DIY Jewelry Making Tip: Choosing a Clasp

When it comes to making your own necklace, bracelet, napkin ring, etc., they all have one thing in common;  they need closure! Unless you specialize in wire jewelry, securing your piece and adding a clasp will probably require the most effort.  In order to secure your piece, the simplest and most popular method requires:

• Crimp Beads
• NeedleNose Pliers
• Clasp
  

Steps:

1. Slide a crimp bead onto the end of your wire
2. Slide the clasp in next to the crimp bead
   
3. Loop the wire back through the crimp
4. Flatten the crimp into place with your pliers
5. Trim extra wire
   

Note! Remember to add a half inch or more to the length of your piece starting out, in order to have enough room to add your closure.

When it comes to choosing a clasp, the three most popular types are the lobster claw clasp, toggle clasp, and magnetic clasp.  Choosing one over the other usually depends on the style and size of your piece, and your personal preferences.

Lobster Claw Clasps tend to be the hardest to use especially when trying to put on a bracelet by yourself.  However they are simple, small, and do not add or take away from your piece.

Toggle Clasps are little bit easier to handle and slightly add to your design without over-powering it.  These specific toggle clasps have a twist detail and are available in gold or silver plating at www.merchantsoverseas.com for wholesale or www.glitterize.com for small quantities.

Magnetic Jewelry clasps are by far the easier of the three to use.  Basically, a magnetic jewelry clasp includes two parts that are held together by magnetic attraction and released from each other by pulling them apart to break the magnetic attraction. The best part is that these clasps are strong and secure and you do not have to worry about your necklace or bracelet just falling off.

These particular clasps are Beadelle(TM) Pave Magnetic Clasps with Crystals.  They come in gold or silver plating and with multi-colored or colored crystals.  These make great accents to any piece and add to it just as if it were another bead.  These are great as inspiration for a creative designer.  Available at www.merchantsoverseas.com for wholesale purchases or www.glitterize.com for small quantities.