Discover the right clasp to use for your customers.
When it comes to jewelry, a clasp is more than just a finishing touch — it’s a key component that ensures both security and style. Whether you’re designing, selling, or purchasing jewelry, understanding the different types of clasps can help you make the best decision for functionality, aesthetics, and overall wearability.
What are Clasps and How Can You Use Them?
With so many clasp styles available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting the right one for a jewelry piece. Each clasp — from dainty spring rings to sturdy box clasps and sleek magnetic options — offers unique benefits, and choosing the wrong one can compromise both the look and function of the design.
For jewelers, understanding how each clasp functions and knowing when to pair it with features such as safety chains is essential.
Safety chains provide an added layer of protection by acting as a backup should the main clasp fail or come undone. They’re especially useful on heavier bracelets or high-value pieces where extra security gives the wearer peace of mind.
Types of Clasps
Lobster Clasps
Product Highlights:
- Self-closing
- Spring-loaded lever
- Secure
This clasp is one of the most popular and well-known clasps in jewelry. This style of clasp is ideal for bracelets and anklets — since this product can be swung around without risk of failing.
Spring Ring
Product Highlights:
- Simple round design
- Trigger closure
- Circular look
The spring ring is another popular style of clasp that automatically closes when released, providing secure closure. This style can be widely used for various chains and necklaces, making it a great product to keep in stock for frequent use.
Fold Over Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Snap lock
- Secure
- Low profile
Often called the snap lock, this style of clasp is great for securely holding bracelets and anklets. This style is great for customers with longer hair as it is less likely to become snagged on clothing and hair.
Bayonet Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Very secure
- User friendly
- Release button
Similar to the barrel clasp, the bayonet is a twist-and-lock style of clasp that consists of two parts that are pushed together and twisted to secure the piece, although some bayonets have click-in technology to ensure they are secure. This simple yet secure clasp is best used for necklaces, bracelets, or pearl strands. It is important to keep in mind that this clasp will not be as secure if not properly sized for heavy and lightweight pieces.
Box Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Best for bracelets
- Extra security
- Durable design
The box clasp can be considered one of the most durable of the clasp designs as well as one of the safest when discussing its safety features. This clasp features a box and wedge design — also called tongues —that clicks when secured, this clasp is ideal for securing bracelets.
Slide Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Multiple strands
- Various styles
- Slides for closure
The slide clasp is a multi-functional clasp that can hold more than one strand of beads which is perfect for more complicated pieces. This product features a tube and bar that slides together to lock in place.
Bead/Pearl Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Spherical
- Fishhook or bayonet closure
- Blends with design
The bead or pearl clasp is perfect for pearl necklaces as it can be matched to the size of the pearls to seamlessly blend into the design. This clasp can include box clasp and magnetic clasp styles.
Fishhook Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Lightweight pieces
- Extra secure
- Popular
The bead or pearl clasp is perfect for pearl necklaces as it can be matched to the size of the pearls to seamlessly blend into the design. This clasp can include box clasp and magnetic clasp styles.
Magnetic Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Secure
- Easy to use
- Powerful closure
The magnetic clasp is a great affordable and secure option for fashion jewelry. This clasp is secured with two magnets that attach when placed near each other which makes it easy to use for those with limited dexterity. These clasps are best suited for lightweight pieces.
Toggle Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Easy operation
- Various styles
- Bar & toggle closure
This style of clasp is best used with bracelets due to their ease of operation with one hand. They are great for staying secure since the bar is long enough to stay closed, even through daily wear.
Hook & Eye Clasp
Product Highlights:
- Basic designs
- Single chains li>
- Hook affects security
One of the simplest yet effective clasp designs — the hook and eye clasp is a relatively easy clasp to use, although the size of the clasp should be considered when designing a piece as tighter hooks make a more secure connection.
For all Your Clasp Needs
Stuller is your trusted source for all things clasps. We offer a wide selection that includes not only the styles mentioned above but many more — all available in various metal qualities, sizes, and finishes to suit any design need. Whether you’re looking for a single piece or ordering in bulk for production, Stuller has the inventory, quality, and reliability you can count on.