The Ultimate Guide to Jewelry Clasps

Written By Allie Perry January 10, 2025

I know when you go shopping for a new necklace or bracelet, the last thing on your mind is what holds the whole thing together. You want an awesome piece in just the right color and size, but you forget about that tiny little part that’s most important- the part that’s going to make your jewelry easy to put on and take off and, most importantly, keep it safe!

I’m talking about the clasp! 

If you’ve ever lost a chain, you know that a clasp that’s too small or too loose can cause your chain to come apart and fall off…or worse, cause a pendant to fall off when you don’t realize it…and never be seen again.

And if you’ve struggled to put your own bracelet on, you definitely know that the right clasp can make a huge difference in what piece you decide to wear on any given day. In a hurry? That bracelet with the clasp that fights you every step of the way is getting thrown right back into the jewelry box, no matter how perfect the bracelet is in every other way.

The right clasp is essential for ease of use, comfort, and security. I compiled a list of some common styles you might come across so you can learn the pros and cons of each and make the best decisions for yourself going forward.

1. Spring Ring Clasp

A circular spring-loaded clasp with a small lever that you pull back to open.

• Pros: Affordable, widely available, and discreet.
• Cons: Can be difficult to operate, especially for those with limited dexterity. Less suitable for heavier jewelry pieces. The springs can rust with prolonged exposure to water, causing them to fail. Not generally cost-effective to repair, so they need to be replaced when damaged.
• Best For: Lightweight necklaces and bracelets.

2. Lobster Claw Clasp

Named for its resemblance to a lobster claw, this clasp has a lever that opens the clasp.

• Pros: Durable, secure, and easier to operate than a spring ring clasp, particularly Trigger-style lobster clasp. If the spring inside fails, it can often be replaced without replacing the entire clasp.
• Cons: Larger versions can be bulky and may not suit delicate chains. Larger lobster clasps are heavy and prone to sliding down and around to the front of a chain.
• Best For: Everyday necklaces and bracelets, people with mild dexterity issues

3. Toggle Clasp

Consists of a bar that fits through a loop to secure the jewelry.

• Pros: Stylish, easy to use, and excellent for adding extra embellishment. Looks great in the front or back of a chain
• Cons: Less secure than other clasps—a poor fit can cause it to come undone.
• Best For: Chunky or statement necklaces and bracelets.

4. Magnetic Clasp

Uses magnets to connect two ends of the jewelry.

• Pros: Extremely easy to use, ideal for people with dexterity challenges.
• Cons: Not suitable for heavy jewelry; magnets can weaken over time. Incidental pulling can cause the clasp to open unintentionally.
• Best For: Very lightweight or low-cost necklaces and bracelets.

5. Box Clasp

A clasp with a tab that inserts into a decorative box and clicks into place.

• Pros: Elegant and secure; often used in fine jewelry. Frequently used in conjunction with a safety clasp.
• Cons: Can wear out with frequent use, making it less reliable. Tension needs to be checked regularly.
• Best For: High-end necklaces and tennis bracelets.

6. Barrel Clasp

A cylindrical clasp that screws the two ends of the jewelry together.

• Pros: Secure and unobtrusive.
• Cons: Difficult to fasten without assistance. Can come unscrewed without your knowledge.
• Best For: Beaded necklaces and bracelets.

7. S-Hook Clasp

Shaped like the letter “S,” this clasp hooks into a loop.

• Pros: Simple, adjustable, and often decorative.
• Cons: Can come undone if the hook loosens.
• Best For: Artisan and handmade jewelry.

8. Slide Lock Clasp

A multi-strand clasp with a tube-like mechanism that slides into place.

• Pros: Great for multi-strand designs; very secure.
• Cons: Can be challenging to open and close.
• Best For: Multi-strand necklaces and bracelets.

9. Fish Hook Clasp

This clasp features a hook that fits inside a decorative oval-shaped element.

• Pros: Elegant and secure. Even if the tension aspect of the clasp fails, the hook will often stay in place and prevent the necklace from falling off.
• Cons: Requires careful alignment to fasten.
• Best For: Pearl necklaces and vintage-style jewelry.

10. Safety Clasps

Designed to provide extra security, safety clasps are often used alongside another clasp type.

Figure-Eight Safety Clasp A hinged loop that snaps over the main clasp.

• Pros: Offers added security for valuable jewelry.
• Cons: Can be tricky to align and secure.
• Best For: Fine necklaces and bracelets.

Hidden Safety Clasp An internal locking mechanism hidden within a decorative element.

• Pros: Seamless, elegant appearance with excellent security.
• Cons: Requires precise alignment to fasten properly.
• Best For: Designer necklaces and bracelets.

Choosing the Right Clasp

It’s important for the clasps on your necklaces and bracelets to look good and fit into the design as seamlessly as possible, but it’s not the only thing to consider. Be sure the style of clasp is appropriate for the style of jewelry and will provide the correct level of security. For example, a lobster clasp is a great choice for a chain but not the best option for a tennis bracelet. For costume jewelry, you may love the ease of a magnetic clasp, but for your fine jewelry, make sure you never sacrifice security in the name of comfort or ease of use.

No matter what clasp you have, or how secure you think it might be, always double-check your clasp when you put on a piece of jewelry. If it’s not functioning the way you think it should, take it off and store it safely until you can get it checked by a professional. And if you have a piece of jewelry that you love but hate the clasp it came with, just ask your local jeweler about getting it switched out for a different style that may work better for you!

The right clasp can make or break your jewelry experience—literally. By understanding the pros and cons of different clasps, you’ll always know what style is right for you.