How to Make a Clasp for Necklaces

Clasps are for fastening a necklace or bracelet. There are many different varieties of clasps. They can come in all shapes and sizes, some simple and others quite intricate.
If you are making a necklace, you might consider making the clasp as well. This way you can create a clasp that is perfectly suited to the design of your necklace. A simple hook-and-eye clasp can be made from a scrap of wire and then joined to the rest of your necklace to create a one-of-a-kind necklace.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1½-inch length of 20-gauge wire
• Wire cutters
• Round nose pliers
• Dowel
• 2 jump rings (6 mm)

1. Bend the wire around the dowel at the center point of the wire.

2. 

   Squeeze the bent wire together so that the wires lie quite close to each other.

3. Create a loop in one end of the wire with the round nose pliers.

4. 

   Pull the other end of the wire around the looped wire right above the loop created in step 3. Wrap the wire tail around the wire several times tightly.

5. 

   Cut off the excess wire with the wire cutters.

6. 

   Attach a jump ring to the lower loop with the pliers. Then attach the jump ring and the clasp to the end of your necklace.

7. Place another jump ring onto the other end of the necklace with the pliers for attaching the hook into.

[beadydani]

on 6/5/2009 Very good article, I love making my own clasps. It is always best to make many in advance, store away for the future.