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.
