If you take a quick look at your precious jewelry collection, you will find out that necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces use different closures. Each jewelry clasp and closure type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and knowing how they work will help you better choose your future jewelry.
And if you are looking for jewelry-making clasps/ closures, and findings, at the end of each article you will find our online shopping alternatives.
Types of Jewelry Clasps and Closures
Whether you’re into jewelry design, starting your jewelry business, or you are the ultimate jewelry aficionado, it is okay to know a thing or two about jewelry clasp types. Check below which clasp is best for which jewelry, how they work, and which are the safest jewelry clasps.
Spring Ring Clasps
A spring ring clasp uses a tiny trigger, similar to a lobster clasp but is typically circular. When you pull the trigger to open it, it includes a hollow open circular with an inner piece that retracts. This creates a gap for the opposite end of the necklace or chain to pass through. They’re made in a range of metals and sizes, and some have engraving, two-tone designs, and even tiny diamonds. These clasps can be found on a wide range of things, from fine jewelry to costume jewelry, but they’re most commonly employed on more delicate goods.
Spring ring clasps are less secure than other options due to their circular form and the comparatively weak section where the inner portion of the clasp retracts into the hollow circle. If you own jewelry with spring ring clasps, you know that if too much pressure is applied on the piece, it can bend or break.
Tube Slide Clasps
Also known as a multi-strand clasp, a tube slide clasp has a simple configuration, crafted from a tube and a bar. To close the jewelry, the bar glides into the tube, occasionally locking in place with a magnet. These are available in a variety of forms, but they frequently have rings for many strands of beads. They are inexpensive and secure, making them a popular choice for artisan jewelry.
Tube sliding clasps have few drawbacks, as they might be difficult to use on delicate jewelry. They are more frequent in necklaces because operating a tube slide with one hand in a bracelet can be difficult.
Shop Barrel (Tube Slide) Clasps
Magnetic Closures
A magnetic clasp uses the magnetic field generated to keep the two parts of a jewelry closed, hence the name. For fashion jewelry, a magnetic closure provides a low-cost choice. In addition expect to find magnetic closures widely used in handcrafted jewelry or costume pieces due to its easy of use and low cost. It should be noted, however, that this is not a particularly safe option. A strong tug can cause the connection between the magnets to break, causing you to lose your jewelry.
How do magnetic closures work? Simple! A magnet is attached to each end of the metal clasp. When the two ends are positioned close together, the magnets pull them together. You simply slide your fingernail between the two sections to open the clasp. These closures are typically constructed of basic metal and are occasionally plated with precious metals.
Shop Magnetic Jewelry Closures
Safety Clasps
A common choice for exquisite jewelry is the safety clasp. This type of clasp is frequently adorned with intricate filigree work. To use the clasp, you put a tiny, flexible hook into the clasp’s outer section, catching a little bar inside the clasp. The entire hook is then slipped into the outer portion, where it clicks into place. This adds an extra layer of security.
To open the clasp, you simply pinch the hook ends together and slip it out. Safety clasps exist in a variety of sizes and materials, but gold and sterling silver are the most frequent.
This is one of the most secure alternatives for expensive jewelry, but it does have a few drawbacks. Because of the precision necessary to create this style of design, it is typically more expensive than other options. What’s more, the little hook component is extremely sensitive and can bend with continuous use. This is a great option for pricey, one-of-a-kind jewelry that you don’t wear every day.
Push or Clip Clasps
The primary benefit of this design is that it can be used with just one hand. This is perfect for making bracelets. Push or clasps clasps, or buttons, contain a one-way hinged section that works similarly to a miniature climbing carabiner. You can open it by using your fingernail or the jump ring on the opposite end of your necklace or bracelet to push on it from the outside. From the inside, this hinged portion does not open. These clasps are available in a variety of sizes and materials.
However, because this type of clasp isn’t particularly secure, you won’t typically see it on fine jewelry. Any outside object can force the clasp open, resulting in the loss of the piece.
Hinged Hook or Ring Clasps
A hinged hook clasp is a less frequent option that comprises a hook or ring with a locking hinge just where it curves. You may open the hook with your fingernail, insert the other end of your necklace or bracelet, and close the ring again. These clasps are available in both base metals and precious metals such as gold or silver.
These clasps are ideal for one-handed use, making them suitable for bracelets. However, there are also significant security concerns because anything catching on the hook can force it to open. Furthermore, because of their rather enormous size and precise construction, they are expensive precious metal possibilities.
Box Clasps
A box clasp is a well-crafted choice that is great for bracelets. It has a wedge-shaped piece of metal that collapses when you insert it into the clasp’s opposite portion, or “box.” It clicks firmly into place. Simply pushing a lever compresses the metal wedge, allowing it to glide out, opening the clasp. These are available in a variety of styles, with some allowing for numerous strands of beads or chains. They are available in a variety of finishes, including plain and intricate filigree, as well as gold, sterling silver, base metals, and other metals.
The key benefit of this design is that it can be used with one hand. These clasps can stop working securely if the wedge component is damaged since they need perfect fitting of the wedge into the box. They can wear out with repeated use, so they’re best for products you don’t wear every day.
Screw Clasps
Screw clasps, occasionally referred to as torpedo, work by screwing one side of the clasp into the other side. They are commonly barrel-shaped, but they can also be spheres or cylinders of any design. Expect to find screw clasps in basic metals, but sterling silver is also a choice. Screw clasps’ principal advantage is their security. Because the clasp is threaded, it does not open by accident. However, closing the clasp requires some finesse and time. It can be aggravating when you have to reach behind your neck to accomplish it. These are not suitable for bracelets since they necessitate the use of two hands.
Importance of Jewelry Clasps and Closures for a Jewelry Designer
If you’re a jewelry designer, you must know well that a clasp or closure is as important as the piece itself. The clasp or closure of a piece of jewelry must do its task well: secure the piece without compromising the overall aesthetics. Much like in watches, where their bracelet clasp type is chosen with two matters in mind: Ease of usage, and safety. This is why you must consider some fundamental adjustments when designing your next jewelry piece:
- Check the weight balance of your design. Understandably, the heavier the beads are, the stronger the clasp is needed. Whereas, for finer designs, a dainty clasp is better.
- The positioning of the clasp or closure. The location of the clasp and how it will be attached to your design is important. You should estimate comfort and ease of repair.
- Ease of use/ dexterity level. Will the wearer be able to secure the clasp themselves (magnetic or slide bar clasp) or not (screw clasps)? Convenience should be a primary consideration.
- Is the clasp adjustable? Consider what you can add to your clasp or closure to make it easier for the wearer to adjust the piece, should they want.
- The cost of your jewelry clasp. Everything must be in balance. And the monetary value of your clasp should be suggested by that of your jewelry piece. If you’re working on a bespoke piece made out of precious gems and metals, then a high quality clasp is a must.
To Always Treasure your Pieces
As a jewelry lover, you can now treasure your precious pieces forever, by knowing how their clasps and closures work. And if you’re in the artistic profession of jewelry design, we hope the above clasps and closures will serve as recommendations, for you to pick the right clasp, and finish your design to your heart’s content.
