It clicks securely in place. It highlights a wedge-shaped piece of metal that squeeze when you slide it into the other portion or box of the clasp. To open the clasp, you just push a lever that squeezes the metal wedge, allowing it to slide out. These come in all various styles, some allowing multiple strands of chains or beads. The main leverage of this design is that you can operate it with one hand. Because they require exact fitting of the wedge into the box, these clasps can stop functioning securely if the wedge piece is broken. Frequent use can wear them out, so they are better for items you don't wear every day.

Figure 8 Safety

What is a figure 8 safety clasp?

A figure 8 safety is a hinged safety lock with a cinched midsection that clips over a button. You'll find safeties in watches, necklaces, bracelets, and pins and they are used to provide extra security to the closure. Frequently they are used to either complement the main clasp and other times they are used to protect the point of a pin or hinged bangle bracelet. 

Toggle Closures

What is a toggle closure clasp?

The toggle clasp had two components a Bar and loop with the bar being longer than the loop's diameter. These closures are excellent for bracelets because you can manage them with one hand. They emphasise a large ring on one end and a bar on the another. To operate the clasp, you direct the bar sideways and slide it between the ring. Since the bar is somewhat longer than the ring's diameter, the clasp says closed. You'll find these in ornate and straightforward styles and from base metal as well as sterling silver. Besides one-handed process, the advantage of a bar and toggle closure is its elegance. This is a big clasp that adds a statement to a piece of jewellery. It can even be the central point of some designs. However, this isn't ideal for all kind of jewellery. The bar can catch on hair when it is used in necklaces, causing it less protected and potentially bothersome to the wearer. It also doesn't work properly if there's too many slack in the necklace or bracelet as it requires a particular volume of pressure to keep it securely closed. If a bracelet is made too loose for the wearer, the clasp will inevitably work its way free. Many sad customers have lost a cherished bracelet to this fate. To ensure the safety of your bracelet, and still use your preference of toggle clasps, simply make the bracelet no more than a half-inch sizable than your wrist.

S-Hook Clasps

What is an S-Hook clasp?

These are double-ended clasps, shaped like an ''S.'' Available in a gamut of sizes and styles; some clasps are sold with two rings. Pinching the arm of the ''S'' protects the clasp. Taking out the ''S'' open again releases the ring and opens the clasp.

Mystery Clasp

What is a mystery clasp?

Mystery clasps are an exclusive way to end stringing jobs because they are the only type of clasp that is not visible in the final design! Mystery clasps are a screw-type clasp that is connected into beads with holes accurately drilled to fit each end. The stringing cord is threaded into the bead and held in spot with a knot, and the clasp has an opening to fit thread and string the beads like regular. After the opening is made in the bead, the ends of the bead glued with a durable epoxy adhesive. After the stringing is done, the end of the necklace will be able to screw consecutively and look like there is no clasp at all. Mystery clasps are relatively complex to install because it requires precise, precise drilling and beads that can accommodate a 3mm or 4mm hole. Mystery clasps are most familiar with beads that have a low hardness like Cultured Pearls, Amber and Freshwater Pearls because they are easier to drill.

Magnetic Clasp

What is a magnetic clasp?

Just as the name implies, Magnetic clasps are held jointly by powerful, steady magnets. They are easy to hook together because the magnets are attracted to each other, but they won't come apart quickly because the magnets are so strong and robust. It has closed loops so is super loud when working with thread for beading designs. It's also excellent if you struggle with fiddly findings as the two pieces simply pull apart to open. It ensures you will have alluring, practical designs that will stay very secure—an important to note persons who are using pacemaker should not use magnetic clasps. Magnetic clasps available in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and finishes, so you are sure to find something to fit your needs!

They offer an affordable option for fashion jewellery. Each edge of the metal clasp features a magnet. When the two ends placed near each other, the magnets attract them to shut open the clasp, you slide your fingernail within the two parts. These closures are commonly made of base metal and sometimes plated with precious metals.

Ease of use and affordability invent this design famous for handmade jewellery or costume pieces. It's critical to note, though that this is not an exceptionally safe option. A good tug can break the connection among the magnets, causing you to lose your jewellery.

Pearl Clasp

What is a pearl clasp?

Pearl clasps are essential for maintaining pearl necklaces. They have to be capable enough to hold the weight of an entire string sometimes several strings of pearls. For this basis, pearl clasps are often vast and ornate, and they become a statement piece in and of themselves. 

