Jewelry Making Made Easy: Necklace Clasps

Have you looked in your jewelry box to find a beautiful necklace just laying there, staring at you, wanting to be worn again? You pick up your beautiful necklace and sigh at the broken clasp and, after another deep breath; you place it back into its prison cell... never to see the light of day.

I do believe this has happened to at least one of us. For me, it is an all too true story of my beautiful necklace just lying there, lonely, wanting to be worn and appreciated, but I didn't know how to fix it.

This particular necklace (see the photo above) was given to me by my Norwegian Grandmother when I was a very young girl. Both my sister and I received matching ones from her and we adored them. I wore it every chance I got, and even to bed sometimes when I missed her. Unfortunately, over the years, the clasp wore out and broke. I was heartbroken and couldn't tell my mother that I couldn't take care of the precious necklace, so I put it in my jewelry box... for about 20 years. Yes, 20 years.

It wasn't until recently that I discovered jewelry making in my local craft store. I was always intimidated by this craft, but was determined to learn all I could. While shopping and choosing a lovely pendant, I decided to take a closer look at all the supplies and could not believe what I saw! Clasps in all shapes, sizes and colors! I decided right then and there I was going to repair my necklace and take it out of its hiding place.

If you have a necklace that needs to see some daylight, then I am here to help. Did you know that you can repair and old necklace for cheap? I always thought I would have to admit I broke it, and take it to the jeweler to have it repaired. Nope! I can do it in the privacy of my home (kitchen table) and wear it same day.

There is bound to be a clasp that will fit you and your favorite necklace. My favorite is the lobster claw. This one is easy to open and close if you have nails or just are clumsy, like me. They are bigger than the standard round clasp, and to me, are a lot easier to get the ring in around the back of your head! One of the easier ones to use is the Hook and Ring clasp. It does not close, so there is no frustrating yourself trying to keep the lock open. This is not good if you are active, though. It might fall off your neck if you are not careful. Also, if you have long hair, your hair might get caught in it, and believe me, it is rather painful. I do not use them, myself. Did you know that they also make a magnetic clasp? All you need to do is attach it to your favorite necklace and then the magnets hold it together. No need to fight with your jewelry! They also make beautiful Toggle clasps, but I do not dare try these. They look like they would get caught up in my long hair, and that would not be good. If you have shorter hair, then you can give it a try. The prices are really good, and most of these clasps come in multi packs.

To repair your necklace, you might need more than just a clasp, though. You might also be in need of the little circles that go between the end of the necklace and the clasp. They are called Jump Rings. They come in all sizes and colors.

You will need a pair of jewelry pliers to make the repair of your favorite necklace. They are a bit pricey, around $12.00, but keep them in your crafting arsenal and they will pay for themselves rather quickly. Imagine the cost of taking the necklace to the jeweler, and then compare the cost of fixing it yourself. I like the latter myself!

To attach the Jump Rings and the clasps, all you need to do is use the jewelry pliers to slightly open the jump ring a bit. Place the end of your necklace and one half of the clasp into the jump ring and pinch it shut. Do this for both ends. You will want to make sure that the ring is completely closed so you don't lose your necklace, or get your hair caught in it.

There you are. A simple way to fix your long lost friends and get them out of the jewelry box. Have fun and who knows, you might end up designing your own jewelry!

Sources:

Personal Experience

www. Joann.com