Has this ever happened to you? You start your day all decked up in your cute outfit with a beautiful necklace to compliment it. Then, halfway through the day, you realize your necklace is missing. It dawns on you that it may have fallen off somewhere without you noticing. Because you have no idea where to even begin looking for it, you suck it up and count your losses. The main reason why we experience this time and again is because of weak clasps.
When buying a necklace, we often focus on the design and material of the piece. People rarely ever check to see the kind of clasp the necklace comes with. What you may not be aware of is, a good clasp is also an important part of what makes a good neckpiece.
You may be wondering, what is a good clasp, and how many types are there? Well, in this post, we are going to educate you on the essentials of different clasps, so you never have to unknowingly lose another neckpiece again.
What Is the Clasp of a Necklace Called?
Although people rarely pay attention to it, a clasp is what keeps the necklaces intact. They are the mechanism that allows you to easily put on and take off a necklace, as well as keep it securely around your neck. You’ll find them in most neckpieces unless your piece is a lariat necklace or a lengthy or expandable necklace.
Clasps are designed differently depending on the necklace. While most are usually subtle and kept at the back, some are designed as part of the statement of the piece.
So, don’t be surprised when you find a clasp designed to double the pendant of a necklace as well. It’s all a matter of creativity.
The clasp entails two sides on either end of the neckpiece. They function by one end interlocking with the other end.
A good clasp stays securely interlocked regardless of how active or vigorous your movements are. Other terms that can be used to refer to clasps are fastenings or hooks.
8 Most Common Clasps Used in Necklaces.
Clasps go by different names depending on the design. To date, there are actually very many types of clasps that exist, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are 12 of the most common ones you’ve likely come across:
1.Lobster Clasps.
Named after their resemblance to lobster claws, this is one of the most common types of clasp you often come across not just in necklaces but bracelets and anklets as well.
The clasp is made up of a lever and a claw at the bottom section that moves inwards when you press down the lever. This allows you to hook the top section of the clasp to the ring on the other end. Because the clasp is spring-loaded, it self-closes when you release the lever. There are many designs of this type of clasp, including the swivel design, that allows the clasps to rotate 360-degree.
Pros.
- Secure and can withstand the strongest tags, depending on the strength of metal it’s made of.
- The best clasp to use for easily adjustable necklaces.
- Easy to find and use on a necklace.
- Come in many different sizes, styles, and color, making them easy to coordinate with the other materials used in your necklace.
- Simple and subtle clasps that don’t take attention away from the actual necklace.
Cons.
- If not made properly, low-quality lobster clasps can be difficult to work with.
- Difficult to do with one hand or without looking.
- Are more suited for light to medium weighted necklaces, not heavy ones.
2. Spring Ring.
Another common type of clasp, whose name is derived from the fact that it’s a metal ring that uses a spring mechanism. Also called the ‘o’ ring clasp, because of the circular shape, this clasp functions by pulling down the lever causing the spring to retract leaving an open space to attach the jump ring to. Like the lobster, the spring ring clasp self closes when you release the lever.
Pros.
- A good clasp for adjustable necklaces.
- It’s lightweight and doesn’t move around to the front.
- It’s common, easy to find, and use.
- Different sizes and colors are available.
- It’s an affordable option for a clasp.
- It’s simple and subtle.
Cons.
- Small sizes can be difficult to works with.
- Need constant cleaning and maintenance for the spring to work properly.
- It’s easy to break or loosen.
3.Barrel.
This type of clasp is made up of two metal pieces on either end of the necklace, that screw together to fasten it. The name is derived from the fact that the clasp resembles a barrel when closed. It comes in many designs, shapes, and sizes. It is one of the most recommended clasps for necklaces.
Pros.
- It is completely secure and doesn’t come undone.
- It’s not clunky like some of the common clasps.
- Suitable even for heavy-weight necklaces.
- Comes in different designs and sizes for different necklace styles.
Cons.
- It’s not suitable for adjustable jewelry.
- Needs two steady hands to close them.
4.Box.
This type of clasp involves a tab that’s inserted and enclosed in a box in a form of safety closure. It is more popular with bracelets although it can be used in chains. It comes in a variety of styles, one of which includes a safety chain that prevents the tab from coming out.
Pros.
- It is easier to use compared to the lobster and spring-ring clasp.
- It can be decorated to seamlessly blend with the design of the chain.
Cons.
- It can easily break if pulled at.
- It is not the sturdiest clasp there is for necklaces.
- It is better suited for thick chains given their wide shape.
- The larger the size of the clasp the more expensive it is, compared to the rest.
5.Toggle.
This clasp involves a circular loop on one end and a thin bar on the other end. It functions by inserting the bar through the loop and adjusting it so it’s lying vertically or horizontally across the loop. This type of clasp is ideal for gemstone jewelry or statement pieces, where it’s considered a part of the design.
Pros.
- It can be used as the centerpiece of the necklace.
- Is very simple and easy to use.
- Great for heavy and chunky necklaces or chains.
Cons.
- It depends on the weight of the necklace to stay secure.
- Can easily come undone if the necklace is moved around a lot.
- Not suitable for lightweight neckpieces.
6.S-Hook.
As its, name suggests, this type of clasp is S-shaped on one end with a jump ring on the end. The clasp functions by hooking the S-shaped hook through the jump ring. Like the toggle, the fish hook remains secure based on the tension placed on it by the weight of the necklace.
Pros.
- It’s a simple design to use.
- It can be used with any necklace design.
- It’s a good option for adjustable neckpieces.
Cons.
- Rely on the weight of the necklace to stay secure.
- It tends to get caught on clothes or hair when worn.
- It’s not suitable for lightweight necklaces.
7.Magnetic.
As the name suggests this particular clasp uses a magnetic mechanism. It contains magnets on either end of the necklace which attracts and snap together to secure the necklace in place. They come in different shapes, sizes, and designs depending on the neckpiece. Depending on the magnets used, the clasp can have a stronghold but, can be easily pulled apart with enough pressure.
Pros.
- It is easier to use compared to the tiny levers in lobster and spring ring clasps.
- They are an elegant finish to a neckpiece.
- The clasp can be embellished to add to the appeal of the necklace.
Cons.
- Not suitable for individuals with pacemakers.
- Not suitable for heavy neckpieces.
- The magnets can be demagnetized and weaken over time.
8.Sliding Clasp.
This is a type of clasp made up of two rods; one hollow with a slit on the side and the other a thinner solid rod. The clasp functions by sliding the thinner rod into the hollow one, hence the name. It’s also called a layered clasp since it comes with several ‘O’ rings on one side of each rod, that can hold several chains without tangling them.
Pros.
- Perfect clasps for layered necklaces.
- It prevents multiple chains from tangling.
Cons.
- It is costly compared to the rest.
- It’s not the most secure and can easily come undone.
Conclusion
There you have it. Those are some of the common clasps you’re likely to find on necklaces, along with their pros and cons.
Now that you have a better understanding of how necklaces work, it should be easier to find one that’s secure enough for you.
Remember clasps are an important part when it comes to gauging the quality of a neckpiece.
So, the next time you’re out shopping, make sure you check the clasp, and if possible, ask for a more secure one.
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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.