Fishhook Clasp

What is a fish hook clasp?

Fishhook clasps are a bit little universal than many other options, but they're one of the most classic charming finishes. One edge is a metal hook, and then another is an elliptical box. The hook fastens into a covered spot inside the box and sometimes also locks due to a simple spring mechanism.

This type of clasp can be difficult to do with one hand, so it's more excellent for a necklace than a bracelet. Sometimes these clasps are extra bubble and even blinged out with diamonds so that they can make a style-statement. 

Hook & Eye

What is a hook and eye clasp?

Hook and eye clasp is a simple, traditional style of the pin. All the connecting rings are soldered closed so they are super secure for fastening to threads and other findings and the hook part can be lightly compressed tighter for extra security.

This simple design works just like it utters. You simply include the hook on one end of your jewellery into the eye on the other end. The shape of the hook affects the protection of this closure, and short hooks are a bit safer. They come in many varieties of sizes, in base metals and precious metals. You'll find these affordable clasps on fashion jewellery and costume pieces, but they are not standard on fine jewellery.

One leverage of this design is that you can operate it with one hand. However, any slack in the bracelet or necklace makes this type of clasp less protected. Hook and eve also tend to catch on things.

Crimp And Hook Clasp

What is a crimp and hook clasp?

Crimp hook and eye clasps are ingenious! They are straightforward to use and completely negate the need for fiddly necklet-end clasps. They are used by simply inserting your thread and gently compress the central band of the crimp part with snipe nose pliers to grip it rigidly. There is no need even to add a clasp as the hook part simply slips through the loop to fasten. Such an uncomplicated but smart idea! These can be used with threads up to 1.5mm in diameter so they will even take delicate cotton or leather cords. 

Ring Cylinder Clasp / Side Lock Clasp

What is a ring cylinder clasp?

Cylinder clasp is an ingenious way to fasten multi-strand necklace. One cylinder glides snugly over the other and is held in place with a small spring catch to provide a sturdy and very secure fastening. The long clasp lies flat upon your skin, and the spacing between the rings improves your strands to stay wherever you want them to during wear. The rings themselves are fastened closed so there is no gap for delicate threads to slip into, meaning that your thread can simply be knotted or crimped directly onto the loops. We are assured that you will not be dissatisfied by the quality or security of this clasp; it can easily manage even quite heavy, multi-strand, bead necklace.

This style of the clasp features a tube and a bar. The bar slides into the tunnel to close the jewellery, sometimes locking in position with a magnet. These come in a diversity of styles, although they frequently feature rings for various multiple strands of beads. They are affordable and protected, which makes them a popular choice for artisan jewellery.

Tube slide clasps don't have many drawbacks, but they can be clunky for delicate jewellery items. They are more popular in necklaces since it can be a challenge to operate them with one hand in a bracelet.

Slide Lock clasp fasteners consist of a collection of tubes, one of which slides inside the other and locks into place. The bar-style of these multi-strand clasps holds an almost unlimited number of strands of cord, thread, chain or beading wire.

Snap Lock [Aka Fold-Over] Clasp

What is a snap-lock clasp?

Snap Lock [Aka Fold-Over] Clasp Are Low-Profile Clasps they are Less Likely To Tangle Or Snag On Clothes Or Hair Than Other Styles. This Hinged Clasp Folds Shut, Closing Securely And Locking With A Quiet Snap With This Secure Closure, Snap Lock Clasps Are Ideal For anklets or bracelets.

Twister Clasps

What is a twister clasp?

Twister Clasps are linked clasps which are hooked through each end of a continuous necklace, ornaments, or opera-length pearl strand, transforming it into a twisted choker necklace.

Hinged Hook Clasps

What is a hinged hook clasp?

An excellent choice, a hinged hook clasp consists of a hook that has a locking hinge right at the point wherever it curls. By utilising your fingernail, you can open the hook, insert the opposite end of your necklace or bracelet, and enable the hook to close over. You'll find hinged hook clasp in base metals as well as precious metals like gold, sterling silver and also in fashion jewellery. They tend to be longer than a centimetre.

These clasps are ideal for one-handed operation, making them a possibility for bracelets. However, there are some major safety issues since anything catching on the hook can cause it to open. Additionally, their almost large size and specific design mean that they are costly options in valuable metals.

 

Source : 

https://en.wikipedia.org/