Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel Jewelry, Accessories & Apparel

Not many people give much thought to how their Sterling Silver Jewelry is being held together. It is something often taken for granted even though they are critical pieces in all silver jewelry. Invented by the Italians centuries ago, there are many types of clasps used to ensure that silver jewelry stays on the body. There are hundreds if not thousands of types of clasps that are used now and in the past. While clasp run gamut from fully functioning silver, stainless steel and gold plated safety clasps to more decorative clasps it is important to know when the wearer needs a more secure clasp; or one that will hold but is decorative as well. Various clasps are used with various types of sterling silver, stainless steel and gold plated jewelry including; bracelets, necklaces, ankle bracelets and watches. It is up to the wearer to decide what clasps work for them in fashion and function.

The springing Clasp is perhaps the most common used in sterling silver jewelry. A springing clasp has a mechanism that springs into place when pinched. This clasp is on jewelry like sterling silver necklaces and bracelets. It is there to solely be a securing mechanism. The springing clasp works by locking in place in a springing manner and to secure sterling silver jewelry together the user has to pull the tab back to get the other side attached and let go when the connection is made. To take the item off the user must pull the spring the silver clasp back again. That will open the hold from the other side so the user can remove the connecting end and take off the silver jewelry. There is no real visual appeal to a sterling silver springing clasp as there is with several other silver clasps in use today.
 
A lobster claw clasp in silver is similar to the springing clasp in the fact that the user must pull back the lever to open the mechanism that frees it for a connection to the other side of the user’s sterling silver bracelet, necklace and anklet. It is easier to use than the springing clasp and is almost as strong. Use this clasp in all of your sterling silver pieces including: Greek inspired key bracelets and silver or stainless steel chain necklaces. The lobster claw clasp is named as such because of its likeness to the lobster claw. It is rather easy to use and tends be sturdy and works well with silver or stainless steel.

Similar in how it looks to the lobster claw clasp is the swivel clasp it is often used in silver jewelry. One distinct difference is how the swinging clasp rotates where the connection to the chain has the ability to swivel around. These are often used in sterling silver designer inspired necklaces, bracelets and ankle bracelets. Like the springing and lobster clasp the user needs to pull back on the connector to put on and take off the piece of sterling silver jewelry that is being used.

When using a sterling silver box clasp you usually can get form and function from them. Some are purely there for function, with no specific ornate decoration. Others may have an intricate design on them which may have a similar style to the piece of sterling silver jewelry they are meant to secure. They contain a wedge made of silver, plated gold and stainless steel. It is a wedge which when squeezed can secure or release the silver bracelet or necklace together. It works well with a pearl necklace or Swarovski crystals in the design. While this is a strong clasp it is not quite as secure as either a silver lobster or springing clasp.
 
The torpedo clasp screws together and is often used for sterling silver bracelets, anklets and necklaces. This particular clasp is sturdy and common. Its sturdiness it can be difficult to screw on so one tip is to turn it around and screw it from the front or get a bit of help. It tends to get hidden in silver and stainless steel so it is less likely to show.


Likely the easiest to use is the magnetic clasp which is covered with a metal like sterling silver and contains two small but powerful magnets that connect to hold the silver jewelry on the body. Sterling silver magnetic clasps are easy to use even if someone has limited use of their hands. The magnetic clasp is often found on sterling silver women’s bracelets such as chains and beaded pieces, since it is easy to connect if the wearer is alone.

The fish hook safety clasp is used on sterling silver necklaces, bracelets and even ankle bracelets. A fish hook clasp may be found on a person’s sterling silver, an accented pearl bracelet or pendant necklace; it connects by having a designer piece that looks just like an extension of the silver jewelry.

It may be unusual looking, but the tube clasp is long with many sizes and is used when using several strands of silver chains or a string of pearls together. They come in many lengths and sizes to adjust to the size of the silver jewelry. This clasp may have another type of closing clasp to go along with it or be a standalone clasp with closing features. It is attractive and works when made of silver very well.

Right now the toggle clasp is very fashion forward and enhances much sterling silver designer jewelry. It is used with many metals including sterling silver and gold plated. When using this clasp, it can easily be imagined on a sterling silver toggle charm bracelet or designer inspired necklace. While many clasps are full circles; they can be found in any shape and can be made of silver or plated gold jewelry. The other side of the clasp is a t-shape. This piece lends to the entire look of the silver jewelry and is easy to use.

It is also good to consider the ease of use when purchasing silver jewelry. Among the easiest clasps to use is a silver hook and eye S clasp. A sterling silver hook and eye S clasp does exactly what it sounds like it does. It connects your jewelry such as silver charm bracelets and dangling necklaces by using an S shaped hook which connects with another S shape or figure eight piece.


When purchasing you can even mix your metals like silver making for a bold fashion choice; when you pair a fancy clasp made of sterling silver with another metal like stainless steel or gold plated; even with stone the silver jewelry becomes an entirely new piece and coveted piece among friends and family. This is demonstrated by a few unique types of clasps. When using fancy silver clasps they are often hidden as an extension piece to sterling silver jewelry such as watches, bracelets and necklaces. These may include; the locking clasp-found on chain link bracelets, watches and men’s jewelry, fancy novelty clasp and the sterling silver pearl clasp.

All of the aforementioned varieties may be among the most commonly used clasps the consumer will come across when selecting their silver, stainless steel and gold plated jewelry. There are many other clasps that will be encountered when choosing pieces to be added to any formidable sterling silver jewelry collection. Others not pictured here include; silver box clasps, locking clasps, crimp ends, coil clasps, foldover clasps, pearl clasps, bow’s or ribbon clasps, snap clasps; which all come in silver except for a bow clasp. Many of these clasps actually look like a piece of sterling silver jewelry in your most coveted silver pieces. All of these clasps are found in today’s modern jewelry and many can be found in vintage or antique silver jewelry.