Simple Steps to Attaching Clasps
to your Bracelets and Necklaces

Attaching clasps to your bracelets and necklaces is relatively easy if you know how. When you mastered this technique, you will be able to make all kinds of bracelets and necklaces since you will need to attach clasps for most of your jewelry projects.

The only exception are long necklaces (one example is the Endless Garnet Necklace) that you can just slip over your head or for bracelets that use elastic strings. For both, attaching clasps is not needed. All you need is to tie a knot.

The above drawing uses a round clasp as an example. There are many different kind of clasps in the market. Some simple and some rather decorative. But all will have a loop for you to insert your wire into.

Tips: Always check your clasps before starting your project. Fasten the clasp and its end together first to make sure that both parts work properly. You do not want to finish a bracelet or necklace and after attaching clasps, found that the clasps do not lock properly. Imagine the frustration of having to take off all the beads from the wire, and start all over right from the beginning.

The top picture shows the round clasp and the picture at the bottom of this page shows the other bit of the clasp.

First, fold your wire into half and insert the folded end into the loop of the clasp.

Pull tight and insert a crimp.

Make sure that the crimp sit nicely on the wire. Leave a tiny space between the clasp and the crimp.

Using the flat-nosed pliers, press hard on the crimp on one side and then again on the other side.

To finish the bracelet or necklace, insert a crimp after the last bead.

Insert the bead wire into the loop of the clasp bit and back into the crimp.

Pull tight and check that the bracelet or necklace is the right length. If not, undo the crimp and add or take away more beads.

When the length is right, use your flat-nosed pliers to crimp tight.

To finish off, insert the rest of the wire neatly into the last few beads.

Trim off excess wire if necessary.

Notes: The above picture shows two strands of beads, each strand on one wire. For some project where heavier gemstones are used, I like to use double wire for a strand of beads or gem stones.

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