What type of clasp to use for necklaces?

[Former_Member]

Aesthetically speaking I like toggle clasps best, also I rather dislike the fiddlyness of lobster clasps. But toggle clasps don't feel that secure to me, might just be my imagination though.

What about you, what kind of clasps would you recommend for nice necklaces? Or do you forgo the clasp altogether and just make the necklace long enough?

[Former_Member]

good question!
I don't particularly mind lobster-claws: as a wearer I rather fancy them for their security... but as a jeweler... most clients keep clear of them.

I do mostly beadweaving, so my favorite is bead-and-loop, but I also use hook-and-jumpring for heavy centered necklaces.

Toggles are a bit difficult for necklaces: I find that many customers don't like to fiddle with them, where they can't see them...

hope this helps :-)

[Former_Member]

I always manage to hurt myself with lobster clasps, either ramming the lever under a fingernail or getting a good impression of it in the fleshy part of my thumb, so I can certainly understand people keeping clear of them :-P

I didn't think of jumprings and hooks, that's something to consider. I also didn't realize that people dislike toggles, they come rather easy to me so thanks for the thought!

[khmetalwork]

I've had many, many customers request a hook and ring type clasp, especially older women that may have some dexterity issues in their hands/fingers.

Another consideration - matching the clasp to the necklace - nothing looks as strange as a chunky necklace with a little lobster clasp...makes no sense.

[willajunejewelry]

I love toggle clasps and my customers have been really receptive. I think they're easier for people with dexterity issues. I have a problem with lobster or ring type clasps getting tangle in my hair if I have it down. I would say to vary it and see what people seem to like.

[desertfiresupplies]

lara, I had the same concern about toggle clasps, but recently made myself a necklace and bracelet with toggles, and was pleased with how securely they stayed on. Personally, I use a little of everything; springring or small lobster for when I want more budget options

[desertfiresupplies]

ps, the only ones I really haven't liked security-wise are magnetic clasps. They always seem to fall off me.

[ExpressionsInLeather]

Although I am not a jeweler I do wear necklaces all the time and much prefer the lobster clasp. To me, the security it provides far outweighs any problems I have in getting it opened and closed.

[BrightSpotDesigns]

I use lobster clasps if I need an extender chain. Toggles for the dressier pieces. I have come to like the barrel clasp also. I think spring rings look cheap so I don't use them at all.

[Former_Member]

Wow, so many different opinions, thank you all for joining the discussion. You have given me a lot to think about and quite a few new and old clasp types to try out. Looks like I'm going shopping for clasps now :-)

[Former_Member]

I think lobster clasps work well if they are not too small, but they're not very pretty. Toggles are a bit iffy depending on their design. Some are better than others. But I also forge my own S hook clasps now, and they work very well for me. They also add a nice personal touch and give more meaning to 'handmade' jewelry/

[Former_Member]

Lobster clasps are great for security, but they're hard to customize to a design. You have to be careful with S hooks that are made of sterling, eventually they will lose their tension and you'll have difficulty getting them to hold.

If your necklace is has a bit of weight to it, I generally prefer the toggle. They're fun to customize, there are tons of commercial options available, and you don't have to worry about the metal losing any of its tension. Such an easy carefree option!

www.stonesandfindings.com

[vintagecalif]

Everyone has a favorite type of clasp. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Some people think Sarah Jessica Parker is beautiful, some think she looks like a hungry horse.

Older clients seem more willing to give up asthetics for functionality.

In my bead store I stocked several hundred styles of clasps and sold all of them.

Lobsters are the way ro go for an active person, an ankle bracelet or someone with no dexterity issues.
Toggles, while less secure, can add a dramatic look to a necklace, and can even be turned 180 degrees to showcase them.,

Matter of preference to the client.

[Former_Member]

The type of clasp will also depend on the style / size of the necklace (or other piece of jewelry), and how often the piece is put on and taken off.

Toggles and button styles need a decent amount of weight on the piece to work on a necklace. But when used on a bracelet or anklet they rely on more of a snug fit to work well.

Lobster claws and spring-rings work better on loose medium to light weight necklaces that customer can turn around to see the clasp while closing it. It's pretty much true for bracelets and anklets as well.

S- hook as well as hook and eyes work well for almost any necklace design especially when well coordinated. They should be avoid though on most bracelets and anklets designs because they can snag on clothing or on a surface then open up or bend out of shape causing the piece to slip off easily.

Box clasps (tab style) are great looking for most jewelry pieces but if the piece is repeatedly taken on & off that could weaken (metal fatigue) the fold out part making the clasp loose and prone to coming undone. Slide locks are also prone to this problem, but do give most multi-stand pieces a very stream line and continuous look.

Magnetic ones do have a place to me but only on neclaces that are light weight or that can accomadate a safety chain. I would never use a magnetic clasp on a bracelet or anklet since those parts of the body come in contact, more than the neck would, with metals that might attract the magnet more strongly that the opposite side of the clasp does.

I tend to avoid these types for various reasons:
barrel, tube, fish hook box, and twister

[FlameOnGlass]

I make my bacelets with toggles but I use lobster clasps for all my necklaces. I sell lots in stores & galleries so people seem to be happy with this solution.

[SealandStringStudio]

I personally like a lobster clasp. I have a fine jewelry piece which has a plunger style clasp, which I love, but I've never been able to find it online. Maybe it's not even the right name, but it's easy to clasp and unclasp, but it's completely secure.

[SealandStringStudio]

Coming back to say that I do like toggles for bracelets--they're easy to manipulate with one hand.