Instructions to Attach a Jewelry Clasp

Some types of jewelry, including necklaces, require a clasp.

Some types of jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets and anklets, require the addition of a clasp. A jewelry clasp is a metal component that opens and closes, allowing the jewelry to be put on and taken off with ease. While jewelry clasps are certainly functional, they can also be decorative, and add to the overall beauty of a piece of jewelry. No matter how plain or fancy they may be, however, most jewelry clasps are fairly easy to attach.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-nosed pliers
• 2 jump rings
• 2 fold-over crimp ends

Instructions

Attaching a Jewelry Clasp to a Chain

1. Unclasp the two portions of the jewelry clasp.

2. Grasp the small metal ring attached to one portion of the clasp. Note that the ring has a split in it that enables you to open and close it. Use flat-nosed pliers to slightly open the ring.

3. Pick up your piece of jewelry. Find the very-last link on one end of the chain. Slip the slightly-open ring of the clasp through the link of chain. Close the ring completely using pliers.

4. Grasp the small metal ring attached to the other portion of the clasp. Use flat-nosed pliers to bend open the ring slightly.

5. Find the very-last link at the opposite end of your jewelry's chain. Slip the partially opened ring of the clasp through the link of chain. Close the ring completely using pliers.

6. Hook the two portions of the jewelry clasp back together. You have attached a clasp to your jewelry.

Using Jump Rings to Attach a Jewelry Clasp

1. Attach a clasp to your jewelry using jump rings. Use jump rings if the small metal rings attached to your jewelry clasp are not split or capable of being opened.

2. Open a jump ring, which is a metal ring with a split in it, using pliers.

3. Hook the jump ring through the last link at one end of your jewelry's chain. Then hook the jump the ring on one side of the jewelry clasp.

4. Close the jump ring completely with pliers. Repeat this process to attach the other portion of the jewelry clasp.

Attaching a Clasp to Nonmetal Jewelry

1. Attach a clasp to jewelry made with ribbon, cord, hemp or other fibers using fold-over crimp ends. Fold the tiny metal clamps of a fold-over crimp end down over the end of the ribbon or other material to hold it secure.

2. Open the tiny metal ring attached to the fold-over crimp end with pliers. Hook it onto the ring on one portion of the jewelry clasp.

3. Close the tiny metal ring attached to the fold-over crimp end with pliers. It will be linked to the ring attached to one portion of the jewelry clasp. Repeat this process to attach the other end of the nonmetal jewelry to the other portion of the clasp.

Tips & Warnings

• When making jewelry to which you will attach a clasp, make sure to use chain with links that are large enough to accommodate the small rings attached to the clasp or jump rings. Generally, 2mm chain has large enough links.

References

• "Jewelry Design"; Carissa Kowalski Dougherty; 2008
• "Felt, Fabric, and Fiber Jewelry: 20 Beautiful Projects to Bead, Stitch, Knot, and Braid"; Sherri Haab; 2008