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How do I Open Different Necklace Clasps?

sheila of satin crystals holding different necklacesLet's learn how to open your different necklace clasps. In this tutorial, we will show you examples of the most popular necklace clasps used in Satin Crystals jewelry and how you can open and close them expertly.

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Watch the Clasp Tutorial Video

For those of you who prefer the vibrancy of voice and visuals, click on our Youtube video to watch the Necklace Clasp Guide

While you are there, catch up on all of your A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video, where we answer your questions on the most popular crystals. You can also add your questions and stories directly on the Youtube comments. 

What are the different types of clasps?

Here are the different types of jewelry clasps you can find in the order of the most popular to the ones we do not use at all at Satin Crystals.

Most of our necklaces use clasps while most of our bracelets use stretch cords. You can apply the same clasp instructions for bracelets for the few that do involve clasps. 

collection of toggle clasps

Toggle Clasps 

The toggle clasp is the most popular clasp you will find in our necklaces. It is tricky when you first encounter it, but once you get a hang of it, it's easy and secure to use. 

Toggle clasps are sturdy and come in a lot of designer styles to complement your jewelry. They can even be incorporated into the design at the front of your necklace. They are great for holding together large beaded necklaces and weighty gemstones.

A toggle clasp involves a metal bar and a ring. The ring is usually circular but can be any open shape like a square, heart, or oval. 

  1. Hold the ring in one hand and the bar in the other. Position the bar perpendicular to the ring so it can easily slide through. 

  2. Insert the bar into the center of the ring then turn it parallel to the ring so it locks into place. 

  3. The toggle clasp will be held in place with tension until you want to remove it. 

  4. To remove, position the bar back through the center of the ring. 

Better yet, watch the video and see it live!

collection of lobster claw clasps

Lobster Claw Clasps

Lobster claw clasps are named for their resemblance to lobster claws, and are the second most popular enclosures on crystal necklaces.

These clasps involve a little lever to open and close the lobster. The clasp secures to a ring on the other side of the necklace.

Lobster claw clasps come in a variety of styles. You can even have a swiveling lobster clasp to give your necklace more flexibility.

At Satin Crystals, we like to use the large lobster clasps for chunky beaded necklaces. The bigger the better when it comes to ease of opening and closing the clasps!

spring clasps

Spring Clasps

Spring clasps are similar to lobster claw clasps, but they are round in shape. There is a little lever that you press to open and close the ring.

We don't use these much in our necklace designs because they are for daintier necklaces and are not easily found in large sizes. Some of our more delicate chains do have spring clasps. 

Cons: Both lobster and spring clasps can be subject to failure in their internal spring mechanisms. In this case the whole clasp needs to be replaced.

collection of hook clasps

Hook and Eye Clasps

Hook clasps involve one side of the clasp hooking into the ring on the other side. The weight of the necklace provides the tension to keep the clasp in place just like in the case of the toggle clasp.

However, we find this design is not as secure as the toggle clasp unless you can squeeze the hook closed. If your hook clasp is on the lighter side, it's recommended that you be able to squeeze the hook closed so its smaller than the ring. That way the ring can not escape. 

knot clasps

Knot Clasps

Knot clasps can be found on fabric necklace cords. The cords have a knotted end and a loop end. The knot secures into the loop and is held with tension just like the toggle clasp.

The downside of the knot clasp is that it frays with overuse. You can glue the knot and loop so that it lasts longer, but the hardness of the glue may iritate your skin. 

barrel clasps

Barrel Clasps

Barrel Clasps, or Screw Clasps, are shaped like barrels and you screw them open and closed. This involves a lot of twisting motion compared to other clasps. This can put unnecessary strain on the jewelry components. 

We do not use barrel clasps but a lot of the jewelry we import from our friends in India and Poland use barrel clasps with their threaded necklaces. 

Box Clasp 

Box Clasps involve one side called a box and one side called a tab. The tab squeezes into the box and clips into place. These are also popular for multi-strand jewelry. 

Slide Lock Clasps

The slide lock clasp is beneficial for multi-strand necklaces. It involves a tube-like clasp where one side slides into place on the other side. It can come with multiple hooks to secure multiple strands of necklaces.

magnet clasp

Magnet Clasps

In theory, magnet clasps would be the ideal clasp because they are so easy to open and close. Unfortunately, most magnets are usually not strong enough to hold the weight of the stones. And, if they are, oftentimes wearers will tug and pull at the chain or cord of the necklace rather than just on the magnet. This causes a quick breakdown of your jewelry. 

Another downside of the magnet clasp is that it attracts all of the metals from your other jewelry and clumps your collection. 

What are adjustable necklaces?

There are two types of adjustable necklaces. One will involve a clasp and an extension chain. You can adjust the length of the necklace depending on where you secure the clasp on the chain. 

The other type of adjustable necklace slips over your head without a clasp and pulls secure to shorten to your preferred length. It could involve a slide clasp or a sliding knot. 

What are necklaces without a clasp called?

Necklaces without a clasp are called claspless necklaces. These are large enough to slip over your head. The benefit of claspless necklaces is that you don't have to fumble with a clasp. 

Rope and Lariat necklaces are naturally long enough to use without a clasp and can usually be doubled over to create layers. To learn more about necklace lengths visit How to Use Crystal Necklaces

Are you ready to clasp your necklaces?

While not an exhaustive list, these are the most common clasps you will find in the jewelry world. Do you have a favorite? Let us know! 

Now that you are a master at clasps, add to your jewelry collection with Satin Crystals Necklaces right here:

 

Your Path to Crystal Knowledge...

Meanwhile, here are other links to tap into crystal energy: 

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