13 types of jewellery clasps

Jun 7, 2022 | Advice and How-To's | 0 comments

There are limited resources online which cover the different clasps that are out there for craft persons and jewellery makers.

We hope this short blog gives you a better understanding of clasp findings in general.

You can purchase almost all types of the clasps mentioned below on Ebay, Ali Express, Etsy or from wholesale jewellery suppliers like us. You can also save money by buying in bulk.

parrot clasp

1. Lobster Clasps / Parrot Clasps

These easy, well known clasps are great for a diverse range of jewellery products. They are not ideal for people with arthritis or for tighter bracelets. You can use lobster or parrot clasps for many bracelets such as charm bracelets, plus they work well for necklaces too.

toggle clasp

2. Toggle Clasps

Toggle clasps have a high end look and are also easy to fasten. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Picking out toggles can be fun but you can’t go past the classic round toggle.

3. Buttons

Buttons make great clasps. You can use buttons with holes that are made of different materials.

Magnetic clasp

4. Magnetic Clasps

Magnetic clasps are a great option to fasten a bracelet or necklace and are very easy to use. However be careful when constructing delicate pieces as sometimes magnets are strong enough to pull them apart when you fasten or unfasten.

5. Slide Lock (Tubular) Bar Clasp

This clasp is ideal for multi strand pieces and is very easy to operate.

6. Ribbon

A ribbon can make a wonderful finish for a bracelet or necklace. It isn’t the most practical closure, but it can be very elegant. Ribbons come in a wide range of sizes and colours.

7. Beaded Bead

Many beadweavers choose to use beaded beads as clasps for their bracelets and cuffs.

8. Lanyard (Spring) Hook Clasp

Hook clasps are used frequently for lanyards. Some hook clasps include a swivel.

9. Push Gate Snap Hook

This is another option for a lanyard clasp, especially for some of the non-beaded varieties as well as heavier weight pieces.

10. Spring Ring Clasp

If you wear necklaces, it’s likely you’ve come across a spring ring clasp. They are light and delicate, perfect for small and thin chain necklaces. Spring rings are not ideal for people who have arthritis or who have difficulty operating smaller clasps.

11. Barrel Clasp

Barrel clasps are another popular necklace clasp. They are light and delicate. To work them, you simply screw the two sides of the barrel together, making them easier to operate than lobsters or spring rings.

12. S-Hook or S-Clasp (Hook and Eye)

Many jewellery makers who enjoy wire wrapping will make their own S hooks/clasps.

13. Box Clasp

The box clasp has a simple locking system that comes apart when you squeeze and pull on the designated lever. Box clasps come in a variety of sizes and designs. Some are designed for multi stranded pieces.