Sterling Silver Clasps And Their Different Varieties

Article by Davis Hopper

Jewelry clasps are the tinniest and yet the most important parts of an ornament. They are small components that are used to connect the two ends of a jewelry article such as a necklace, bracelet or and anklet. Making a clasp could be the most tedious technique of all in a jewelry manufacturing processes because they should be small enough to not spoil the flow of the ornament and yet strong enough to hold the entire piece of jewelry together in good shape.

The most sought after clasps in the jewelry market are made from sterling silver metal. There are many reasons for a sterling silver clasp to be the primary choice of the jewelry makers. According to the frequent users, a sterlingsilver clasp is much more flexible, strong, stable, durable and long lasting as compared to any other clasp made from a different metal. It has been observed that a sterlingsilver clasp provides a string bond to the jewelry article without disturbing its symmetry or design.

There are many different varieties of sterlingsilver clasp available in the market for buyers to choose from. But the most admired of them all are the sterling silver toggle and lobster clasps.

Sterling Silver lobster Clasp: Mainly used to make heavy necklaces and bracelets, a sterling silver lobster clasp offers a more traditional design as compared to the modern and contemporary style of clasps. As such a clasp is principally used in heavy metal ornaments with precious and valuable embellishments a sterlingsilver lobster clasp is more expensive than the rest falling in the similar category. As evident from the name, a lobster clasp looks like a lobster. The hook of a lobster clasp is shaped as a lobster’s claw giving the jewelry a better grip and hold for enhanced safety and security. It is interesting to note that while from the front it looks like a lobster’s claw, if viewed from a side angle a lobster claw clasp also resembles a teardrop.

Sterling Silver Toggle Clap: A sterling silver toggle clasp strikes a perfect contrast for the tradition lobster claw clasp. It is an excellent example of a modern day design. A highly versatile clasp with a pinch of contemporary touch makes it one of the best suitable options for most of the jewelry designs. A sterlingsilver toggle clasp is specially designed by keeping the simple yet extravagant jewelry patterns that people love to wear these days. A sterling silver toggle clasp provides optimum level of security to the ornament owing to its ring and bar locking system.

Both the above discussed clasps provide style, beauty and security to the ornament they are used in. Paying a little extra price for such benefits is not a bad bargain.

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A Look At Various Types Of Sterling Silver Clasps

Article by Melanie Spark

When you look at a necklace or a bracelet, one of the first things that you probably notice is the flow of the design. Believe it or not, a clasp is more than just a functional device used to fasten your jewelry. In fact, it’s very much a part of the overall design and can be a very important focal point. This article will attempt to explain the various types of sterling silver clasps and how each one differs from the others. Why is this important? Quite simply, because a clasp is in many ways the most important finding on your jewelry because it keeps it securely in place.

Spring-Ring Clasp. This type of clasp is one of the most common, and is typically used for light to medium weight jewelry accessories. A spring-ring clasp is round in its design and features a small tip, which controls the opening and closing of the spring.

Lobster Claw Clasp. This type of clasp is also one of the more traditional styles found in bracelets and necklaces, but it is generally reserved for heavier styles that may need a little added strength. From the side, a lobster claw clasp will give the appearance of a teardrop shape, and is controlled by a tip that opens and closes the spring in the clasp. Because the lobster claw clasp is reserved for heavier styles, it is also a more expensive finding and adds value to the piece.

Toggle Clasp. A sterling silver toggle is a narrow piece of sterling silver, which is typically designed in the shape of a bar, which is then pushed through a sterling loop to act as a fastener for your necklace or bracelet. The toggle clasp is one that is both expensive and attractive, which makes it an important focal point for any jewelry accessory. Unlike the lobster claw or spring-ring clasps, a toggle clasp is not controlled by a spring. Instead, it is secured when the bar is pushed through the ring.

Slide Insert Clasp. This type of clasp is designed exactly as it sounds in that it features a box-like shape that is hollow on the inside. To secure a sterling silver slide insert clasp, the wearer will slide the nearly-flat tab into the box until it clicks, which indicates a secure closure. On some pieces of jewelry, a slide insert clasp will be accompanied by a side safety catch, which will add strength to the clasp of your necklace or bracelet. These types of clasps are often reserved for the most expensive styles in jewelry.

Magnetic Clasp. In recent years, the popularity of the magnetic clasp has soared to an amazing level. The convenience of a quick and easy way to secure jewelry while not having to fuss with a traditional clasp, which can be difficult if you have long fingernails, arthritic hands or certain other mobility challenges, is an attractive feature to many accessories. A magnetic clasp relies on a strong internal magnet, which works to pull both ends of the clasp together. In most cases, a magnetic clasp is used for light to medium weight jewelry pieces, which will not put excessive stress on the magnet.

Now that you know more about each individual type of sterling silver clasp, you can make an informed decision as to which will best suit your needs in terms of both wear and durability.

Producer Bryan Lenox using Endless Analog’s CLASP system in a tracking session with Grammy award winning music artist Michael W. Smith at Quad studios Nashville