Clasps, Closures, and Hook Findings - Understanding Those "Thingys" in Jewelry Jargon

 Quick Guide to Basic Clasps and Closures

Descriptions are everything but not everyone is an expert in  jewelry in-house jargon. Sometimes online stores words to describe what you can't see in smaller pics. Being able to manage putting on and taking off your purchases is a very important thing. You want to know what words to look for in your favorite designs and what words to use when you are ordering something as well. 

 Some clasps are much more complicated than others. With new innovations in technology, fads change even more quickly and it leaves the consumer wondering what happened to the last clasp they just learned how to use. 

Here is a small vocabulary with pictures list to help you navigate regular jewelry clasp jargon this holiday season.

Clasps - should signify the mechanical item that allows you to connect ends of jewelry so that it stays on.

Lobster clasp - Often called the "boy friend clasp" because they can be hard to use in bracelets. Hook shaped closure that uses the small lever on the left hand side to pry open space that allows hook to pass over jump ring or circle shaped loops.  Can come in a large variety of metals.  Not always good for people who have trouble with coordination or seeing. - You might want to try a magnetic clasp instead 

Toggle Bar - This closure is a bar and circle mechanism that is much easier for many people who do not have someone to help them put on bracelets. Bar is inserted through circle vertically and simply returned to horizontal shape for closure. Much easier to do one handed, but can be difficult for people who cannot see or have coordination issues, you may want to use a magnetic clasp instead. Upside is they can come in many fin themes and have lots of detail or be very plain. 

Magnetic Clasp - Clasp that has magnets that hold closure together. Usually ball or tubular shaped and they snap themselves together when close enough to catch. - Downside is that they cannot support the weight of gemstones, and if you love your cellphone or tablet, you need to be sure to remove your jewelry from your purse and pockets! Can be in a variety of metals and shapes.

Hooks are very pretty some are "S" shaped others are just what you expect. They tend to be easy to put on with necklaces. The downside is that they fall off easier when there is not a lot of weighted materials like gemstones to help pull the necklace closed all the time. Can be in many shapes, finishes, and sizes. 

Spring Ring clasps are usually the standard for clasps on fashion jewelry chains. They tend to last longer than lobster claws, but are much harder to put on. They are usually better for children's jewelry when you don't want that Easter or B-day necklace lost for kids that are about 6 - 10 years. They are often terrible for anyone who has coordination problems or problems seeing.

This guide is not complete, but you can email me with questions at tahituguese@gmail.com and I will try to get back with you asap. Thanks for reading. Here is the address to my online store. 

J Dalton Artist