Your Guide to Jewelry Clasps
for Bead Jewelry Designs

New to beading jewelry? Find out about different types of jewelry clasps, a jewelry finding used in making beaded jewelry.

What is a Jewelry Clasp?

A clasp is a functional component that is attached to a bracelet or necklace so that you can wear it.

This section is a glossary with pictures of different types of clasps.

Clasps are available in a wide variety of metal finishes.

Popular ones are sterling silver, gold filled, vermeil, silver and gold plated, copper, pewter as well as 14K and 18K gold.

Some are very decorative. Gemstones, crystals, buttons and any number of elements are added to increase their beauty.

Jewelry Clasps Glossary

Hook and Eye Clasps

• Fasten by sliding the hook through the ring
• Rely on the weight of the piece to keep them closed
• Are Available in multi strand versions

Lobster Claw Clasps

• Have a trigger that pivots a lever to open the clasp
• Many shapes such as round, oblong, hearts and animals are available
• Team them with a closed jump ring, split ring or wrapped loop to secure the clasp to a bracelet or necklace

Toggle Clasps

• Have a bar and a ring that come together to fasten a bracelet or necklace
• The bar is fed through the ring and turned to span it for a secure hold
• Rely on the weight of the piece to keep them closed
• Many varieties are available: plain, decorative, multi strand
• Decorative toggle clasps can function as a focal point

Sliding Tubes

• The outer tube attaches to one end of a bracelet or necklace and the inner tube attaches to the other end
• The inner tube slides inside the outer tube
• Some are available with magnets in both ends for a very secure hold

S-Hook Clasps

• Are 'S' shaped hooks that have a ring attached to each end
• To open, slightly twist one arm of the S-hook to the side and slide it off the ring

Spring Ring Clasps

• Uses a trigger mechanism to pull open a wire inside the tube
• When released, the trigger springs back into place to close the ring
• Team them with a closed jump ring, split ring or wrapped loop to secure the clasp to a bracelet or necklace

Now, learn how to make a necklace and experiment using a different type of clasp for each necklace design.

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