When most people purchase a piece of jewelry, they barely even notice the clasp. Ironically, it’s the one thing that holds your piece of jewelry together in the first place. Today, we’re going to cover the 7 most common types of jewelry clasps.
A clasp is so important that it can even determine how long your jewelry lasts, plus your necklace or bracelet won’t be able to open or close without one.
While some clasp designs complement the piece, others are more hidden. There are a few different jewelry clasps that you’ll be able to easily identify once you get familiar with the variety of clasp types as well. And there are a lot to choose from.
This includes clasps for stretch bracelets, slip-on bracelets, and cuff bracelets, for instance. For the most part, the clasp is designed to add “je ne sais quoi” to your jewelry.
How many different types of clasps are there?
There are many different kinds of clasps, and some are variations of the main types. We’ve identified seven common clasps that designers use when making jewelry.
Of these clasp types, some are stronger than others, while some look much daintier. You’ll also notice some clasps far more easily than other clasps because they’re bolder and might stick out in a piece of jewelry.
With so many different types of clasps, you are really spoilt for choice. If you’re designing your own jewelry, you need to think about picking a clasp that will make the best impression.
What are the main types of clasps?
While there are many types of jewelry clasps, these are seven of the most common you’ll find. Some are more widely used than others.
If you come across other clasps that aren’t on this list (yet you see them a lot), let us know!
Lobster Clasp
The lobster clasp is the most commonly found type of clasp. It’s called the lobster clasp because it’s shaped like a lobster claw, and while that doesn’t sound entirely attractive, it is pretty.
The lobster clasp doesn’t just come in one size but a variety of sizes so it can complement pretty much any type of jewelry piece.
Also, this type of clasp opens and closes rather easily. This clasp can turn about 360 degrees at the base, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the swivel clasp.
Spring Clasp
The spring clasp is a clasp alternative that is just as common as the lobster clasp.
In essence, it’s a circle that works via a spring mechanism. Because of its design, this clasp type is not often used with heavy jewelry but it does work perfectly for lightweight necklaces and bracelets.
Torpedo Clasp
The torpedo clasp is often used to add that extra design element. You have to twist it closed, kind of like a barrel.
It’s not the easiest clasp to open and close, and you may need an extra hand especially if this clasp is used on a bracelet. But it can certainly take a bracelet from ordinary to extraordinary.
Box Clasp
The box clasp is another incredibly popular option among jewelry designers. To get this clasp to work, you have to insert the tab into a frame. It certainly has a more complex design compared to others.
While tugging too hard on this type of clasp may cause it to break, it’s one of the most popular fine jewelry clasps.
Fishhook clasp
Fishhook clasps are the most intricate type of clasp on this list. They’re often used with pearl bracelets and necklaces. This clasp has been seen on many infinity bracelets and necklaces, too.
It seems like a more complex clasp type, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to work with.
You can rest assured that once you seal your fishhook clasp, it won’t open easily, and that makes it one of the most secure bracelet clasps around.
Magnetic clasp
Magnetic clasps are typically found on pearl bracelets. They’re easy to open and close and they tend to last long too.
You may find playing with the magnetic clasp to be rather therapeutic as well.
While magnetic clasps are secure, they’re not as secure as the lobster or spring clasps we’ve mentioned earlier. So if you have a piece of jewelry that uses the magnetic clasp, make sure to always be aware of it, so it doesn’t get lost.
Toggle clasp
Toggle clasps are more on the funky side, in terms of design style. It’s basically a long thin steel bar that’s inserted into a ring.
This type of clasp is very popular with designer bracelets and minimalist chains thanks to its eye-catching design. The bar is designed to be long enough so it doesn’t easily slip out of the ring.
But, similar to the magnetic clasp, you want to keep an eye on your jewelry when on your wrist. This clasp isn’t 100% secure.
Common Jewelry Clasp Questions
What’s the most secure jewelry clasp?
If you’re looking for the most secure clasp, then you can’t go wrong with the lobster clasp or the spring clasp. These can be easily closed but they aren’t as easy to open. That’s why you’ll never catch these types of clasps falling or opening up.
Both of these clasps are still the most preferred because of their durability and security.
Are magnetic jewelry clasps secure?
Contrary to popular belief, magnetic clasps are very secure and they’ll keep your chain or bracelet fastened. In most cases, you’ll have nothing to worry about. But of course, as with everything in life, there are always exceptions.
You may notice that if you have a pair of magnetic earrings or earrings with a magnetic clasp, touching the magnet may cause the earring to fall off. Something to keep in mind!
How secure the clasp is ultimately depends on you and whether or not you are careless with your jewelry (or if you move around a lot).
What is the strongest clasp?
The toggle clasp is your best bet if you’re looking for a strong jewelry clasp.
Here’s how it works: you hook an iron bar into a circle and then position the iron bar to keep the clasp sturdy. The result is a very strong clasp type that won’t break easily.
However, keep in mind, strong doesn’t necessarily always mean secure. The most secure jewelry clasp is still the lobster clasp.
The next time you invest in a piece of jewelry, keep the clasp design and style in mind. The type of clasp you choose may just save you from making a very bad jewelry purchase.
Which of these clasps are you most familiar with?
We hope this clasp rundown was helpful! Do you have a preferred style when it comes to necklace or bracelet closures? Which ones haven’t you seen before?
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