The most important thing in the world is able to make positive, long-lasting, and beneficial connections. Interestingly, this holds true in the jewelry world, too, especially where the clasps are involved.
Clasps are an important part of your jewelry, especially the necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, and to maintain a nice stylish look, your jewelry must be made with good quality clasps.
There are several types of clasps used for jewelry, though, and they come in all shapes and sizes, doing the intended job of holding the jewelry in place.
To ensure ease of use and maximum comfort, along with the fact that some clasps are better than others, this article takes you through the details of the two main types of clasps used in jewelry – lobster and spring clasps.
How do you differentiate these two types of clasps, and which is a better option for you?
What is the lobster clasp used in jewelry making?
Well, the lobster clasp is the most common type of clasp used in jewelry making today, and it works based on a spring-loaded mechanism that’s fitted on its side. The lobster clasp, unlike the spring clasp, isn’t designed as a round tube for its body.
Essentially, the body of a lobster clasp is rather heavy and bigger, which is why the lobster clasps are more expensive, and if you are in the jewelry-making business, such clasps would be ideal for bigger or thicker chains, bracelets, etc.
This clasp is also known as the lobster claw clasp or the trigger clasp because of its trigger mechanism that is made possible by a lever that allows for easy opening and closing of the clasp. It is the most popular clasp style today, and it connects the jump ring or the chain.
The other notable thing about the lobster clasp is that it comes in different styles and variations, which means that you can find this type of clasps in the traditional oval and pear shapes, but also in figure 8 shapes or the heart shapes, designed with swivel functionality. Some of these lobster clasps also have diamonds or other gemstones attached to them.
Pros and cons of lobster clasp
Pros
- The lobster clasp is quite easy to use
- It works great for heavier jewelry
- It gives off that nice, classic finish to your different necklace and bracelet designs.
- The lobster clasp is stronger and is more durable
- It comes in different styles and designs to match users with different kinds of jewelry
Cons
- It is expensive
- It doesn’t work for all kinds of jewelry, especially the dainty options
Why lobster clasp is the most popular one?
The lobster clasps are significantly more popular than the spring clasps and all other kinds of jewelry clasps, and the primary reason for this is that these clasps are just the right size, and this makes them easy to manipulate.
Essentially, most of the clasps on the market can be too small for use, and they are also too hard to manipulate, meaning that you will struggle if you have challenges with dexterity. The bigger lobster clasps are easier to manipulate.
On top of that, the lobster clasps are heavier and stronger and are priced above most other clasps, meaning that they are a great fit for use with the more expensive jewelry options. With these in mind, the lobster clasps are more suitable for use with heavier pendant necklaces or bracelets chains, as well as longer necklaces.
What is the spring clasp used in jewelry making?
The spring clasps, on the other hand, refer to the clasps shaped like rounded tubes fitted with spring-loaded levers.
The lever is positioned on one side of the clasp, and it allows for easy opening and closing of the clasp. The clasp can be small or big, but they are mostly lightweight and inexpensive.
Like the lobster clasp, the spring clasp features an attached jump ring which makes it easy for you to connect to the end of the necklace or the bracelet. The section that opens/ closes the clasp in the jump ring or metal hook is placed on the opposite side. It is common for chain links, and the jump ring is what determines the use of the clasp.
Pros and cons of the spring clasp
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Inexpensive
- High-quality spring clasps open and close the first time easily
- Ideal for use with choker necklaces and bracelets with the size of the clasp deemed to be more ideal for the small bead strung jewelry
Cons
- Spring ring clasps are not the easiest to use, especially in bracelets, because you need both hands to work the clasp and the hooks.
- The clasp is too delicate, and it won’t really bear the weight of heavy or long pieces.
- The cheap spring clasps tend to come plated-shut, and you have to use pliers to pry them open for use the first time. This breaks the plating.
Lobster clasp vs. spring clasp (which one is more secure?)
Lobster and spring clasps are both great options for jewelry making, but since you don’t want to end up with jewelry whose clasps are not the most secure ones, we recommend the lobster clasp if you are looking for a more secure clasp. The lobster clasp works great with the heavier and longer jewelry options.
Since the body of the lobster clasp is not rounded like that of the spring claps, it is easier to work with, especially with different kinds of jewelry.
Conclusion
The lobster clasps are heavier, stronger, and more expensive, and they are also more versatile, reliable, and easy to use, which makes the lobster clasp a preferable option for most people.
The lobster clasps also work great for all kinds of jewelry, unlike the spring clasps that might not be ideal for use with bracelets.
Also, the poor-quality spring clasps tend to break apart easily, and they are not that easy to manipulate, especially if you struggle with your dexterity.
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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.