Not only is it important to wear your clasp with confidence, it’s also important to put on the chain with ease. Nothing is worse than trying to get ready in the morning and having trouble putting on jewelry because your necklace clasp is difficult. 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. The spring ring closure is very common on lighter and daintier chains. The circular clasp has less precious metal compared to other necklace clasps, which helps keep the cost relatively lower. These clasps are ideal on less substantial chains with light pendants. There are larger spring ring closures that allow you to have more 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. Spring ring clasps can also be difficult to open if too small.
LOBSTER CLAW CLASP
A step up from the spring ring clasp is a lobster claw clasp. We often suggest upgrading your spring ring to the lobster clasp. The main reason is this necklace clasp type has a little more security to it. 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? A magnetic necklace clasp might be for you! Good for necklaces not bracelets – magnetic can get stuck on things where your hand goes (think gas pump or. When using a magnetic necklace clasp, make sure to abide by the weight advisories. 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. A simple snap together and the chain clasp is closed.
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. If the necklace is not heavy enough to keep the toggle weighed down, then it can be unsecure. The chunky necklace clasp can make it difficult to change out pendants.
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. We have a solution to help you keep your layered necklace from tangling. 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. You can easily switch out necklaces with the layered necklace clasp.
CONS: The necklace layering clasp can be costly – if you think about it, you’re purchasing multiple clasps which can add up. Plus the clasp is heavier in 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. For added security, some box clasps have side safety clasps. These click into place on the side and are often in a figure-8 shape.
PROS: The box clasp is made even more secure with the added side safety. The necklace clasp is easy to use by just inserting and sliding it in. Some box clasps are created with the chain design covering the clasp so the necklace appears endless.
CONS: This heavy clasp is suggested for bigger chains which isn’t convenient for all jewelry collections. The larger box clasp can be pricey due to the gold weight. The folded insert can wear over time and is no longer as secure.
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 is best with beaded or pearl 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 clasp usually has an ornate design on the marquise-shape outside. The hook of this necklace clasp loops through the inside of the marquise shape piece. It is then slid into the marquise shape. 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 hook added with the insert tension keeps the piece secure.
CONS: Gold hook can warp over time, but not a high concern. The fancier design can come with an extra cost.
Shop our Pearl Jewelry Selection
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.
At Les Olson Jewelers, we do all our jewelry repairs onsite. We service the Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor and Oldsmar areas. Our welcoming and friendly jewelers are here to help with any jewelry repair. Contact us to set up a jewelry clasp consultation or give our jewelry store a call at 727-785-9624. The jewelry store is just north of Clearwater in historic downtown Palm Harbor.
