When choosing a necklace, the last thing on most people’s minds is the Necklace clasp.
Despite this, though, jewelry fasteners or clasps, are arguably the most integral component of a necklace. If the clasp fails, the necklace cannot be fastened, and it becomes useless.
Due to the fact that necklace clasps are indeed so important, there are dozens upon dozens of different necklace clasp types out there to be chosen from.
When you choose a necklace, make sure you pay close attention to the clasp. The last thing you want is a weak and/or fiddling clasp that you struggle to fasten.
Whether choosing a clasp for convenience, for securely fastening your necklace, or even for aesthetics, here are 31 types of necklace clasps to consider.
1. Spring ring clasps
Spring ring clasps are one of the most basic, and one of the most popular types of necklace clasp currently in use today.
Spring ring clasps are very retro and are almost considered vintage as they’ve been used for so long, which only adds to their charm as there is a huge market for vintage jewelry.
Typically used in small and thin necklaces, spring ring clasps come complete with a spring that enables them to open and close with ease.
Spring ring clasps are easy to operate and are affordable, but the main downside to them is the fact that they are quite weak and delicate.
So they can break easily, especially if you’re heavy handed, so just bear that in mind.
2. Bar and toggle clasps
Bar and toggle clasps are two-piece necklace clasps that feature a circular loop on one end, along with a stylish T-shaped bar on the other.
In order to lock the necklace in place, the bar simply needs to be inserted through the ring.
Because the bar is longer than the ring, the necklace will remain in place and the clasp will remain closed.
Because of its appearance, a bar and toggle clasp can really serve as a focal point for a necklace.
The only downside is that it is unsuitable for lightweight necklaces.
3. Lobster clasps
Lobster clasps are arguably the second most common type of necklace and jewelry clasp on the market today, second only to spring ring clasps.
Don’t worry, lobster clasps are not made from lobster, they get their name simply from the fact that these clasps have an uncanny resemblance to a lobster claw.
By simply pulling on a lever located on the side of the “claw” you can release the clasp, and as soon as you let go it will snap closed again.
Lobster clasps have also been used for many years now and they too have a vintage reputation.
The good thing about these clasps is that they come in a variety of materials and have a very aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The only real downside to lobster claw clasps is the fact that opening them can be tricky by hand if the mechanism is stiff.
They are also slightly more expensive than spring ring clasps, though they’re still more than affordable for most.
4. Fishhook clasps
A fishhook clasp is one of the lesser-known necklace clasps you’ll find on our list today, but don’t let that fool you, they’re still in very high demand.
These are unique necklace clasps in the sense that you’ll find a metal hook on one end of the clasp, while on the other you’ll find a fish-shaped box that it hooks inside to secure it in place.
Though commonly used with necklaces, the main downside to these clasps is the fact that using one hand to fasten and unfasten them will take a lot of practice.
5. Toggle clasp
A toggle clasp is very basic in design as it is simply made up of a bar and a circle.
You simply place the bar through the circle and the weight of the necklace helps to hold it in place.
While toggle clasp necklaces are easy to use, as the clasp is bulky it does mean that they’re not suitable for thinner necklaces.
6. Magnetic necklace clasps
Magnetic necklace clasps are arguably the most convenient of all necklace clasps out there.
As you can tell by the name, the basic idea behind a magnetic necklace clasp is that it fastens with the use of magnetic force.
Each side of the clasp contains a magnet and when they come into contact with each other the clasp fastens shut.
The main downside to magnetic necklace clasps is the fact that the magnets can weaken over time and not all clasps are as strong as people would like.
7. Screw clasps
Screw clasps are threaded necklace clasps that work very similarly to screws, as the name implies.
You operate the clasp by screwing one end of the fastener into the other until it holds the necklace firmly in place.
You can purchase screw clasps in a number of shapes, sizes, designs, materials, and colors.
Without question, screw clasps are some of the most secure clasps in existence.
Once they’re screwed closed tightly, your necklace is going nowhere.
The only downside is that it can be fiddly to screw each half together accurately without cross-threading.
8. Barrel clasps
You might hear these clasps being referred to as ‘torpedo clasps’, although they are commonly called barrel clasps, namely because they look just like a miniature barrel when fastened closed.
A barrel clasp is made up of two small cylindrical pieces which can either fasten together with an insert and hook mechanism or simply with a screw.
You must ensure that one of the ends is twisted securely into the other, so both hands will be required. This can sometimes be awkward.
9. Buckle clasp
A buckle clasp works on the same principle as a standard belt buckle that you would wear to hold your trousers up.
Buckle clasps can be used in a variety of different types of jewelry, though as far as necklaces go, you’ll usually find them in chokers.
Despite being affordable, buckle clasps can really improve the appearance of a choker necklace. The only downside is that they can be a little delicate.
10. Decorative pendant clasps
If you want to transform a dull-looking necklace and give it a bit more character, a decorative pendant clasp is the perfect way to achieve this.
In essence, they are basic necklace clasps, but they come in a variety of pretty designs so you can customize and enhance the look of your necklace while securing it around your neck.
11. Box clasps
Box clasps are tongue and groove, two-piece clasps featuring a wedge-shaped tab on one end, and a box frame on the other end.
To operate a box clasp the user will simply insert the tab into the box frame until it safely and securely clicks into place.
Like other clasps we’ve mentioned, these aren’t the most secure so there is the risk of your necklace coming undone.
