Necklace Clasps

Clasps of all materials have been lumped together in the "clasps" category on our web site.

We offer many different kinds of clasps, but they all serve the purpose of allowing jewelry to be easily worn and removed. In jewelry making, a clasp is used to make a closure in a loop, such as a necklace or bracelet. Clasps are sometimes set with gemstones which can provide a beautiful blending with gemstone beads. Select the kind that fits your design, price range, and dexterity.

A ring and toggle clasp consists of a bar and ring, where the bar is fed through the ring, creating a perpendicular angle with the ring. This kind of clasp requires a slighly longer connection to the rest of the piece, to allow the bar to go completely through the ring to make the closure. Some people put a short piece of chain on the bar to make getting it through the ring easier.

Magnetic clasps are popular, because they are so easy to connect. They do, however, have a weight limitation, as the magnetisim may not be strong enough for heavy beads. Magnetic clasps are also a hazard to pace makers and computer erasable disks.

The classic box clasp is always a favorite element in jewelry supplies, as it can be purchased with a variety of loops, making it the closure of choice for multi-loop necklaces.

The simplistic S-hook or hook and eye type of clasp is preferred for ease in connecting, but it can come unhooked, and is thus best used for necklaces, where gravity helps keep the connection, rather than bracelets or anklets.

There is no special clasp for use in jewelry making projects with gemstone beads. All styles of clasps can be used to close them. However, there is a style of clasp made especially for pearls, called a pearl clasp. It is a small variation of the box clasp.