Intoduction
Need a little bit of information to help you decide what necklace clasp will be best for your new piece? Or just want to know about the different types of clasp used in jewellery? Read on & learn more about jewellery clasps…
With bracelets, chains, necklaces and anklets, you want a piece of jewellery that is practical in the way that it is easy to put on and take off. Most of these items of jewellery are fitted with clasps, which come in a variety of different types and styles with each different type having its own specific benefits and characteristics.
With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at just six of the different types of clasp fittings that can be found in jewellery and let's get you familiar with what they are.
Lobster Clasp
One of the most popular types of clasp which I’m sure many of you are familiar with is the lobster clasp. A lobster clasp gets its name from the fact that it is almost shaped like a lobster claw. This type of clasp uses a lever which can be pulled down with your fingernail and opened up to allow it to be hooked to a round end cap or round ring. Lobster clasps are among the easiest to use clasps though may not always be for smaller versions if you do not have long fingernails.
Lobster clasps are specifically popular with chunky men's chains and bracelets, although they are also commonly used in more dainty and delicate bracelets and necklaces.
Bolt Ring Clasp
Bolt ring clasps, also known as spring Ring clasps, are a very popular and practical selection for thinner necklaces and bracelets and a great alternative to lobster clasps. A bolt ring clasp is made with a hollow ring which uses a springing lever and catch to allow you to hook and attach the other end of your bracelet or necklace easily.
The benefit of a bolt ring clasp is that it's a practical and lightweight option which perfectly fits the aesthetic of a more delicate bracelet or necklace. With that being said, the delicate nature of a bolt ring clasp means that it can be easilt damaged if you are not careful with it.
Box Clasp
Often used as a fitting for a tennis bracelet or Cuban link chains, a box clasp features a small box with an opening for a tab on the other side of the chain/bracelet to slot in and secure. They also usually have a latch on either side of the clasp which is squeezed to attach to the box and give the clasp that extra security.
As mentioned before, a box clasp is most commonly found on channel set tennis bracelets or chunkier cuban link chains. The bulkier nature of a box clasp makes it the perfect choice as not only does it beautifully complement the design, it also allows for a much steadier fitting for those heavier bracelets and chains.
Toggle Clasp
A toggle clasp is made up of an open ring which is secured by a bar on the other end of the bracelet/chain that threads through the open ring to secure the clasp. This type of clasp is more commonly found in bracelets and is often designed to add style to a piece of jewellery.
More often than not, the toggle clasp can actually end up being a part of the main feature design of the piece of jewellery due to its more stylish nature. It also makes for a remarkably convenient and easy option for bracelets as they tend to be much less fiddly than a lobster or bolt ring clas. Especially when you're putting the bracelet on yourself!
Bayonet Clasp
A bayonet clasp consists of two tubes which attach together by twisting them together. This type of clasp is often very secure and can also feature a small button to release the clasp. Bayonet clasps are relatively easy to use and are most often found on necklaces and bracelets.
Not only is a bayonet clasp secure and easy to use, they are incredibly stylish and are a much more discreet option for a necklace with a slightly thicker chain.
Magnetic Clasp
Magnetic clasps are quite self explanatory in the way that they use a magnet on each part of the clasp, which attracts one another to lock together. This type of clasp is arguably the least fiddly and easiest clasp to use which is why they are a relatively popular option for necklaces.
The magnets used in this type of clasp are very strong to ensure that the piece of jewellery remains secure, yet can easily be taken apart when pulled making it easy to take the piece of jewellery off. Of course, the ease in which the piece of jewellery can be taken off does mean that you have to be extremely careful not to have it come off when you don't want it to!
Other Styles Of Clasp
We could go on forever if we were to give you a run down of each different type of clasp that you can find used in jewellery. To keep this short and sweet, see the image above to see a wide variety of the different types of clasps.
Of course, the style of clasp that you prefer your jewellery to have depends on wheher you prefer ease of use over the look and your own personal taste. There are no right or wrong or wrong answers!
These are just a few out a wide variety of different clasp types. Which of these styles of clasp do you prefer on your jewellery? Or do you prefer a different type of clasp? Don’t be shy to leave a comment or ask a question if you want to find out more and get a discussion going or leave your own point of view!