| you look at a necklace or a bracelet, one of the first | | | | any jewelry accessory. Unlike the lobster claw or |
| things that you probably notice is the flow of the | | | | spring-ring clasps, a toggle clasp is not controlled by a |
| design. Believe it or not, a clasp is more than just a | | | | spring. Instead, it is secured when the bar is pushed |
| functional device used to fasten your jewelry. In fact, | | | | through the ring. |
| it's very much a part of the overall design and can be | | | | Slide Insert Clasp. This type of clasp is designed |
| a very important focal point. This article will attempt to | | | | exactly as it sounds in that it features a box-like shape |
| explain the various types of sterling silver clasps and | | | | that is hollow on the inside. To secure a sterling silver |
| how each one differs from the others. Why is this | | | | slide insert clasp, the wearer will slide the nearly-flat tab |
| important? Quite simply, because a clasp is in many | | | | into the box until it clicks, which indicates a secure |
| ways the most important finding on your jewelry | | | | closure. On some pieces of jewelry, a slide insert clasp |
| because it keeps it securely in place. | | | | will be accompanied by a side safety catch, which will |
| Spring-Ring Clasp. This type of clasp is one of the | | | | add strength to the clasp of your necklace or bracelet. |
| most common, and is typically used for light to medium | | | | These types of clasps are often reserved for the |
| weight jewelry accessories. A spring-ring clasp is | | | | most expensive styles in jewelry. |
| round in its design and features a small tip, which | | | | Magnetic Clasp. In recent years, the popularity of the |
| controls the opening and closing of the spring. | | | | magnetic clasp has soared to an amazing level. The |
| Lobster Claw Clasp. This type of clasp is also one of | | | | convenience of a quick and easy way to secure |
| the more traditional styles found in bracelets and | | | | jewelry while not having to fuss with a traditional clasp, |
| necklaces, but it is generally reserved for heavier | | | | which can be difficult if you have long fingernails, |
| styles that may need a little added strength. From the | | | | arthritic hands or certain other mobility challenges, is an |
| side, a lobster claw clasp will give the appearance of a | | | | attractive feature to many accessories. A magnetic |
| teardrop shape, and is controlled by a tip that opens | | | | clasp relies on a strong internal magnet, which works |
| and closes the spring in the clasp. Because the lobster | | | | to pull both ends of the clasp together. In most cases, |
| claw clasp is reserved for heavier styles, it is also a | | | | a magnetic clasp is used for light to medium weight |
| more expensive finding and adds value to the piece. | | | | jewelry pieces, which will not put excessive stress on |
| Toggle Clasp. A sterling silver toggle is a narrow piece | | | | the magnet. |
| of sterling silver, which is typically designed in the shape | | | | Now that you know more about each individual type |
| of a bar, which is then pushed through a sterling loop | | | | of sterling silver clasp, you can make an informed |
| to act as a fastener for your necklace or bracelet. | | | | decision as to which will best suit your needs in terms |
| The toggle clasp is one that is both expensive and | | | | of both wear and durability. |
| attractive, which makes it an important focal point for | | | | |