When you make your own DIY jewellery, the right clasps can make or break your design. Quite literally at times.
If you choose the wrong ones, you might have a harder time putting the necklace, bracelet or wristband on. It might also fall apart, because it’s not suited to your materials or your desired design.
That’s why it’s important, that you can tell the difference between a magnetic clasp and a glue-in hook clasp – and the different functions they each serve.
Magnetic Clasps – Casual and Easy to Use
Magnetic clasps are easy to use. You just twist and unsnap. This makes them ideal for children and jewellery-wearers that might have limited mobility or otherwise need a piece of jewellery that is easy to put on or remove.
This also means that a magnetic clasp is especially suited for casual use. You can quickly and easily try it on or switch it to another piece of jewellery. Furthermore, it looks very elegant and relaxed.
Magnetic clasps are less prone to breakage than many other types of clasps. This is because they don’t have tiny, and fiddly, mechanical parts that can break or bend.
You can get them in a wide variety of styles and designs. They range from minimalist clasps in bold shapes, such as rounded or squared ends, to more grandiose and extravagant designs with gems and engravings.
If you choose to make a necklace or a bracelet, you need to make sure that it’s suitable for the thread or wire, you’re using. A magnetic clasp typically has a rather large hole that requires several threaded cords or a bulky leather cord.
Though there are exceptions. At Smyks we also carry several rounded clasps with a tiny “eye”, much like a sewing needle, ideal for wires and thin cords.
A Bayonet Clasp – Reliable and Sturdy
Bayonet clasps are complex, but immensely reliable. You just press the button or turn the clasps, and it opens. The locking mechanism is sturdy and insures that your bracelet or necklace is fastened properly and doesn’t slide off or rip open.
This is fundamentally a safety feature, which means that it’s well-suited for jewellery you wear at work or while you’re doing something physically demanding such as garden work, cleaning or other types of manual labour.
Bayonet clasps are glued to your cord, so while the clasp itself is secure, you need to make sure that you have the proper glue and other jewellery making supplies.
T-clasps – Evocative and Rugged
T-clasps is partly a misnomer. It’s actually just “a” clasp made of metal. You lock your necklace or bracelet by sliding the T-shaped part through a loop, which is then tightened. This is usually done with a ring bead or another simple ring that fits your T-clasp.
Anchor-shaped T-clasps are especially popular, because they evoke a story in the mind of the view or jewellery maker. There’s something masculine and working class about the design that especially fits sailors.
A T-clasp also require a certain amount of dexterity, if you want to confidently remove it in one quick movement.
A Hook Clasp – Elegant and Simple
Hooks are most likely one of the oldest and simple parts used to fasten a piece of jewellery. You just “hook” the curved or indented end into the receptacle.
But a long history and a simple design doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
Hook clasps are very popular exactly because they are simple and elegant. At Smyks you can find hook clasps that work well with almost any kind of DIY jewellery. You just need to find your own personal style and mix ‘n’ match, until you’ve crafted your own unique piece of jewellery.