I often get asked what clasps are best to use and where I get the clasps I use on bracelets in my patterns. I think everyone has different tastes when it comes to clasps. Some people prefer toggles and some hook and eye clasps. I don't have any set rules for selecting clasps. I usually have a good selection on hand and make a decision based on what I think looks good to me, or if the bracelet is a gift, what type of clasp I know the giftee prefers.
I do, however, have my favorite places to buy clasps:
Rishashay.com has a huge selection of high-quality clasps. My favorite are these little spiral J-clasps (B0837-sgr-2 and B0837-ggr-2) that sell in sets of five and come in both sterling silver and gold-plated:
Once a year, I make a major purchase from Plasabali.com. I say major because they ship all the way from Bali at $17 FedEx International Priority (to the U.S.) so I find it best to buy as much as I can in one order to make up for shipping costs, but you just can't beat their prices, even as the price of silver continues to skyrocket. They have an incredible selection of sterling silver toggle clasps but years ago I fell in love with this simple hook and eye clasp (C3037) that you see on a lot of my bracelets:
Sometimes Plasabali.com sells this clasp in vermeil as well but I don't see it listed today. I also buy earwires here.
Embellishmentsinc.com has some really unique clasps, especially clasps with gemstones. Their selection changes constantly, however, so what is there now may be gone tomorrow:
Just remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to selecting a clasp. It's all a matter of personal preference so just go with your gut. For years, I only used hook and eye clasps but now I use a lot more toggle clasps. You'll find that your tastes change over time.
I do, however, have my favorite places to buy clasps:
Rishashay.com has a huge selection of high-quality clasps. My favorite are these little spiral J-clasps (B0837-sgr-2 and B0837-ggr-2) that sell in sets of five and come in both sterling silver and gold-plated:
Once a year, I make a major purchase from Plasabali.com. I say major because they ship all the way from Bali at $17 FedEx International Priority (to the U.S.) so I find it best to buy as much as I can in one order to make up for shipping costs, but you just can't beat their prices, even as the price of silver continues to skyrocket. They have an incredible selection of sterling silver toggle clasps but years ago I fell in love with this simple hook and eye clasp (C3037) that you see on a lot of my bracelets:
Sometimes Plasabali.com sells this clasp in vermeil as well but I don't see it listed today. I also buy earwires here.
Embellishmentsinc.com has some really unique clasps, especially clasps with gemstones. Their selection changes constantly, however, so what is there now may be gone tomorrow:
Just remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to selecting a clasp. It's all a matter of personal preference so just go with your gut. For years, I only used hook and eye clasps but now I use a lot more toggle clasps. You'll find that your tastes change over time.
Thank you SO much for posting this. I have trouble trying to figure out what clasp would go with each bracelet I make. I guess I need to stop worrying so much and just go with the flow. Making a huge purchase is also a great idea. That way I don't have to stress when I am nearing the end and have to go out and buy ONE for that particular piece.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
These days, I think it's good to buy clasps when you see ones you like instead of waiting til you need one. The price of silver and gold is going to continue to rise until the U.S. dollar gets stronger. I think I'm going to learn to make some beaded clasps as well :)
ReplyDeleteOne thing that confuses me about clasps is size. I ordered a few a while back and one was way too big for the bracelet I made, and the other was too small. It can be very frustrating.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you have to look closely at the measurements and figure out what size you prefer. Most online stores list the length in mm, which is confusing until you find a good converter. I have several clasps that are really long and I don't know what I'll ever use them for :)
ReplyDelete