Types of Clasps for Necklaces

Necklace clasps are in the class of jewelry supplies called findings, which are the functional parts of jewelry that also include connectors and fasteners. The best necklace clasps are easy to fasten, stay secured, match the style of the necklace, and endure the wear and tear of being repeatedly fastened and unfastened.

Spring Ring and Lobster Claw

Operate a spring ring or lobster claw clasp by lifting the tiny lever that compresses the spring to release the clasp. Quite secure, both of these clasps are popular, with lobster claws usually being easier to manipulate.

Hook Clasp

Fish hook, S-hook and hook-and-eye clasps secure necklaces using hooks. While easy to fasten, these are not very secure and may slip out.

Magnetic Clasp

Magnetic clasps use magnets to secure the necklace. Most magnetic clasps are best suited to very lightweight necklaces, as they easily come apart.

Barrel Clasp

Barrel clasps are barrel-shaped screws that require some dexterity to twist and untwist. The larger ones are quite secure, although they are prone to looking bulky.

Toggle Clasp

The toggle clasp is also known as the bar-and-ring clasp. With a long bar on one end that fits into a wide ring and then "locks" into position, the toggle clasp is one of the easiest to fasten for arthritic hands.

Box Clasp

An elegant-looking clasp that often uses a filigree design, the box clasp has been known to come undone by accident. Open a box clasp by pushing the lever, and close it by clicking it into place.

Multi-Strand Clasp

A multi-strand clasp may have hook, slide locking or box clasp fasteners. Multi-strand clasps come with 2 or more loops per side to secure multi-strand necklaces.