Buying Guides

Types of Jewelry Clasps

One of the most underappreciated features of a piece of jewelry is its clasp. A jewelry clasp, or jewelry fastener, is the mechanism that allows a necklace or bracelet to easily be put on and taken off without causing any damage. Some fasteners are meant to be hidden, while others are a key element to the design. Here's a list of the different types of jewelry clasps you'll find in the Ross-Simons collection:


Classic Jewelry Clasp Types

  • Ball Jewelry Clasp

    Ball clasp Also called a bead clasp, a ball clasp is a round, spherical jewelry fastener. Sometimes adorned with gemstones or texturing, ball clasps provide a decorative closure which flows with the design of a necklace or bracelet.

  • Closed Barrel Jewelry Clasp

    Barrel clasp A barrel clasp is a small barrel or torpedo-shaped closure which fastens two ends together through a screw, box or hook-insert mechanism.

  • Box Jewelry Clasp

    Box clasp A box claspinvolves a tab inserted into a decorative box. Usually with some kind of safety to secure the closure, a box clasp is traditionally used for tennis styles and hinged bracelets.

  • Fishhook Jewelry Clasp

    Fishhook clasp A fishhook clasp is a delicate fastener that involves a hook inserted into an oval encasing. This style of closure creates a fancy look for lightweight necklaces and bracelets.

  • Hook Jewelry Clasp

    Hook clasp A hook clasp uses an easy hook-on, hook-off motion. A curved piece at the bottom of the hook catches onto a loop or circle to hold it in place.

  • Lobster Jewelry Clasp

    Lobster clasp Named after the pinching style of the hook, a lobster clasp is often shaped like a lobster's claw. Work the lever to open the clasp and release it to close.

  • Push Button Jewelry Clasp

    Push Button clasp A push button clasp "clicks" into place. The mechanism relies on a lever or button which needs to be pushed In order to release the closure.

  • Springring Jewelry Clasp

    Springring clasp Invented in the early 1900s, a springring claspis small and highly effective. It's a hollow circular metal fastener with a spring opening that keeps the clasp closed.


Special Fine Jewelry Clasps

  • Buckle clasp Sometimes used as a clasp for leather or material bracelets, a buckle clasp features the same mechanism as a classic belt buckle. The buckle straps one end through a loop and secures it with a hinged prong that inserts into a hole and rests against a metal frame.

  • Concealed clasp A concealed clasp is one that is hidden within the design of the piece, so as to not interrupt the flow of the appearance.

  • Ladder

    Ladder clasp A ladder clasp is an old-fashioned fastener used for watches. With one end-piece resembling a two-spoke ladder, the foldover side can be hooked into one of two slots to adjust size.

  • Swivel Jewelry Clasp

    Swivel clasp — A swivel clasp is a type of lobster clasp that can turn 360 degrees at the base.

  • Slide Clasp

    Slide clasp A slide clasp secures closure with two bars that slide into a locked position.

  • Magnetic

    Magnetic clasp A magnetic clasp relies on a magnet to hold the necklace or bracelet together, allowing for easy-on, easy-off closure.

  • Toggle Jewelry Clasp

    Toggle clasp A toggle clasp is a two-piece jewelry fastener that closes when a t-shaped or decorative bar is threaded through a circular loop. This stylized clasp type often serves as the centerpiece of a design.


Clasp-Free Jewelry

Some necklaces and bracelets are designed to not require a clasp. Here are some popular clasp-free jewelry styles:

  • Endless Endless necklaces have a clasp-free design which allows for a truly uninterrupted flow. These necklaces, commonly bead or pearl, are long enough to slip over the head without struggle and can often be wrapped multiple times to create a layered look.

  • Slip-on Slip-on bracelets are bangles or cuffs that have a wide opening. Simply squeeze your hand inward and slide the bracelet on. When you relax your hand, the bracelet will stay securely on.

  • Stretch Stretch bracelets are an adjustable style that relies on a coil or elastic cord. These bracelets stretch and conform to fit most wrists.