Which Jewelry Clasp Should You Choose? A Complete Guide for 2026

Choosing the right clasp is very important when designing jewelry. It can serve both a functional and decorative purpose. Sometimes, it can even be the focal point of the piece.
At Perles & Co, we offer over 1,500 clasps for costume jewelry in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. It can be difficult to navigate all these options—especially if you’re just starting out and don’t know their names.
That’s why we decided to host a Facebook Live session and create a fact sheet to introduce you to different types of common clasps and their uses.

The Different Types of Jewelry Clasps

Some clasps may have several different names or may not be referred to the same way by everyone. The list below shows the names used on our website. Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page if you have additional information that could help complete this list.

• Lobster Clasp: This is perhaps the most classic and common type in costume jewelry. It can be used to fasten both necklaces and bracelets. Thanks to its spring, it closes automatically, and there’s little risk of the piece coming undone.

• Spring ring clasp: This is very similar to the Lobster Clasp, but it’s shaped like a ring. It’s most often used on thin necklaces or bracelets because it can be smaller and more delicate. Since chunky metal chains are in style right now, they’re also available in XXL sizes for a stylish look.

• Buoy clasp: This is a spring ring clasp with a buoy design. Very practical, it features built-in loops for easily attaching a chain. Very trendy since 2020, it’s often used as the main feature of a bracelet or worn at the front like a pendant when attached to a necklace.

• Screw-back clasp: You screw them open and closed. Traditionally, they resemble a tube and are used for delicate necklaces. But for some time now, they’ve been available in more original shapes, such as hollow hearts or ovals. These, like ring clasps, are used as the central element of the piece.

• Clip-on clasp: These jewelry clasps consist of two parts. One part is decorative with a slit on the side, and the other is a bent metal piece with a spring-like mechanism that clips into the slit. These clasps are easier to open with one hand by pinching the bent metal with two fingers, like a clothespin.
  They can be used for both necklaces and bracelets, but are more commonly seen on necklaces. The exception is clip-on clasps for multi-strand jewelry, which are very practical for wide bracelets.

• Sliding clasp: This works on the same principle as the clip-on clasp. However, the second part does not clip on; instead, it slides into the first part.

• Handcuff clasp: This also consists of two nearly identical parts. They resemble handcuffs, hence the name. Both parts have slots that interlock to close the clasp. They aren’t very secure. They should be used on long, heavy necklaces to prevent the two parts from separating on their own.

• Hook clasp: As its name suggests, it is shaped like a hook. It can consist of a single part (in which case it will have a fastener) or two parts. It is primarily used on necklaces.

• T-clasp, toggle clasp: It consists of two parts: on one side, a ring or a hollow shape such as a heart or a flower, and on the other, a bar that locks into the shape. It can be used for both necklaces and bracelets, but it is less secure than a Lobster Clasp.

• Magnetic clasp: These come in a wide variety of shapes. Using magnets for the closure allows for great design flexibility. Some have loops for attaching a chain, while others are rectangular with two slits for threading laces or woven strands through.
  Small magnetic clasps for bracelets (other than those designed for laces) are convenient, but can cause you to lose the bracelet easily—for example, when grabbing a metal doorknob. Keep that in mind.

• Shackle clasp: Shackle clasps ensure that all your handmade jewelry is securely fastened; simply screw the small bar into the U-shaped shackle.

There are still dozens of different clasp types available, with manufacturers competing to come up with the most inventive designs. Feel free to browse through our treasure trove to find your next favorite clasp. There are also clasps sold with various other attachments, such as crimp ends or extension chains, for making adjustable bracelets.

How do you attach a clasp correctly?

Once you’ve selected the right style, you’ll need to attach it properly. Most clasps are attached using jump rings, which you’ll need to open and close with flat-nose pliers to prevent any deformation. For crimp closures or squeeze-on end caps, flat-nose pliers are also sufficient to secure the closure. If your necklace requires length adjustment, consider adding an extension chain, which is handy for adapting the piece to different neck sizes.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a clasp that is too small or too fragile for a heavy piece of jewelry
• Using an unsecured clasp on jewelry intended for a child
• Forgetting to match the clasp material to that of the jewelry’s other findings. For example, brass and stainless steel will age differently, so visible differences will quickly appear between your clasp and the rest of the findings.

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