by Katarina
Now that you are planning in participating in the jewellery competition you are probably wondering how to close your necklace or bracelet – because yes, you have to make your own clasps.
Of course you could make your own lobster claw, box clasp or other fancy methods of keeping that necklace around your neck but unless you are a pro it will take as much time as it does to actually make the show piece.
But do not despair, help is at hand. There are some easier solutions: the S-Hook and the Toggle
S-Hook
A S-Hook is exactly that: wire bent into the shape of an “S” that will hook into a jump ring.
It is easy to make and fairly secure. And you can embellish it as much or as little as you wish: hammer it, texturing, wrapping, flattening.
The other side can be a simple jump ring or another S-hook, this time with the ends closed.
Here are a couple of videos showing how to make a simple S-Hook:
- S-Hook clasp with looped ends by Art Jewelry Magazine
- S-Hook clasp with hammered ends by Art Jewelry Magazine
For a variety of s-hook samples – remember you have to make it – check this website Artbeads.com
A variation of the S-Hook is the simple hook and eye clasp. In essence it is half a s-hook with a jump ring.
For a range of these, check out this website Rings & Things.com
And remember, if you like the design of one type you should be able to adept it to the other style.
Toggle
The next type of clasp that you can make yourself is the toggle.
A toggle is a bar that can be threaded through a jump ring without falling out and therefore securing the necklace, and in fact bracelet securely. I like toggles because they are easier to use when closing a necklace. Less fumbly so to speak.
For a tutorial, check out this video:
- Toggle clasp by Online Jewelry Acadamy
The following gets you to one of my favourite websites with loads of good tutorials, this one for a toggle:
- Jewelry Tutorials by Hans Meevis
And here is another favorite of mine:
And if you want to see a whole raft of samples, simply google “handmade toggle clasp” or even better “artisan toggle clasp”.
And if all fails, ask one of your friendly silversmiths at the next table.
And I am sorry to say, at the moment you cannot access the library.