How to Finish a Fastener on a Necklace

There are many styles of clasps, such as the hook and ring.

Several options are available for finishing a necklace. Clasps come in a large selection of metallic tones, shapes and sizes. Deciding on the fastener that will finish your project can be a difficult task. Often, it helps to have a firm design of the finished product in mind before attaching a fastener. When adding a fastener to finish a necklace, the most permanent way to secure the wire is with a crimp bead. Crimp beads are also available in metallic tones to match the chosen clasp.

Things You'll Need

• Beading thread or wire
• Scissors or wire cutters
• Crimp beads
• Clasp
• Crimping pliers

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of thread or wire twice as long as your finished project. Attaching a clasp begins before the actual creation of the necklace. A clasp is made up of two pieces that will somehow attach together --- some screw into one another, while others have a hook and loop.

2. Fold the wire in half and insert the folded part into the smaller loop of the clasp. A clasp will have the larger piece that will attach to the other end of the clasp and a smaller loop that will attach the clasp to the rest of the necklace.

3. Bring both of the ends of the wire into the loop of wire that was inserted into the smaller loop of the clasp to make an overhand knot.

4. Slide a crimp bead onto both wires and push up to the base of the knot. Crimp the bead with pliers.

5. Bead or otherwise decorate your necklace.

6. Insert both ends of the wire into another crimp bead.

7. Bring both ends of the wire into the smaller loop of the other piece of the clasp.

8. Push the ends of the wire back through the crimp bead and pull the wires until the necklace is flush against the crimp bead and the crimp bead is flush against the clasp.

9. Crimp the bead with the pliers. Cut the excess wire with scissors or wire cutters.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a clasp that compliments your necklace.

References

• Land of Odds: Clasps and Closures
• Beadage: Making a Simple Beaded Necklace
• Jewelry Making Instructions: Simple Steps to Attaching Clasps to Your Bracelets and Necklaces

Resources

• Bob's Beading: Clasps