12. Layered necklace clasps
Layered necklace clasps are very much in fashion at the moment and for good reason.
Rather than featuring just one clasp, a layered necklace clasp features several rings so you can simply attach the clasp of your necklace to the ring of your choosing.
As great as layered necklace clasps are, they can be a little more expensive than a lot of the other clasps out there.
13. Ball clasps
Ball clasps are sometimes called ‘bead clasps.’ They are basically spherical necklace fasteners featuring a bayonet or a tab closure mechanism, similar to what you would find on box clasps.
Ball clasps work extremely well with beaded jewelry when closed and they come in numerous styles and designs.
14. Snap lock clasps
A snap lock clasp is a low-profile fastener that features a basic hinged clasp that folds shut and snaps into place to lock the necklace closed.
Ideal for people in a hurry as they can be opened with one hand, snap-lock clasps are delicate, so just be careful when fastening them closed.
15. Adjustable slider clasp
An adjustable slider clasp is very common in most types of jewelry, particularly bracelets and necklaces.
With an adjustable slider clasp, you can adjust the clasp accordingly, making it incredibly convenient.
16. Slide lock clasp
A slide lock clasp is perfect for necklaces that contain multiple pieces.
With a slide lock clasp wearers of the jewelry are able to customize the strand quality of the necklace and the length, making it a very versatile clasp.
17. Push clasps
Push clasps, or clip clasps, as they are sometimes called, are very similar to snap hooks, just in a miniature version.
Users are able to push the one-way hinge to open up the clasp before it snaps in place to secure the necklace in place.
Push clasps are ideal for people without much coordination as they can easily be operated with one hand.
18. Hook and eye clasp
A hook and eye clasp is another basically designed necklace clasp that does exactly what it is supposed to do.
Hook and eye clasps feature two identical rings, with each one having a small opening that allows one to be inserted into the other.
Hook and eye clasps come in a variety of different styles, sizes, and designs and are perfect for keeping necklaces locked securely closed without being uncomfortably tight.
19. S Hook Clasps
S hook clasps get their name because, not surprisingly, they are shaped like an ‘S’.
S hook clasps are very easy on the eye as they feature decorative curls and curls.
Operating them is also a piece of cake as they basically work via a hook-on and hook-off motion.
Because the S hook clasp can be hooked anywhere along the length of the necklace chain, this makes it perfect for altering the length of the chain.
20. Ladder clasps
Ladder clasps are very old-fashioned in terms of design and function, but as the saying goes ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’.
The reason why ladder clasps have withstood the test of time is because they work so well.
These clasps are similar to snap lock clasps or foldovers as one side features a ladder-like design that basically folds over the slots on the side, making it great for altering the length of the necklace.
21. Button clasps
Button clasps are very simple in design as they function similarly to how belts function, with balls rather than buckles.
One end of the clasp is a ball, and the other is an opening.
The ball snaps into the hole and locks in place to secure the necklace securely around the wearer’s neck.
22. Push-button clasps
Push-button clasps, also known as snap-button clasps, feature mechanisms that are very similar to box clasps, with the main difference being the structure and design.
With push-button clasps, the necklace is fastened by inserting the tab into its partner.
It gets its name from the fact that you can unfasten the clasp by simply pushing a button.
23. Wooden magnetic clasps
We’ve already looked at magnetic clasps but not wooden ones.
Wooden magnetic clasps are ideal for chokers as they are basic magnetic clasps encased in gorgeous wood to give a unique finish.
24. Fold over clasps
A fold over clasp operates on a hinge system, just like you’d find on some watches.
You simply fold it over and it locks in place, securely fastening the necklace.
25. Amber screw clasps
An amber screw clasp is a basic screw clasp designed to look like it has been encased in amber.
It goes with a variety of different necklaces, particularly chokers and ones featuring amber and orange colors.
26. Chain necklace shortener clasp
Sometimes you may find that your necklace is simply too long for you. If this is the case, then a chain necklace shortener clasp is what you need.
As the name implies, these clasps not only fasten the necklace in place, but they can also help to shorten it if it is too long for you.
27. Double lobster clasp
Double lobster claps consist of two lobster “claw” clasps and they have a unique shape, almost like an ‘8’.
A double lobster clasp functions just like a lobster clasp, except for the fact that there are two attached, making it great for shortening necklaces that are too long.
28. Pinch pendant clasps
A pinch pendant clasp is one of the most convenient necklace clasps in existence.
You can easily pinch the necklace closed and open it again with one hand and with minimal force.
29. Swivel lobster clasps
Based upon a standard lobster claw clasp, a swivel lobster clasp has been upgraded to include a swivel.
The swivel enables the wearer to rotate the pendant freely, making it virtually impossible to get the necklace twisted.
30. Cover clamps
Cover clamps are very similar to pinch clamps as they can be pinched closed to secure the necklace.
They look just like a spherical ball when closed and are very simple to use.
31. M hook clasps
If you own a 24-karat necklace, chances are it features an M hook clasp .
24K necklaces commonly use M hook clasps because of their design. One side usually cannot be moved, so the clasp can be opened and closed by adjusting the other side instead.
M hook clasps get their name because of the fact that they resemble the letter ‘M’.
As they are associated with high-quality jewelry, they’re very durable and strong.
The only downside is that they make it difficult to adjust the length of the necklace itself.
