I am just starting to bead. I love the various bracelets I've seen. How do you choose which kind of clasp to use for a bracelet(or necklace for that matter)? Thanks Joanie

I mostly buy my clasps from Fire Mountain Gems.  They have a huge selection.  Go on the site and check them out:-)

www.firemountaingems.com

Several bracelets match their clasp, but some clasps are just personal preference. I have some clients that hate the toggle clasps, they thing they are hard to use but some client think they are easier than the box clasps or lobster clasp. My mother-in-law is old and has a hard time with the lobster clasp. She cannot see it well enough and loves the toggle clasp. A bali style clasp may match bali beads used throughout the bracelet so you would want to be consistent or it may be contemporary and smooth and you would need a more sleek designed clasp. The options are endless and the amount of money you want to spend on one is always a factor.

Have fun!

 www.thesilvertwist.com
 

I like to use TierraCast pewter toggle clasps in the various colors rather than sterling silver and gold filled. Lytha Studios has a great selection of toggle clasps plus Erin is now breaking the list down by size -- small, medium, and large. These toggle clasps have good heft; they don't feel flimsy and they're much less expensive than gold filled and sterling silver. There are  modern-style hammered toggles, ornate toggles and very simple toggles to fit a variety of styles. I also buy TierraCast from Artbeads and Halstead Beads. Lytha Studios prices, especially when there is a sale, is right in line with the other vendors. 

 Hi,

Choosing clasps for a bracelet can be tricky or easy - depending upon your experience, intuition, bead weight and ofcourse your customer's preference. As mentioned above, many people prefer clasps that are convenient for their use, but this also has to be done with respect to the beads you are using. For pearls, many designers generally use either the pearl clasps or filigree clasps. Pearl clasps are designed specially for use with pearls. Depending upon the number of strands you have, you can choose the clasp - single strand, double or triple strand.

Magnetic clasps are easy to use, but they come apart easily, especially if you go near metal. Box clasps are better alternatives, as are foldover clasps. These look good with bracelets that can be laid flat not with beaded bracelets. Swivel clasps are also good options - they have metal loops which when attached and closed allow the bracelet to swivel 360 degrees. Tube clasps go well with bracelet cuffs and lobster clasps go well with all - the only problem, not many people find it easy to operate.

Toggle clasps are also used extensively on bracelets.