by Jesús Zabala - 6 min read

Types of Bracelet Clasps

Clasps might seem like an insignificant part of a bracelet, but they actually play a twofold role– to provide security and add a finishing touch to the overall look. Numerous types of bracelet clasps are available, and you, as an accessory lover, should find the one that is easiest to use, comfortable to wear, and looks refined, at the same time.

But, to do that, you need to get familiar with your options. We gathered the most commonly used bracelet clasps in one place, so you can easily choose the one according to your preferences. The list includes classics like the closed barrel and lobster clasps to modern solutions like sliding and magnetic clasps.

Types of Bracelet Clasps

With the evolution of jewelry-making techniques, new bracelet clasps were invented, leaving us with hundreds of choices today. Each one of them has a unique design and operating mechanism.

While it is impossible to mention all types of jewelry clasps, here are the 8 most commonly used, yet secure and stylish options.

Lobster clasps

Lobster clasps, are considered to be the strongest, most durable and secure clasp types. The clasp body looks similar to a lobster’s claw and has a small lever on one side. A spring is fitted inside of the clasp’s body. As you pull or release the lever, the spring opens and closes the circular end of the bracelet leaving you with space to attach or remove the other end to the claw.

Thanks to the pinching mechanism, the lobster clasp is extremely reliable. For added durability, the highest-quality lobster clasps are made from robust metals, such as silver, gold, steel and brass.

However, lobster clasps have certain disadvantages. For one, some users find the spring-loaded design hard to open and close. If you want to put your bracelet on by yourself, it might take you some time. Also, what we have learned in our years of experience as metalsmiths is that they are too heavy for light jewelry.

In addition to lobster clasps, you can also find this type of bracelet closure under the names of lobster hooks, lobster claws, trigger clasps or even bocklebee clasps.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Vera Aksionava

Spring ring clasps

Another commonly used type of bracelet clasps and closures is the spring ring style. They have a spring clasps mechanism, which means they share the basic principles of opening and closing with lobster clasps. The difference is that they have a ring-shaped hollow tubing body instead of a lobster’s claw.

Spring ring clasps are commonly found in bracelet jewelry designs because of their modern and sleek design. They are typically small making them an excellent choice for light, dainty and delicate jewelry.

The two biggest disadvantages of spring clasps are their pressure resistance and difficulty in operating. Because of their hollow structure and circular design, they are extremely delicate and might break or show signs of wear faster.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Bruno Rodrigues B Silva

T-bar and ring clasps (toggle clasps)

Bracelets with a T-bar and ring clasp have one end shaped like the letter T and another end shaped like a ring. To close the bracelet, you should insert the T-bar through the ring. The length of the bar and the circular shape of the other end secure the bracelet.

Toggle clasps are our primary choice for our unique JewelryLab bracelet designs for a good reason. They are one of the easiest to use and they provide a reliable closure for all bracelets, both heavy and light. The chances of the clasp becoming undone are almost zero.

They are a stylish addition to the bracelet itself, giving it a complete look. Another reason we love toggle clasps is that they serve their functionality quite well. They come in variety of sizes, allowing us to use them for both bulky bracelets like the Ula X Chain Link bracelet and the Nara Chain bracelet, and for minimalist bracelets like the Arka Chain bracelet.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Ukki Studio

Hook and eye clasps

Many confuse the T-bar and ring clasps with the hook and eye clasps because they both have a circle as a bracelet ends. Yet, they are two distinct types of bracelet clasps.

As the name suggests, hook-and-eye clasps have a hook-shaped end that is inserted into the ring to secure the bracelet. Compared to the T-bar and ring clasps, hook-and-eye clasps can be used only for lighter bracelets.

Magnetic clasps

Magnetic clasps may be the most convenient and easiest to use. They have strong magnets that, when placed close together, attract the two ends of the bracelet and lock them. These clasp types can be found in different shapes, but the most common are spherical and elliptical. Some of the popular magnetic clasps types include tube, mag-lock, beehive, magnetic ball and converter magnetic clasps.

However, a magnetic clasp is rarely used for bracelets. The reason for this is that when you put the bracelet on your wrist, the magnet might attract any ferrous objects you might come close to. This increases the risk of the unintentional clasp opening.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Dzhamilia

Box clasps

A box jewelry clasp has two main parts. One of its distinct sides is a box, typically in a rectangular or square shape, while the other is a tab. The tab is the perfect size so it can be placed inside of the box and snapped into place, securing the bracelet.

Not only that box jewelry clasps are elegant, but they are also durable and provide a high level of security for all kinds of bracelets. They are extremely sturdy, making them a suitable choice for heavy bracelets. Finally, they are easy to fasten and unfasten.

One of the disadvantages of box clasps is that they might become looser with frequent use.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: island_iwami

Slide clasps

Slide clasps have a rather new and unique design. Unlike other types of bracelet clasps, they can be adjusted. The adjusting feature is possible thanks to the silicone insert which grips the bracelet as it is pushed through it. They are a popular choice for beaded and chain bracelets.

Closed barrel clasp

One of the types of bracelet clasps vintage that is still used today and is worth mentioning is the closed barrel or torpedo clasp. The closed barrel clasp uses a threading mechanism to join the two ends of the bracelet together. To close the bracelet, you will have to twist the two halves of the barrel shut.

Barrel clasps are highly sturdy and thanks to their design, they don’t show signs of wear over time. The downside of barrel clasps is that they are difficult to operate on bracelets because it is quite a challenge to insert and twist the ends together with one hand.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Irra

Tips For Choosing Bracelet Clasp

When we create the design of the bracelet, we generally consider the bracelet's style, size, security and aesthetics. As for you as the one who will get to wear it, it is highly important to choose a bracelet clasps and closures by answering the following questions:

Is it easy to open and close the bracelet? Can you do it by yourself?
What level of security does the clasp provide? Is it good enough for frequent wearing?
Does the clasp material and style match the aesthetics of the entire design?
Does the clasp make the bracelet uncomfortable to wear?

Do All Bracelets Have Clasps?

Clasps are not mandatory for bracelets. There are specific bracelet designs that don’t require us to use clasps to ensure the jewelry piece stays on your wrist. More specifically, cuffs, bangles and seamless welded bracelets don’t have clasps.

If you find bracelets without clasps easier to put on and more comfortable to wear like many, our JewelryLab collection has a different cuff-bracelet design. Our most popular bracelets for every occasion are the Large Cayote Bone bracelet, Big Abstract bracelet, Textured Minimal bracelet, Athena bracelet and many more.

Conclusion

Bracelets can be designed by using the closed loop or open concept. The ones that are closed, generally need clasps so they can be fastened securely around the wrist. There are many types of bracelet clasps available, with the lobster, spring ring, toggle, hook and eye, magnetic, box, slide and closed barrel clasps being the most commonly used. Now that you know what they are and their pros and cons, you are prepared to pick the most suitable bracelet for you.