Today’s focus is on one of the most secure ways to fasten a chain, the lobster claw clasp. So, what makes this clasp the go-to pick for most jewelers and our first recommendation for any quality chain? Not only are they sturdy and easy to use, but they also come in a wide range of sizes and styles. To really understand why we here at Gided Design Studio choose this as our favorite mechanism, let’s break down the construction of the clasp to better understand why it is a durable choice for your chain, bracelet, or anklet.
Construction Of The Lobster Claw Clasp
Lobster claw clasps consist of three main parts. The steel spring, the trigger, and the body. Each of these parts must work together to maintain a clasp in good working condition. The clasp works by pulling on the trigger which activates the spring allowing for a space to open and the body of the clasp to hook into a jump ring or end tab. Once the wearer releases the trigger, the clasp mechanism returns to a neutral position, closing and securing the piece. Jewelers create a space at the base of the clasp body to insert a round jump ring, which they then install and solder closed to the chain, bracelet, or anklet. By soldering the jump ring closed, they prevent the lobster claw from pulling off the chain.
Metal composition
Our team uses lobster claw clasps made from sterling silver, 14k/18k gold, or gold-filled materials, depending on the customer’s preference and chain material. This makes them suitable for everyday wear, and they are less likely to break or bend compared to some other types of clasps.
Ease of Use
Lobster claw clasps come in various sizes and styles, making them versatile and compatible with different types of jewelry designs. Jewelers offer lobster claw clasps in different metals and finishes, allowing customization to match the overall aesthetic of the piece. They can enlarge the scale of the clasp to accommodate customers who may have dexterity issues. In these cases, we recommend not only increasing the size of the lobster claw clasp but also increasing the size of the jump ring that the clasp hooks into. By increasing the scale of both clasp and ring it gives the customer an improved grip and ability to use the clasp.
Appearance
The most popular shapes of lobster claw clasps are the teardrop or trigger clasp and the standard elongated oval. Both designs work well with almost any chain style.
Here are a few other common styles of lobster claps:
Adorned Clasps
Lobster claw clasps can even be highly decorative with pave set diamonds. Jewelers usually employ this adorned style when the clasp serves as the focal point of the jewelry piece. In most cases, designers incorporate these embellished lobster claw clasps into heavier necklaces and bracelets, as the clasps require a larger size to accommodate the setting of the stones.
Triggerless Clasps
Other variations of lobster claw clasps are triggerless clasps. This style of clasp still contains an inner spring mechanism, but generally is a larger clasp that you push part of the clasp to open it instead of a trigger. Jewelers most often incorporate these lobster claw clasps onto chunky bracelets, allowing the wearer to easily hook the bracelet together.
Lobster Claw Clasp Care and Usage
Like any item of jewelry you own, there is always care and maintenance involved. Lobster claw clasps contain the steel spring that drives the mechanism. Over time, if the clasp is exposed to chemicals, salt water, hair products, and just daily wear, residue and rust can develop on it. When rust or internal buildup compromises the spring of the clasp, it can either break the spring or push it out of alignment within the clasp, causing the mechanism to fail.
We recommend getting jewelry items with lobster claw clasps cleaned and inspected at least twice a year. Jewelry cleanings and inspections are some services we offer. For cleanings and inspections, we will put the clasp in our ultrasonic cleaner. This will dislodge any residue or build-up that may be internally present in the clasp. After cleaning, if the spring on the clasp does fail, then it is time for a replacement. This type of repair typically takes about a week. This is because in most cases a replacement clasp must be ordered and then installed. After installation, your jewelry item is polished and cleaned.
Want to stay up to date with the latest happening at Gilded Design Studio? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!