Do you look at clasp types when buying your jewelry, especially necklaces and bracelets? Because we think that you should.
In as much as the chain type and the styling of the chain makes you feel, you need to think about how easy it will be for you to wear the chain, and also how to take it off, which is why understanding the different types of clasps common in chains and bracelets is important.
Keep in mind that the jewelry clasps are the most important functional features of your necklaces since they secure the ends of the necklace together to ensure ease and comfort.
Now, while some of the jewelry clasps are primarily for function, which means that they have more of a subdued appearance that stops them from overpowering the rest of the features of the jewelry, others will actually add some style to the jewelry.
In this article, we’ll look at two main types of clasps – the box and the lobster clasps. How do these two types of jewelry clasps compare, and which one is better?
What is a lobster clasp on a necklace?
The lobster clasp, as the name suggests, is a clasp that looks like the claws of a lobster. This clasp is more like a metallic closure that has been fashioned into your necklace to keep it secure while completing the look of the necklace.
It is easy to use thanks to the secure clasps, which allow you to open and close the necklace with ease.
While there are many other types of clasps for necklaces, the lobster clasp is the most common option used, primarily because it is heavier and stronger. The only catch is that you will spend a little more on this kind of clasp as a jeweler, which is why most of the jewelry made of lobster clasps tends to be higher priced.
These clasps are also more suitable for use where extra length is needed, for heavier pendants, and also for the bracelet chains where the extra weight of the pendant or chain would be offset by the clasp’s weight, keeping the chain/ pendant in position.
With this in mind, the lobster clasps are not ideal for use with lightweight chains, and if you are selling jewelry, you’d want to first think about the size of the jewelry piece that needs to be secured by this clasp. Overall, the lobster clasps are easier to open and close compared to other types of necklace clasps.
How does a lobster clasp work?
The lobster claw clasps are designed to work through a simple spring mechanism made possible by a tiny spring that will keep the clasp’s arm closed/ secure until the lever is pushed. The spring system makes them easier to use than most other types of necklace clasps.
So, to open the clasp, you need to press down on the lever, and this will force the bottom part of the clasp to move down/ inside, opening it. In other words, this clasp is spring-loaded with a self-closing mechanism.
And if you wish to open the lobster clasp, just push down on its lever using your thumb – this will push the ‘claw’ section inward, and if you let go of the lever, the clasp closes.
There also are lobster clasps that feature a swivel design. With such clasps, there is a 360-degree rotation allowance for the clasp, but the best part is that it will not affect how you wear or take off the necklace.
How to fix a lobster clasp?
As mentioned above, the lobster clasps are sturdier, heavier, and stronger than most other types of clasps, and they work best for the bigger necklaces and heavier chains or even the pendant necklaces since they would support the extra weight easily.
But their sturdy and strong design doesn’t mean that they are indestructible. The chances of the lobster clasp falling apart are low, but the prone section tends to fall apart, and it might get pried out from wear.
The good news is that this issue is fixable easily. To repair it, all you will need is a pair of pliers to bend that bottom section back to shape.
Occasionally, the lever might get stuck. When this happens, repairing the clasp might not be an option for you, and in most cases, you’d have to get the lever replaced. Sometimes, replacing the entire clasp is more ideal than replacing one part. To determine what should be done to fix this broken lever, you may want to take it to a jeweler.
Pros and cons of lobster clasp
Pros
- Durable, and the sturdiest option of clasp for necklace
- Easy to use
- Works great for your chunkier and heavy necklaces
- Easy to work with generally, and to repair them is inexpensive
- The simple spring mechanism is reliable
Cons
- Not suitable for thin or dainty jewelry options
- If the lever is too small, the lobster clasp might be too difficult to open
- Once the lever snaps, the clasp becomes useless
What is a box clasp on a necklace?
A box clasp on necklaces can be defined as the clasp that features two pieces of clasps that work with ease when you push down on the clasp’s wedge-shaped metal on the exterior lever.
It compresses the lever so that the clasp slides out, opening the clasp. To close it, you only need to push it back in place, allowing it to click in place.
Generally, the box clasps are quite easy to use, and you don’t need a lot of strength to use them as you do the lobster chain clasps. These box clasps can be decorative or plain, and they come in different shapes and sizes.
In some cases, a safety guard that flips would be incorporated into the clasp for an added layer of security.
How does a box clasp work?
Essentially, the box clasps work thanks to the wedge-shaped metallic piece that is compressed whenever you slide it down into the other wedge, or the clasp’s box, securing it in place.
And to open the clasp, you’d have to push down on the lever compressing on the metal wedge so that it slides out easily.
How to fix a box clasp?
Although the box clasp gives you jewelry a nice, elegant finish, the box clasps tend to be very problematic, especially because the box tends to get stuck easily, and if you tug on it forcefully, the clasp could be damaged easily.
Then there is the little safety latch located on the clasp’s outside. It is quite thin and tends to snap off quite easily. You cannot fix these issues with ease or at home, and you’d need the help of a professional jeweler to fix them. Unfortunately, once the clasp is loosened or bent out of shape
Pros and cons of the box clasp
Pros
- The safety section is easy to adjust
- Easy to use
- Rather fancy
- The safety latch secures the necklace easily
- Extra security from the box clasps with safety guards
Cons
- The clasp is easily damaged
- Once damaged, you may have to replace the entire clasp
Lobster clasp vs. box clasp (Which one is better?)
Well, these two clasps are excellent options, but if you are looking for something that is not very problematic, the lobster clasp would be an ideal fit for you, unlike the box clasp that tends to break down easily.
That said, the lobster clasp is more suitable for thicker and heavier necklaces, while you can work with the box clasp for smaller/ thinner pieces of jewelry.
Conclusion
When choosing clasps for jewelry, it’s important to think about the design of the clasp and how easy it is to use.
Of course, it must look nice and a perfect blend for the rest of the jewelry, but it shouldn’t be hard to workaround. For this reason, most people opt for the lobster clasps, especially for the bigger and heavier necklaces.
The box clasp will be a great option for you if you are looking for something fancy.
Read more information here or here!
Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.