Types of Jewelry Clasps: Which are the Most Secure?

With so many types of jewelry clasps available, it can be hard to keep them all straight. And if you’re looking for the most security in your treasured pieces, you may be wondering if some are more efficient than others. Below, we break down six common clasps and closures and share our final thought on those that may offer more security. 

Lobster Clasp

The lobster clasp, or lobster claw clasp, is a very common closure often used to fasten necklaces and bracelets, getting its name from its resemblance to—you guessed it—a lobster claw. This particular clasp is held closed with a spring and opened using a small lever long enough to secure the piece on the closure.

Spring Clasp

Functioning similarly to the lobster clasp, a spring clasp is a circle with a tiny built-in lever that opens a small space within the circle closure. It is commonly used to secure lightweight necklaces and bracelets and is not often used on heavier jewelry pieces.

Torpedo Clasp

As its name may suggest, the torpedo clasp, also known as a barrel clasp, consists of two closures roughly the same size that are screwed together to fasten a piece, similar to how a lightbulb screws into a socket. With a twisting motion, the clasp locks in place and offers the wearer added security. 

Box Clasp

Often seen on higher-end pieces of jewelry, like tennis bracelets, the box clasp is a beautiful closure that is highly secure. It consists of two main parts: a “tongue,” which is the smaller of the two, and a “box,” which is larger. The tongue section locks into the box clasp. Additionally, the tongue piece may also have one or two additional clasps on the sides to further secure the closure in place on the box section.

Fishhook Clasp

If you own a pearl necklace or bracelet, you may have noticed an intricate closure on the piece known as a fishhook clasp. Typically, a fishhook clasp will have a flattened hook on one side and a metal cage-like oval-shaped box on the other. The hook enters the box and catches on a small bar located inside the box.

Toggle Clasp

The toggle clasp is an elegant closure that consists of a bar that is pulled through a ring component to secure bracelets and necklaces in place. The toggle adds a little something extra to a piece, making the clasp another beautiful aspect of the jewelry. While still secure, the toggle clasp is not fixed in place and may move around with the motion of a wrist or a swift turn of the head. For that reason, it may not be the most secure clasp on our list.

Which Types of Jewelry Clasps are the Most Secure?

While each clasp mentioned above has its own level of secureness, there are certain types of jewelry clasps that may offer extra protection. Lobster and spring clasps are simple to close and are not easily opened. The spring lever in each of these clasps automatically locks the closure in place, so without intentionally opening the clasp, it will remain closed (unless, however, the lever is faulty). This function makes these types of closures some of the most secure among jewelry.
 

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