If you're serious about jewellery, you'd know that style should be combined with smartness. Here's a lowdown on basic joints, loops and hooks.
Jewellery comes in all shapes and sizes with different hooks, joints and loops to securely connect the ends of jewellery without overpowering the overall design. Clamps are metal hooks on gemstones, whereas clasps are locks that hold the ends of jewellery.
You wouldn’t want an elegant piece on your neck to slide off—a malfunction such as that would be disastrous! So, be attentive to the techniques of hooks that work best for precious jewellery.
Spring ring clasp
These are circular rings with a small lever that can be pulled open to insert the opposite ring and lock. These are tiny and go unnoticed with smaller designs. Best to ask a friend to clasp your chain if you can’t do it alone.
Pros: Most commonly used as it is tiny and camouflages easily with the overall design
Cons: May be too tiny for some people to use it themselves
Box jewellery clasp
In this kind of clasp, the box hook on one side is hollow and encloses a wedge-like metal that clicks shut. The inclined wedge-shaped metal is pushed inside the box that compresses and stays in place. It is often used for the most delicate and charming jewellery pieces such as pearls.
Pros: Easy to use. Found in various shapes and sizes. Looks sophisticated and delicate.
Cons: Not as strong as the lobster claw clasps
Lobster claw clasp
As the name suggests, these clasps work like claws of a lobster. The claw opens up to hook up with the other end of a chain-like division. This clasp works well with most neckpieces, bracelets and anklets. A lobster clasp is best for chunky jewellery.
Pros: Can be fashioned to suit any type of jewellery. Easy to operate.
Cons: If any part of the clasp breaks off, the whole claw needs to be replaced
Toggle clasp
Toggle clasps have two ends that are made of opposite shapes. An unbroken hollow ring holds a long bar-shaped metal inside. The bar is a “T” shaped metal piece, inserted to stay on as the length extends the diaphragm of the ring. The ring can be of various shapes to suit the design of the jewellery.
Pros: Very easy to handle. Looks stylish and can be customised as required.
Cons: Not very secure as the bar can loosen and wiggle out of the ring
Ribbon clamp
Ribbon clamps with loops are fastened with silver cord typically used in bracelets. The ends have teeth that are wrapped together to match the style of the jewellery.
Pros: Sturdy enough for regular use
Cons: May look ruthless on delicate items
Take my word
Use lobster clamps or thick wired hooks that do not fold or break easily with rough use. Pay attention to delicate items as their loops can give way if used often. It’s good to keep fashion in mind, but why take chances when it comes to some of your favourite, diligently-picked eye candy?
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