How To Avoid Damaging Your Necklace Clasp

A necklace clasp is essential for securing your jewelry. If it gets damaged, you might lose your necklace while wearing it. Unfortunately, everyday habits can harm your necklace clasp, and bad DIY advice found online can make things worse. To help you maintain your jewelry, we've compiled a list of common mistakes that damage necklace clasps and how to avoid them. Read on to learn how to protect your necklaces and keep them looking new.

What is a Necklace Clasp?

The clasp is the component that fastens the necklace around your neck. There are various types of clasps, each with different levels of durability. Here are some of the most common types:

Spring Ring Clasp

A spring ring clasp features a metal ring with a spring mechanism and a small lever. It is quite sturdy and easy to use, making it a popular choice.

Lobster Clasp

More robust than the spring ring, the lobster clasp resembles a lobster claw and is ideal for heavier pieces that need extra support.

Barrel Clasp

Consisting of two metal pieces that screw together, the barrel clasp is less user-friendly since it requires both hands to close.

Toggle Clasp

This elegant clasp features a long bar that slips through a circle, secured by the necklace's weight, making it perfect for heavier pieces.

Magnetic Clasp

Ideal for those with low dexterity, magnetic clasps consist of two magnets that snap together, making it easy to put on and remove.

S Hook Clasp

A classic design, the S hook clasp slides onto a ring to secure the necklace. However, it can sometimes catch on clothes.

Fishhook Clasp

Featuring a metal hook and an oval-shaped box, this clasp is elegant but can be tricky to use.

Slide Lock Clasp

Often used for multi-strand necklaces, the slide lock clasp is a secure option for heavier pieces but can be challenging to fasten.

Common Mistakes That Damage a Necklace Clasp

Some clasps are more durable than others, but they can still be damaged, especially if you follow poor DIY advice. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Removing Stuck Hair

Hair can get caught in smaller clasps like the spring ring or lobster clasp. Online advice might suggest using a lighter or hair removal cream to remove it, but this can damage the clasp. Instead, use tweezers or a thin needle and be patient. If you can't remove the hair, take your necklace to a jeweler.

Neglecting to Clean the Clasp

It's not enough to clean just the chain or strand; you also need to clean the clasp. Dirt can accumulate in barrel clasps, preventing them from screwing properly and causing you to lose your necklace.

Wearing Your Necklace in the Shower

Water can damage both the jewelry piece and its clasp. Magnetic clasps, in particular, can lose their magnetic properties when exposed to water, leading to a lost necklace.

Improper Storage

The best way to store a necklace is to hang it on a necklace tree or pushpin with the clasp closed. This prevents tangling and potential damage to the clasp from other jewelry pieces in a box.

For more jewelry tips and information, explore our other articles. Check out Ferravanti’s unique necklaces collection for exquisite designer pieces at fair prices.