How Do Hook Necklace Clasps Work?

Hook necklace clasps are easily shaped from wire.

A hook necklace clasp is a way of securing the necklace around the wearer's neck. It is formed of two parts, usually a hook and an eye. Occasionally, there may be two hooks.

Function

A hook necklace clasp works by passing the end of the hook through a loop or eye. The weight of the necklace holds the loop in place. This prevents the necklace from coming undone.

Features

This loop may be made up of the string or wire used to make the necklace, but often it is a separate component such as a jump ring. Different materials may be used, but the hook is usually made out of metal. It may be shaped from wire or cast as a unit. Often extra loops or balls may be added to the end of the hook to keep the loop from sliding off.

Benefits

The chief benefits of the hook necklace clasp are that it's easy to make and use. Other kinds of catches, such as barrel catches and lobster claw catches, are complex to make and tricky to operate. You can make a simple hook necklace clasp in minutes using only wire and pliers.

References

• Jewelry Making Beads Library: Jewelry Clasps
• Wire to Jewelry: Necklace Clasps

Resources

• Beadage: Jewelry Clasps