Clasps for bracelet

[Lady_Disdain]

*sigh*

I am still trying to figure out a clasp for a large Tahitian bracelet. Every clasp type just seems awkward to use (I am a cuff girl, personally). So, what kind of clasp do you guys prefer? Toggle, a substantial hook, box, something else?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Personally I like toggles and box clasps, but most of my bracelets aren't pearls.

 

[Pareltje]

I only have two pearl bracelets. One with a trigger clasp and the other one has a magnetic clasp. I prefer the magnetic one, it's easier to wear, I don't have to struggle with the clasp.

 

[BWeaves]

I also prefer toggles and box clasps as they are easier for me to do and undo with my non dominant hand.

There's also the ring and ball clasp, which is easy to use, but I've never seen a good quality version. By that, I mean I've never seen them in silver or gold, only base metal.

I worry about magnetic clasps just because I've had them stick to the fridge as I've walked through the kitchen.

I love the look of the orbit clasp, and love it on my necklaces, but I cannot work it with one hand. I have the same problem with hooks. I need two hands.

 

[JerseyPearl]

I adore toggle clasps...that said, I also have a Tahitian bracelet with a fold over style clasp...it works quite well and easy to use.

 

[Katbran]

I am a big fan of toggle clasps, especially for heavier necklaces. They are great for bracelets as well. I like tiny magnets for tiny pearls or gems . And I've definitely used magnetic ball clasps for necklaces where people have problems with clasps.

 

[Red]

I have pearl bracelets with box clasps, orbit clasps, ball clasps, lobster clasps, and fishhook clasps. All in gold or silver. Oh, and elastic, which means no clasp. I've listed them in my order of preference. I find fishhooks to generally be a ten minute exercise in frustration, and so I have converted most of them to orbits.

 

[battah]

Watching this with interest. I tend to go for stretch bracelets, or woven cord ones that are adjustable, since I hate fiddling with clasps. Nice to see all the suggestions.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Thank you for all the comments - it is interesting to see the thoughts behind the preferences.

I have a sort of love/hate thing with magnetic clasps. Most look plain cheap. And if there is any safety mechanism, we are back to the fiddly thing again.

I hadn't thought of a fold over. For some reason, it is a style of clasp that seems to be getting less common. At least, I don't see it often here.

I have been stringing a lot of pearl bracelets on elastic, properly knotted between each pearl. I love the ease and it looks like a traditional bracelet but I want something that reads a bit more upscale for these. Hmmmm, maybe I should make some knotted stretch tahitians, just to test the waters.

So, looks like a toggle it will be.

 

[pearlescence]

I'm interested in experiences with magnetic clasps for bracelets (and necklaces) I stock them, and suggest for necklaces where people have clasp operating problems but am never really confident about them
I do always insist on them for children's jewellery though where I actually want them to come open if they catch on something
How secure are they (saw the comment about sticking to the fridge! Did that mean that the bracelet left you and stayed with the fridge?)

 

[Pareltje]

Wendy, I found magnetic clasp handy because when I work in the kitchen I can always take off my pearl bracelet in one pull. And wearing it again also doesn't need much effort. But that's just my opinion and I don't wear pearl bracelet often because I'm always afraid of banging it against a hard surface. The not so positive side of magnetic clasps is that most of them are made of base metal but Claspgarten has some decent looking ones. Stuller definitely has the most elegant looking magnetic clasps.

 

[Katbran]

I like the magnetic ones for necklaces when someone have dexterity issues with clasps. I hate the fishhook clasps with a passion . I like the Japanese pinch clasps but they can be hard to find . But Toggles and the larger orbits are good ...the Orbit being smart looking.

Magnets on bracelets can be a. It tricky ..they are notorious for latching onto a shopping cart/trolley.

 

[Pareltje]

What about bean clasp? I think it's easy to use. Like this one:

 

[BWeaves]

I'm interested in experiences with magnetic clasps for bracelets (and necklaces) I stock them, and suggest for necklaces where people have clasp operating problems but am never really confident about them
I do always insist on them for children's jewellery though where I actually want them to come open if they catch on something
How secure are they (saw the comment about sticking to the fridge! Did that mean that the bracelet left you and stayed with the fridge?)

Yes, I walked by the fridge and I must have brushed my arm against the fridge and the bracelet stayed there. Now this was a cheap seed bead bracelet I made, but it soured me on magnetic clasps.

I also like foldover clasps, but I haven't seen any in years.

 

[battah]

Yes, I walked by the fridge and I must have brushed my arm against the fridge and the bracelet stayed there. Now this was a cheap seed bead bracelet I made, but it soured me on magnetic clasps.

I also like foldover clasps, but I haven't seen any in years.

BWeaves I think Gempacked has a bunch of foldover clasps.

Edited to add a link: https://www.gempacked.com/findings-...r-gold-filled-and-more-16/foldover-clasps-171

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I like those foldover clasps!

As to magnetic clasps, this is the one I have, on a necklace. It's very strong-- no chance of its opening by accident! I have to use 2 hands to open it-- I "fold" it to open. So I'm not sure it would be good for a bracelet.
https://www.riogrande.com/product/sterling-silver-round-flower-magnetic-clasp/693627

 

[Red]

Yes, I walked by the fridge and I must have brushed my arm against the fridge and the bracelet stayed there. Now this was a cheap seed bead bracelet I made, but it soured me on magnetic clasps.

It isn't just refrigerators that can cause your jewelry to jump off your arm. Several years ago I was wearing a pearl bracelet with a magnetic clasp to work, and I got into an elevator with a colleague. As I stood near the back of the elevator there was a loud metallic "Sloop" sound, and we discovered that my bracelet had jumped off my wrist and wrapped itself around the metal bumper railing that runs about wrist height along the back and sides of the elevator.

I have known that man for 30 years, and I have never, ever seen him laugh so hard before or since.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Bwahahaha! I can just see it. The elevator railing stole your bracelet.

 

[Lugana]

I cannot stand any bracelet clasp.. I think they are evil I don't have any pearl bracelet for this particular reason I do like bangles though..

 

[BWeaves]

The jeweler who made The Swan and The Hamantaschen currently has some pearl bracelets strung on memory wire along with small metal and gem beads. I'm not fond of the feel of memory wire bracelets, but they are very easy to put on and take off, and they don't come off by accident. And they're kind of cool looking because they give the appearance of wearing several bangles.