Lesson 40 · Necklaces · 28 seconds
Inside a lobster clasp
A lobster clasp is a tiny moving part that helps keep a necklace closed: press the lever, and the gate swings in. In one common design, a small steel spring inside pushes the gate back when you let go. A healthy gate snaps fully shut.
What this lesson shows
A lever, a gate and a spring.
Simplified, not-to-scale diagrams show the lever pressed and the gate swinging in, a small coiled spring pushing the gate back, and a gate that stays open and leaves a gap. The clasp then appears on a fine chain and beside a jeweler's loupe on a bench pad; no repair is shown.
Three quick takeaways
What to actually do when you shop
- Press the lever and the gate swings in. In one common design, a small steel spring inside pushes the gate back when you let go.
- A healthy gate snaps fully shut. Check your clasp before you wear the piece next.
- If the gate sticks, stays open or leaves a gap, stop wearing the piece and have a jeweler check it; don't bend it back yourself.
Read the transcript
This tiny moving part helps keep your necklace closed. Press the lever, and the gate swings in. In one common design, a small steel spring inside pushes the gate back when you let go. A healthy gate snaps fully shut. If it sticks, stays open, or leaves a gap, stop wearing the piece and have a jeweler check it. Don't bend it back yourself. Explore more in the Aydins Jewelry Learning Center.
Sources
- U.S. Patent 7,802,448 B2, jewelry clasp: patents.google.com/patent/US7802448B2/en
- U.S. Patent 5,826,309, jewelry safety clasp: patents.google.com/patent/US5826309A/en
- Ganoksin Orchid jewelers' forum, replacing the spring of a lobster claw clasp: orchid.ganoksin.com/t/replacing-spring-of-lobster-claw-clasp/41509
Related lessons
Push backs and screw backs · another small closure, explained.
Why your chain will not fit your pendant · check the end fitting.
Solid versus hollow gold chain · what is inside the link.
Next step
Choosing a chain?
Chain length is measured end to end, including the clasp.