There is a lot of wisdom in the proverb "Little stones overturn the cart" and surely many of you have already been convinced of this from your own experience. When designing and making jewelry, details are especially important, so let's pay special attention to them, starting with one of the most important - clasps.
One of the most important things and one of the ones we most often overlook when planning the design of our necklace or bracelet is the clasp. When choosing it, we will have to take into account not only the design of the jewelry and how it fits into it, but also some other factors that will make our jewelry not only spectacular but also durable and we will be able to wear it. long time.
What clasp to choose according to the weight of the jewelry?
It is essential that the load capacity of the clasp you choose, ie. what is the maximum weight that the clasp can withstand without opening or deforming. In general, this is not information that manufacturers or retailers explicitly mention, and hardly anyone does special tests on fasteners. It would be useful to know which types of fasteners you can load with your heaviest models and which ones you need to treat more delicately.
1. Omega lever clasp
The gentler types include the omega lever clasp. It is a broken hollow metal ring equipped with a small lever that "locks" the hole and prevents the ring, which is the other part of the clasp, from slipping out. They are most often found in a very small size and are very fine, and their load capacity is low - that's why they are suitable, especially for thinner chains and light necklaces. Larger sizes also tolerate larger beads, but are generally less common. They are rarely available in various forms.
2. Clamp type clasp
The clip-type clasp works on a similar principle (it is also called a crab clip or parrot - perhaps because when the movable part is open it looks like a parrot's beak). The principle of operation, unlike that of the previous type, allows production in a variety of forms - hearts, flowers and even animals. It can withstand more weight than the omega clasp, but like it is most often produced and offered in small sizes and is suitable for finer and lighter jewelry.
3. Fastener-box
In the case of a Box-type clasp, one part is a narrow metal box and the other is a metal plate folded in two. When you insert the plate into the box, it straightens and closes the clasp. Available in different shapes and with different ornaments, but not suitable for very heavy necklaces. Clasp with box and hook - also called "fishing hook" and is similar to the previous one, but instead of folded, the plate is cut in the form of a hook, which is attached to a hole / s in the wall of the box. In essence, the shape can withstand a decent load, but this model fasteners are usually made in a small size and are very thin and thin, so their load capacity drops.
4. Fastener with transfer
Transfer clasp - these are clasps like those of watches. They can withstand a lot of weight, but are not comfortable for all models - especially necklaces. They are made with various decorative ornaments, but are not widely used and are not available everywhere.
5. Magnetic clasp
Magnetic clasp - magnetic clasps are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and modifications, but the classic magnetic clasp is a halved metal bead, in both parts of which are inserted magnets. Load capacity depends on the strength of the magnets, but is usually quite large.
6. Screw fasteners
Screw fasteners are usually very delicate and delicate, but very stable and can withstand heavy loads. Unfortunately, over time, their threads "eat" and become more insecure.
7. Clasp - hook
Clasp - hook - its device is quite simple - a hook pierced through a ring or eight, but this clasp can carry a lot of weight - as well as be made in a variety of decorative models. Swing clasps also fall into this category.
8. S-shaped clasp
S-shaped clasp. It has the shape of the letter S (sometimes with a little more imagination) and is fastened / unfastened on two sides, and thanks to the laws of physics it is very strong and secure. It is usually impressive in size, so it fits large, heavy beads and visually.
9. Clasp with pin
Pin clasp - consists of a ring and a pin and again, thanks to physics, can withstand a large load without being damaged or unbuttoned. There are various shapes and decorations.
10. Fasteners with slider
Perhaps the strongest and most stable solution are slider fasteners. They consist of two tubes with a very small difference in diameter - enough for one to slide into the other. Available in variants for several strings.
You should combine your choice of clasp with the choice of the appropriate rings (if they are not included in the set) and with a small element that we often miss in speed - the wire guards. These are fine metal lugs that are placed around the thread that we used for stringing or knitting and the clasp ring to limit friction and thus extend the life of the pattern. Instead of fuses, you can use French wire - a fine spiral of wire, a small piece of which is strung on the thread to protect it from friction in the clasp.
Keep in mind that when using a stringing material other than thread or wire (ribbon, textile or leather cord) you must either use special fasteners for these materials or attach special tips.
If you still can't find the right clasp for your jewelry, you should never give up. You could make the necessary detail from wire or through one of the techniques for knitting beads, even from nylon or leather cord! Just don't forget to show off your photos!
You can see wonderful models of women's jewelry in our online jewelry store.
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