Our earlier guide to findings covered why clasp quality matters at all. This one goes a level deeper: the actual mechanisms, and which one suits which design. Our Locks & Clasps collection carries real examples of every type below.
Lobster clasps
A spring-loaded claw that closes with a small lever - the most common clasp on finished jewellery, and for good reason: secure, one-handed to operate once attached, and compact enough to disappear into a design rather than dominate it. Good general-purpose choice for necklaces and bracelets alike. See AS-LK-008 in our range.
Toggle clasps
A bar that slides through a ring and sits crosswise, held by tension rather than a spring mechanism. Toggles read as more decorative than a lobster clasp - often used deliberately as a visible design element rather than hidden at the back of the neck - but they're less secure under stress than a lobster clasp, so better suited to necklaces than bracelets that take more daily knocking.
S-hook clasps
The simplest mechanism here: an S-shaped hook that catches on a jump ring or loop at the other end. Quick to attach, visually simple, and easy to adjust length on if paired with multiple loop points - but the easiest of these four to open accidentally under the wrong kind of pressure, so it suits lighter, occasional-wear pieces better than daily-wear ones. See AS-LK-009.
Spring ring & round clasps
A small spring-loaded ring that opens when you press a tiny lever, similar in security to a lobster clasp but more fiddly to operate one-handed because of its smaller lever. Common on lighter, finer chains where a bulkier lobster clasp would look out of proportion. See AS-LK-002.
Fish clasps
A hook-and-eye style closure shaped like a stylised fish, popular on multi-strand designs since the shape gives a natural anchor point for several strands to converge on. More of a design statement than the other mechanisms here. See AS-LK-003.
Matching clasp to design, quickly
- Bracelets (daily wear, more stress on the clasp): lobster or spring ring over toggle or S-hook.
- Necklaces where the clasp can be a visible detail: toggle works well.
- Multi-strand designs: fish clasps are built for exactly this.
- Fine, lightweight chains: spring ring keeps the closure proportionate.
Browse the full Locks & Clasps collection and add whichever mechanisms suit your line to your inquiry list - no fixed minimum order.
If none of the stock styles fits your design, we can also make custom silver locks and clasps to your size.