When you are buying your materials to make a necklace or a bracelet, you will need to choose a clasp. Here’s an overview of some different kinds of clasps.
In this video, we’ll show you an overview of a variety of clasps including toggle clasps, lobster clasps, S-hook clasps, box clasps and magnets clasps.
Video How-to: All About Jewelry Clasps
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Lobster Clasps
Lobster clasps are a good all-purpose clasp. We choose them a lot for both bracelets and necklaces. We think they’re easy to use and we like that you can use them with chain to make your necklace or bracelet adjustable. If you choose a lobster clasp, consider the size of the clasp. Some are small and look very petite, but they can be hard to use. We used a lobster clasp in this Calliope Beaded Necklace.
Toggle Clasps
Toggle clasps are usually prettier than lobster clasps. If you don’t want a lobster clasp in your design and want something with more style, choose a toggle clasp. We recommend them more for a necklace than a bracelet. They are not quite as secure on a bracelet. (Although we have made bracelets with toggle clasps before!) Toggle clasps can add a lot of style to a project and it’s okay for the clasp to be worn in front and show because it’s pretty! It’s fun to collect pretty toggle clasps for later projects. We find the best ones at bead shows and bead stores. A toggle clasp comes with two parts – a ring and a bar. Sometimes they come connected together, but you can take them apart to put them on your jewelry project. We used a pretty toggle in this Easy Bead Stringing Necklace and this Aquamarine Necklace.
S-Hook Clasps
S-Hook clasps are another kind of jewelry clasp. They also look good on necklaces and can be worn in front. They are shaped like an S. They usually have a jump ring at each end to connect to your project. We used an S-Hook Clasp in this Morse Code Bracelet.
Box Clasps
Box clasps are great for bracelets and necklaces. They snap together securely and are easy to attach even with one hand. If you have a multi-strand project look for a clasp with multiple loops to attach to. We used a box clasp in this Beaded Crochet Necklace.
Magnet Clasps
We love magnets clasps, especially for bracelets. They are easy to put on! But be careful to choose a magnet clasp that is strong enough for your beads and won’t come apart easily. You don’t want to lose you bracelet! Here’s an Easy Beaded Bracelet that has a magnet clasp.
Whatever clasp you choose, we recommend matching it to the metal in your project. Clasps come in all metals – silver, gold, antique brass, copper. Just get shopping and get inspired!
Happy Crafting,
Jennifer & Kitty
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