Jewelry clasps are often looked over when shopping for jewelry. But, there's lots of different types of clasps, from fancy decorative clasps to a elementary ribbon or stringing material that ties in to a bow. Some are part of the design while others are basically the fixture that keeps the piece of jewelry on your body. So, let's talk a little more about different clasps, as well as what to watch out for.

The claw The most common type of clasp is the claw, which is a little hook with a spring that opens and closes to secure your necklace or bracelet. These are great, secure clasps, but watch out for the tiny ones, these can be hard to open and close if they are tiny. These are also difficult to use on bracelets, you seem to keep chasing the bracelet around and around your arm.
Hook claspA elementary hook clasp, usually handmade, are a nice and easy to use, with bracelets. All you've to is hook the loop without holding a clasp open. twice you hook it, you are golden - no pun intended. Make sure the hooks aren't wide at the opening, or your jewelry might fall off. You can easily tighten your hook clasp by pinching in together twice it's hooked together.

Toggle Clasp A toggle clasp is a ring on six end as well as a swivel or bar on the other side. The bar is inserted in to the ring sideways, then it's secured when the bar turns so the width is larger than the ring. Does that make sense, it's a bit tough to explain. they are also easy to use, and can be decorative to be in the front or the back of a necklace. Some necklaces are even designed around the toggle clasp, if they are elaborate .

I haven't even begun to cover the different types and designs for clasps...this article would be long and I don't require to bore you. Let's face it, this isn't the most exciting topic in this blog. But, it is something to think about when buying jewelry or making jewelry. Make sure your clasp is secure and easy to use. because it's attractive, doesn't mean it's practical. Try on your jewelry yourself. lots of jewelry shops will put it on for you, but you wont get a sense of how easy it is to put on and take off yourself. But don't over analyze, if you love that distinctive handcrafted bracelet with your favorite gemstones or pearls, you can always have your husband or friends help you put it on. It's not the end of the world, they do have to make some sacrifices for attractive jewelry.

Magnetic claspsThese are great for lightweight jewelry and non strung jewelry. Why? Well, while they are convenient and easy to use, they don't latch properly, or at all. So if you are wearing a beaded bracelet and it gets caught on your stool belt, or your sweater, or something else, then disaster can strike. Best case scenario, your bracelet falls off and you see it and put it back on. Worst case scenario, the bracelet falls to the ground and beads go everywhere! I'm not trying to say that magnetic clasps are a mistake, I'm basically saying you should carefully decide which jewelry you wear with a magnetic clasp.