Bracelets: Education & Buying Tips

Bracelets can either have clasps to make putting them on easier. Each clasp will come with different techniques for putting it on. Discover more about some of the most common bracelet clasps used here at The Carat Casa.

One of the most commonly used clasps for bracelets is the spring ring clasp. It is mostly used for different types of bracelets, but chain bracelets are a good example. To use a spring ring clasp, use your fingernail to push the little metal piece in the spring ring that opens it away from the bracelet chain. You should then be able to open and close the spring ring clasp easily before sliding the jump ring through it. To open and close a spring ring clasp, slide the jump ring through the opened spring ring clasp.

Box clasps are widely used as bracelet fastenings because of their sleek appearance. To unlatch a box clasp on a bracelet, depress the protruding, typically notched tab and remove the tongue from the box clasp. In order to fasten a box clasp, simply press the tongue back into the box clasp. It may be necessary to depress the grooves or notches on the tongue in order for it to fit into the box clasp.

Safety box clasps can be found on several jewelry types, including those with precious stones or diamonds like the tennis bracelets. In order to fasten this type of clasp, you must ensure that the safety bar is raised or in the open position. Next, you need to insert the metal tongue found at the end of the bracelet into the box clasp of the other end. Usually, there is a small click sound upon closing the safety box clasp. After inserting the metal tongue, insert the safety bar inside the clasp for extra security. Other heavy tennis bracelets feature another bracelet catch called the figure 8 which attaches to the safety bar, allowing it to be fastened for additional safety.

Another form of clasp is the lobster claw bracelet clasp. It attaches the two ends of the bracelet together using a clasp and a jump ring. Opening and closing a lobster claw bracelet clasp can be done simply by pulling back on the metal part that protrudes out from the clasp to open and close it while the jump ring that attaches the two ends is slid into the clasp.

Hinged bracelet clasps are specific to the rigid type of bracelet. The clasps operate like box clasps and are attached directly to the rigid part of the bracelet. Simply slide the tongue of the clasp into the other half until it locks in or the bracelet takes its natural position. Many of the bracelet closures come with additional figure 8 bracelet clasps that are simply clicked in over the stationary bead. The fish hook clasp design is one of the most popular types of clasps that are used to join pearl bracelets. To open your pearl bracelet safety clasp, you will need to pinch the groove end of the fish hook and carefully pull it away from the clasp. After opening up your clasp a little bit, you will be required to guide your hook through the safety end of the clasp. The fish hook clasp can easily be closed by sliding your hook through the safety latch of the clasp.