Did you know the concept of clasps came about thousands of years back in ancient times? Read on to discover the history and how it evolved to its current hundreds of designs. If you want to learn about the types of clasps and new-age jewellery drafting skills, visit the Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Design offered by the JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

If you are a jewellery enthusiast, you must be familiar with the term “clasps.” Clasps are small yet essential components in jewellery design. Jewellery clasps are necessary in keeping your jewellery pieces securely in place.

A Brief Walkthrough on the History of Jewellery Clasps

Jewellery making clasps have been around for centuries, maybe even millennia. The most prominent example comes from Egypt, where the first clasps were simple hooks and loops made of gold, bronze, and silver. The manufacturers would make a wire by hammering and twisting the metals like gold and copper. The first drawing machine was invented in the late 14th century. After this, the whole process took a turn and became revolutionised.

Over time, clasps became more sophisticated. With different designs and mechanisms, it has been made easier and more secure to use. Now, different types of clasps are available, each with unique features and advantages.

Types of Jewellery Clasps

Manufacturers make clasps in all different sizes and shapes for versatility and usefulness. There is an uncountable number of clasps in general, and still, people show their interest in traditional or vintage jewellery clasps. In the following, we will discuss some other common antique jewellery clasps types and their features.

The Spring Ring Clasps

To begin with, we have our most popular spring ring clasps. It has a small, circular shape with a spring mechanism. So, it is flexible to open and close quickly. This type of closure makes the pendant or necklace lighter and easier to handle. It is also one of the clasps that come in a cheap range.

Lobster Clasp

The lobster clasps are usually the same as spring ring clasps but a little forward. It is larger than a spring ring clasp and makes the closure of jewellery more consolidated. These are used in more expensive rings compared to any other type of clasp.

Toggle Clasp

The toggle clasp consists of a bar and ring. The bar is inserted into the ring to secure the jewellery. It is one of the most popular clasps on necklaces and is available in various designs and materials.

Box Clasp

The box clasp is commonly used in bracelets and necklaces and is secure more easily. It consists of a box and a tongue that fits into the box, making it suitable for various sizes.

Hook and Eye Clasp

The hook and eye clasp is one of the most popular clasp designs that consist of a hook on one end and a loop on the other. The hook is inserted to fit in the jewellery and is commonly used in necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Magnetic Clasps

The magnetic clasp is one of the easier closures to make use of jewellery. It gets soldered on because of the magnetic power and gets stuck on the jewellery. But, many times, due to heat or exposure, it becomes warm and loses the power attached to the jewellery.

Screw Clasps

The screw clasps consist of two interlocking pieces that screw together, making a secured bond with the jewellery. It can be the most common jewellery clasps for bracelets and necklaces and comes with various designs.

Fish Hook Clasps

It is one of the most elegant clasps and closures that is used for necklaces or bracelets. It has a spring mechanism inside that fastens the box and secures it.

Sidelock Clasps

The side lock clasps are mainly designed to go with the rings or bracelets. It has a style combination of chain, wire, and thread and encloses a glamorous look.

Barrel Clasp

The barrel clasp and closure were the most popular of their kind in the Victorian age and consisted of a barrel-shaped clasp. It combines the screw mechanism that secures the two ends of the jewellery.

How to make Jewellery Clasps?

Jewellery clasps and closures are the most important part of any piece of jewellery. To understand the techniques behind jewellery design clasps in-depth, you should once visit JD Institute’s comprehensive jewellery designing course.

Let’s know the method of making jewellery clasp in the following ways:

Materials:

1. Wire (preferably sterling silver or gold-filled wire)
2. Pliers (round-nose pliers, chain-nose pliers, and wire-cutter)
3. Hammer and bench block
4. Clasp findings (optional)

Steps:

1. Choose a gauge wire according to the size of the clasps. The larger the clasp, the thicker the gauge wire, and the smaller the clasps, the thinner the gauge wire.
2. Cut the wire to the desired length. Also, leave some extra wire for loops or end caps.
3. Using round-nose pliers, create a loop while connecting the loops using chain-nose pliers.
4. Now, if you want to add some texture, take the help of the hammer and bench block to create an overall design.
5. Finally, if you want to make your clasps more secure, add clasp findings to the loop.

By following this, you can create a unique and customised clasp for your jewellery piece.

If you want to know more about a clasp for a jewellery piece, visit JD Institute of Fashion Technology’s delightful crafting blog.

Tips for using jewellery fasteners:

To make your fastener, more durable and functional over time, you can use these tips for using and maintaining your jewellery in good condition:

1. Use gentle pressure: While opening or closing different types of jewellery fasteners, don’t put too much pressure. Putting gentle pressure on it can protect the jewellery from being bent or damaged.
2. Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals such as bleach or chlorine can cause your jewellery to tarnish or break.
3. Keep fasteners clean and dry: Dirt and moisture can accumulate in jewellery fasteners, causing them to become stuck or rusted. To prevent this, make sure to clean and dry them thoroughly before storing them.
4. Check fasteners regularly: Inspect your jewellery fasteners regularly for signs of wear or damage. If a fastener is loose or not functioning properly, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the jewellery piece.

The End Notes

In the world of jewellery design, the clasp is a small but extremely crucial component to keep your pieces strong, safe, and stylish.

For aspiring jewellery designers, knowing about the types of clasps is important. JD Institute is one of the premier institutes that prepare students to create stunning, innovative jewellery pieces that stand out from the rest. To know about the exciting Advanced Diploma in  Jewellery Design program, visit the website and get going on this exciting journey!