Ring
Clasp
A spring ring clasp opens when you push backwards on a little lever that
slides along a circular ring. Once the clasp is open, insert the
chain or loop that's attached to the piece you're connecting into the
open circle, then release the lever to return it to the closed position.
There's a tiny spring inside the clasp that puts pressure on the
mechanism to keep the spring ring shut until you decide to open it
again.
Snap Clasp
Snap clasps are two-piece clasps.
Similar to a
snap on a piece of clothing, one piece clicks into the other.
Some snap clasps are also magnetic.
Magnetic
Clasp
Magnetic clasps are
two-piece clasps, each half containing a magnet.
They are especially useful for those who have difficulty using small jewelry
clasps.
Toggle
Clasp
The loop part of this two-piece clasp is formed into a circle or other shape
with an open center. When the bar half of the clasp is inserted into the circle,
the bar extends past the circle's edges
to hold the clasp closed.
Hook-and-Eye
Hook-and-eye clasps
are two-piece clasps. The hook slides
through a loop (the
"eye")
S Hook
These are used for making
necklaces and bracelets - just attach a jump ring to each end.
Box Clasps
Box clasps are two-piece clasps that open when you push down on the
exterior lever of a wedge-shaped piece of metal, compressing it so that
it slides out of the opening. Push it back in and it clicks into place.
Box clasps are easy to use, but often do not have as much strength as
lobster claw clasps. Box clasps can be plain or decorative and you'll
find them in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Pinch
Bail
A pinch bail
has spread able pegs that go through the hole of a pendant.
You
can attach a pinch bail with your fingers, or use a pair of chain nose or
nylon-jaw pliers to finish fitting the bail.
For a briolette,
use a
pinch bail with pegs perpendicular to the top loop.
To see our clasps and fittings click
MrBead.com or
MrBead.co.uk
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Citrine:
Mellow Yellow
”Citrine” comes from the French word for lemon, and is any quartz crystal or
cluster that’s yellow to orange. The darker, orange colors were traditionally
the best, but today people prefer bright lemony shades to mix with pastel
colors. Citrine with man-made color tends to have more of an orange or reddish
caste. Most natural citrine starts life as amethyst until heated in a molten
state to change.
Sunny and affordable, citrine brightens all jewelry, blending especially well
with the yellow gleam of polished gold. The yellow color is a natural reviver,
and citrine focuses the mind bringing a feeling of self-esteem. In medication it
helps re-establish the link between your conscious and subconscious minds. If
you are feeling down, try holding citrine to lift your spirit. It’s also very
good at healing the body and helping people communicate. Citrine has warm
energy, promotes optimism, and attracts abundance.
Citrine is one of the few stones that removes negative energy and never requires
cleansing. In ancient times it was carried as a protection against snake venom
and evil thoughts. Known as a "merchants' stone”, placed in the cash register to
not only acquire wealth but to maintain it as well. Citrine is the birthstone
for November, and its corresponding signs are Gemini, Aries, Libra, and Leo.
Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine
after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern
times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel
colors. Most citrine comes from Brazil.
Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect.
This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes
similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of
name can be confusing. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as
the birthstone for November. As long as citrine is protected from prolonged
exposure to light or heat, it will last for years.
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Yellow Topaz
Yellow topaz looks very similar to citrine.
The Egyptians thought topaz was colored with the golden glow of the sun god
Ra. This made topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against
harm. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun.
Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and
all the beautiful warm browns and oranges. Some rare and exceptional topaz can
be pink to sherry red.
Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that it dispels
all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks
believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer
invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the
presence of poisoned food or drink. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned
with the phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and
hemorrhages.
Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri
Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. Today we also have blue
topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation. Pale topaz
which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and
China. In early 1998, a new type of enhanced topaz made its appearance, the
surface-enhanced topaz, with colors described as blue to greenish-blue or
emerald green. Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single
blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from
hard knocks. to top of page
Free Airmail Shipping!
Sample our beads with free shipping on any order from our MrBead bead store, just key in "clasp" at the checkout (without the
inverted commas) and click "Redeem Coupon".
Offer valid until Thursday 29th October 09 only - so act now! Only for use in our
store at the checkout and not valid with any other offers.
To see all our citrine beads click
here
To see all our chip beads click
here
To go to our MrBead store click
MrBead.com or
MrBead.co.uk
To return to the top of this page
click here
Jewelry clasps are more than just components to securely connect two
ends of a necklace or other piece of jewelry. They can become the
centerpiece of the jewelry - decorative, bold and an important part of the overall
design. Although usually clasps and catches will be subtle as possible
to prevent distraction from the beauty of the jewelry. Some clasps
are more secure than others, and some are more difficult to open and
close without help from another person.
