8 Types of Jewelry Clasps to Keep Your Gems Safe & Secure

Like its name suggests, this clasp uses a spring mechanism to keep your jewelry safe. When you move the small lever back you are compressing the spring to allow the tab to move into the ring. Then, when you remove your fingers from the lever, it will spring back into place to secure your jewelry. This is a popular necklace clasp choice, as it is both simple and generally affordable.

The fishhook clasp is a glamorous choice, even though it is not necessarily the most popular. One end of the clasp is a typical metal hook while the other is a decorative oval. The hook goes into the oval shape just as a hook would go into a fish. It is very secure, but difficult to use with one hand.

The lobster clasp — named as such because it resembles a lobster claw — is likely the most commonly found jewelry closure. When you push the lever down the claw opens, allowing the tab to enter the claw. When the lever is released, the claw closes again, securing the jewelry tab in place. This is a great clasp for everyday jewelry up to medium weight.

Barrel clasps, in general, are a little more difficult to use than other clasps. If you aren’t great with your hands, you may need another person to help you put on a barrel clasp bracelet. However, these clasps are often used in higher end jewelry because they are more reliable. The clasp consists of two small metal cylindrical pieces, and one side screws into the other for a secure closure.

A toggle clasp is often intended to be a key part of the look of a piece. It is a large, obvious clasp which contains an open “O” and a “T” bar. The T bar slides into the circle and rotates so that it is locked on the other side of the open shape. It’s worth noting that while attractive, these are not necessarily the best clasps for heavy or expensive jewelry as they cannot handle a great deal of weight.

If you look through your mother or grandmother’s jewelry box you are guaranteed to see a few pieces with S hook clasps. Jewelry with this type of clasp has two parts — an open end in the form of a circle, and another end with an S shape that hooks into the circular part. These basic clasps are not only effective for heavy jewelry, but also cute.

The slide lock clasp is almost exclusively used for necklaces with multiple strands. The ends of each strand of the bracelet or necklace are attached to two thin tubes, then one tube is able to slide into the other one to lock and secure the jewelry. They work by keeping the strands in order, and can be used to create a stylish layered effect. These clasps are especially useful for people with limited dexterity.

Just like their name suggests, these clasps are just magnets. Each end of the jewelry has a magnet that are attracted to each other. These clasps come in a variety of shapes, styles, colors, and strengths. They are easy and fast to put on and take off, making them a great jewelry choice for those who struggle with more intricate clasps.

A ball clasp, also sometimes known as a bead clasp, is a popular closure because of its ability to be customized by jewelry designers. It features a spring tongue that clicks into a slot in the ball/ bead, and can be easily put on and off with one hand. They are typically used for traditional single strand jewelry, like pearl necklaces or bracelets.