Not only is it important to wear your clasp with confidence, it’s also important to put on the chain with ease. There is nothing worse than struggling to put on jewelry when your necklace clasp is broken.
And you most certainly don’t want to end your day realizing the necklace is missing because the clasp came undone or broke.
Sometimes a clasp is chosen because of the design, sometimes a clasp is chosen for the ease of use and sometimes a clasp is design for security of the pendant.
No matter what your preference is, we’ve broken down the top eight different types of necklace clasps for you.
Get a grasp on all the necklace clasps:
SPRING RING CLOSURE
Starting off this list of necklace clasp types are spring rings. On lighter, more delicate chains, the spring ring closure is quite common
The cost of the circular clasp is lower than that of other necklace clasps due to its less precious metal. These clasps work well with lighter pendants and less heavy chains. The larger spring ring closures allow for greater confidence in the necklace clasp.
PROS: The spring ring is one of the more inexpensive necklace clasp options.
CONS: Because of where the “O” ring attaches to the spring ring closure, it can tug and leave to wear, potential breakage or move the sliding component off track. If the spring ring clasp is too small, it can be difficult to open.
LOBSTER CLAW CLASP
A step up from the spring ring clasp is a lobster claw clasp. The lobster clasp is often recommended for upgrading your spring rings. This necklace clasp type offers more security. The “O” ring sets on the hook of the necklace clasp instead of the sliding piece.
PROS: The lobster clasp is a little easier to open and close compared to the spring ring. Though, you may have trouble opening this necklace clasp if you aren’t steady. There’s also added security because of where the “O” ring pulls.
CONS: Though the lobster claw clasp is easier to open than a spring ring, it still requires steady hands to open. The lobster claw is more expensive than spring ring because it is heavier in gold, but middle of the row compared to other necklace clasp types.
MAGNETIC NECKLACE CLASP
Looking for a jewelry clasp that connects in a snap? You might like a magnetic necklace clasp. Magnetic clasps are best for necklaces and not bracelets.
They can stick to things that your hand touches (think gas pump, or. Use a magnetic clasp necklace clasp to ensure that you abide by weight guidelines.
If the chain and/or pendant put to heavy of a strain on the magnets, it won’t stay securely connected. When adding a magnetic necklace clasp to your chain, it’s important not to have it soldered on because the heat can weaken and damage the magnetic properties.
PROS: The magnetic necklace clasp is easy to use if you have dexterity issues. The chain clasp can be closed by a simple snap-together.
CONS: Magnets do have the potential to weaken so treat them with care to avoid demagnetization. Also, magnet clasps can separate if they’re pulled on (think a baby pulling down or a dog catching a paw on the necklace), so be careful with the pendant that you put on your magnetic necklace clasp.
TOGGLE CLASP
A simple circle and bar make up a toggle clasp necklace. Put the bar through the circle and let the weight of the necklace hold the bar in place. If the toggle has a lot of movement, it can come apart on its own. The weight of the necklace will help keep the toggle weighed down – unable to wiggle and come loose.
PROS: A toggle clasp necklace is easy to use and is rather simple. Plus it can really add to the look and design of the necklace.
CONS: This necklace clasp can be bulky so it’s not great for petite chains. The toggle can slip if the necklace’s weight is too light to support it. It can be difficult to swap out pendants due to the chunky clasp.
LAYERED NECKLACE CLASP
There’s a large trend in layering necklaces right now. Fortunately for you, this doesn’t mean you have to solder together your necklaces to one chain clasp. Our solution will keep your layer necklace from getting tangled. The necklace layering clasp also allows you to switch out your necklaces with ease so you’re not dedicated with one single look. You simply attach the current chain clasp to the layered necklace clasp’s “O” ring. The “O” ring on your chains then connect to the other side of the layered necklace clasp.
PROS: Helps keep necklaces from tangling when you wear multiple chains. With the layered clasp necklace clasp, you can quickly change out necklaces.
CONS: The necklace layering clasp can be costly – if you think about it, you’re purchasing multiple clasps which can add up. Additionally, the clasp is heavier when made of gold.
BOX NECKLACE CLASP
This type of jewelry clasp is popular for bracelets, but is still used for a secure option with chains. The box clasp is wider so it’s better for thick necklaces like Cuban link chains. The folder part of the clasp slides into the box side of the clasp and clicks. Some box clasps include side safety clasps to increase security. These safety clasps are usually in a figure-8 design and can be clicked into place from the side.
PROS: The box clasp is made even more secure with the added side safety. It is simple to insert and slide the necklace clasp in. Box clasps can be made with the chain design covering it so that the necklace looks endless.
CONS: This heavy clasp is suggested for bigger chains which isn’t convenient for all jewelry collections. The heavier box clasp can make it more costly due to its gold weight. The foldable insert is less secure and can be worn over time.
INVISIBLE AND MYSTERY CLASP
When you want a necklace that looks endless but also want to take it off, then this is the ideal necklace clasp for you. This jewelry clasp looks best when used with pearl or beaded necklaces. The mystery or invisible clasp gets its name because it’s hidden in the beads. The ends of the mystery clasp are typically twisted together or tension set.
PROS: You can’t see the necklace clasp which makes the necklace appear endless. You also don’t have to worry about your clasp falling from behind your neck.
CONS: This is ideal as a bead or pearl necklace clasp, so it has limited use. You don’t have the option of a side safety clasp to make sure it’s extra secure.
FISHHOOK NECKLACE CLASP
If you’re looking for a little pizzazz in your necklace clasp type, go for a fishhook clasp. The marquise-shaped outside of the clasp is often decorated with an elaborate design. The hook of this necklace clasp loops through the inside of the marquise shape piece. The hook is then placed into the marquise
. Because of the intricacy of this hook concept, it is a secure necklace clasp option. While this jewelry clasp is typically used as a pearl necklace clasp, it’s becoming more common to use it in other necklace types.
PROS: This closure is very fashionable and typical as a pearl necklace clasp. The piece is secure thanks to the addition of the tension and hook.
CONS: Gold hook can warp over time, but not a high concern. You may have to pay more for a fancy design.
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Now that you have a better understanding on the different types of necklace clasps, you can better purchase the jewelry clasp for you.
If you’re spending more than a minute putting on your chain clasp, than it’s time for a new one! If you’re unsure what would work best for you, feel free to swing into our Palm Harbor, Florida jewelry studio so our professional jewelers can help.
If you feel unsure about the quality of your necklace clasp type it’s always a good idea to visit your trusted jeweler at Les Olson Jewelers in Palm Harbor. Or if your necklace clasp type is no longer staying secure, then it’s time to get the necklace clasp inspected by one of our top-rated jewelers in the Tampa area.
We do all of our jewelry repairs on site at Les Olson Jewelers. Clearwater, Clearwater Beach and Tarpon Springs are our areas. Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Clearwater Beach and Tarpon Springs are also served. All jewelry repairs can be handled by our friendly and welcoming jewelers. Call us at 727-785-9624, or email us to schedule a consultation about a jewelry clasp. The jewelry store is just north of Clearwater in historic downtown Palm Harbor.
