Types of Jewelry Clasps

There are a number of different jewelry clasps available for fastening a necklace or bracelet. Notice them when you are shopping for new jewelry, and consider which style is easiest for you to handle when changing your accessories. The intricacies of your clasp are usually directly related to the value of the piece.

In your less expensive pieces you may have a magnetic clasp that snaps together when the two ends are near each other. There are similar ones that actually screw together for greater security. Or it may have a hook on one end that fits into an opening on the other end.

The spring ring clasp is one of the most common, and rather difficult if you have long nails or arthritic hands. The larger circle has a tiny lever that needs to be pulled back. The smaller ring on the other end then fits into it, and it closes when you release the lever. The lobster claw clasp is a bit bigger, elongated, and operates in the same fashion, but it is easier to handle than the spring ring clasp.

Toggle clasps have a circle on one end and a bar on the other, which gets pushed through the circle. They are often used on ID bracelets and heavier pieces. They are not as secure. Box clasps are often used on fine watches and bracelets. A wedge shaped piece of gold is shoved into an opening on the other end. There are usually either one or two safety guard pieces that flip into position to add additional security. They are relatively easy to use.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles and the author of How to Earn a Living Writing for the Internet as well as two poetry anthologies and a how-to poetry book. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content.

by Lisa A Mason

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Tips For Buying A Magnetic Necklace

For pain relief in the upper body and head, a magnetic necklace is a common choice. A common dilemma, however, among those looking to buy is how to choose one. Here are 3 tips to use when buying magnetic jewelry for your neck.

Whether you're buying for it pain therapy or for just plain looks, you'll need to know several things about choosing a magnetic necklace. First, you'll want to be familiar with the types of necklaces and how they are designed to be worn. Second, you'll need to know about the differences in quality. Not only is the quality of the craftsmanship important, but also the strength and quality of the magnets themselves. Lastly, you'll want to understand how the differences in magnetic necklaces fits your style.

The right type of necklace - There are a few styles of magnetic necklaces, so you'll want to make sure you get the right one for you. First, is the lariat. Lariat necklaces have no clasp, and wrap around your neck using the magnets in them to stay fastened. Lariats, also called "wraps" or "snakes," are usually 36 or 37 inches, and can be worn in several different ways around the neck.

They can wrap a full turn, or less than a full turn around the neck. When worn this way the remainder of the beads hang below the neck, usually with the two sides joined in a straight line. They can wrap more than one full turn around the neck with a remainder, or they can coil around the neck like a collar. They can also be worn around the wrist or ankle, although they will obviously coil more times. Because of their length, these typically have the most magnets of any type of necklace.
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Unlike the lariat, the other types of magnetic necklaces are more like traditional necklaces with a clasp. The difference, of course, is that the clasp is usually magnetic. These necklaces can be made in different sizes, so be sure to get the right size for you. You'll find these necklaces plain, or with charms that are sometimes magnetic as well. A hematite cross is a popular magnetic charm.

You'll find both the lariats and the traditional shape magnetic necklaces with or without accent beads. These accent beads can be magnetic hematite beads, or some type of non-magnetic bead. Higher quality necklaces will sport accents such as hematite, freshwater pearls, or semi-precious stones in turquoise, cherry quartz, or agate. These necklaces are more expensive, and also usually have stronger, higher quality magnets. Be alert that the better lariats will have as many as 48 high powered magnets.

Quality - There are two aspects to the quality. The first is the craftsmanship, and the second is the quality of materials used. As I've mentioned, higher quality necklaces usually use higher quality accent beads, and more powerful magnets. If you're interested in pain relief, powerful magnets are a must. Watch out for lesser quality products.

A high quality maker of magnetic jewelry will choose stronger magnets, and higher quality accents. Look for a craftsperson who creates custom-made designs in magnetic jewelry, rather than one of the mass-produced pieces. These custom pieces will more than likely be using higher powered magnets and materials.

Style - You'll have to weigh all these differences against your personal style. Some people love the versatility of the lariat, while others prefer a more traditional look. Some enjoy the elegance and color of semi-precious stones, while others prefer the clean high-tech look of the polished black hematite. Cloisonne, lady bugs, and seasonal beads are very popular.

If you weren't familiar with the ins and outs of magnetic necklace buying, I hope this primer has you up to speed. Choosing the right type of necklace is important, especially for pain relief purposes. You'll have to decide whether you like the flexibility of the lariat, or the look of the traditional style.

You'll also want to ensure that your necklace has the quality to last. In addition, you'll need it to have the right number of high powered magnets if you're wearing it for therapy purposes. Once you've got those concerns taken care of, buying to match your style is your key to long lasting enjoyment.

by Kurt Schmitt

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How to Choose Jewelry Clasps

When artists create jewelry pieces, one of the necessary jewelry making findings is jewelry clasps, which hold necklace and bracelets ends together. Clasps, which are essential for jewelry making, come in different style, such as such as box clasps, hook and s-hook clasps, lobster claw, spring clasps, toggle clasps, magnetic clasps, screw clasps, slide lock clasps, and so on. In my posts there are some jewelry making ideas, such as handmade fashion ideas, necklace and earring, and teach you make a one wire necklace, I also need the help of clasps in the process of beading.

Clasps are not only functional devices that are used to connect two parts or the ends of a necklace together, but are the important beading needs that can make your jewelry look elegant. As they form an integral part of every jewelry design, choosing affordable and best clasp depends on its function as well as the option to incorporate the look into the overall design of the piece of jewelry pieces. Follow me on my DIY blog for more information about wholesale beads, and findings.

In the process of creating your own jewelry, the major components used in handmade are not only beads, but also the materials that bind them together. Yes, they are findings. Jewelry making findings is not a new item in my DIY jewelry blog, as they play a very important role in beading, for these little findings are responsible for finishing off a style and without them, it would be impossible making your finished product look finished. Although I have posted an article about glossary of beading findings before, today I also give you the information about findings-clasps.

A jewelry clasp is one of the types of findings that connect the free ends of a bracelet, an anklet or a necklace. Jewelry clasps are more than just functional components used to securely connect two ends of a necklace or other piece of jewelry. Some clasps are there for function only, while other clasps are bold and are an important part of the jewelry's overall design. findings for your hand made beaded work, follow me and you will learn more about beading needs, and how to make unique jewelry.

by Jewelrybeads

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