Lobster, trigger or bolt ring? What is the best catch for your jewellery necklace or bracelet? 

The clasp or catch on any piece of jewellery is critical for securing your precious piece and can also dramatically affect the look of your jewellery. Since you naturally want to be able to put on and take off your jewellery with ease, let’s explore the best clasps available, along with their features, advantages, drawbacks, and maintenance tips!

This comprehensive overview includes detailed descriptions, pros, cons, and maintenance tips for each clasp, helping you choose the right one for your jewellery needs while ensuring longevity.

1. T-bar or Toggle Clasp

Goddess Tara Nappa leatherT-bar bracelet WTB66

• Description: One of Annika’s favourite styles of catch, this clasp consists of a T-shaped bar that slides through a circular or oval ring to fasten. The bar stays in place once pulled through the ring, securing the jewellery.
• Appearance: Chunky and decorative, often larger in size than most catches and with various designs on the bar and ring. Annika Rutlin loves making a feature of these clasps, such as on the Raven bracelet RB51 or Idun chains IB77
• Pros: Easy to fasten and unfasten, even with one hand; stylish and decorative, often becoming part of the design.
• Cons: Can come undone if the bar slips out of the ring; this generally indicates the chain is too long or large for the wrist. Can be slightly bulky on smaller sized chains so may not not be suitable if the clasp is not a feature.
• Maintenance: Regularly check the fit between the bar and ring; clean to prevent tarnish on decorative elements. Check for wear and tear on the jump rings connecting the clasp’s two elements.

2. Lobster Clasp or Lever Catch

• Description: Shaped like a lobster's claw, this clasp has a spring-loaded lever that opens when pressed and closes when released. One side attaches to the chain, and the lever side hooks onto a loop.
• Appearance: Generally a rounded rectangular shape, with a smooth flat surface. Available in different sizes for various jewellery pieces.They’re not really suitable for lightweight jewellery chains or thicker jump rings as these can restrict their functionality. Sizes range from 7mm to 18mm. We love the square lobster catches featured on the Ixion Collection
• Pros: Very secure and durable; easy to use with one hand; suitable for heavy, valuable pieces.
• Cons: May be difficult to operate for people with dexterity issues; can add bulk to delicate jewellery.
• Maintenance: Regularly check the lever for smooth operation; clean it to remove any tarnish or dirt to ensure it functions properly.

Ixion Collection bracelets featuring a squared off lobster catch XB23 & XB22

3. Trigger or Caribiner clasp

• Description: similar to a lobster clasp, with a spring-loaded lever system, but aesthetically more rounded. It also boasts a wider opening, enhancing functionality by accommodating larger jump rings for easier attachment and detachment. Also known as a parrot clasp.
• Appearance: Typically oval or round, baroque or teardrop in shape, with a simple and sleek finish. Available in a wide range of sizes from 7mm to 18mm. 
• Pros: Secure and easy to operate; suitable for a range of chain sizes.
• Cons: Less durable than lobster clasps for heavier pieces; small sizes can be tricky to use on finer jewellery. The weight of clasp can cause the chain to move round on necklaces (although this can also .an advantage on bracelets)
• Maintenance: Keep it clean and check the mechanism for wear; lubricate if it becomes stiff.

We love how the circular-style trigger clasp seamlessly integrates with the design of the OB67 Solstice Collection bracelet, adding both function and harmony to the piece.

4. Infinity Clasp

• Description: A flowing swirl version of a sprung lever clasp, the Infinity loop flows round in a seemingly endless loop, making it ideal for Annika Rutlin's Endless Love Collection
  
• Appearance: A continueous loop similar to the infinity shape.
• Pros: Secure and easy to operate
• Cons: Less durable than a lobster clasp for heavier pieces due to the longer length of the loop.
  
• Maintenance: Keep it clean and check the mechanism for wear; lubricate if it becomes stiff.

The infinity catch is particularly suited to the symbolism of this Endless Love bracelet  ELB21

4. Bolt Ring Clasp

• Description: A circular, hollow clasp with a small spring-loaded lever. Press the lever to open the clasp, and release it to lock the sides together.
• Appearance: Small, round, and discreet, often blending with the chain for a subtle finish.

• Pros: Compact and secure for lightweight jewellery; great for fine chains and delicate designs as its less bulky body seamlessly blends in with the overall aesthetic.
• Cons: Can be hard to open and close for those with limited hand strength; not ideal for heavy pieces due to more delicate structure
• Maintenance: Clean regularly to prevent dirt buildup; ensure the spring mechanism functions smoothly.

A bolt ring is the perfect simple clasp for the lighter weight chain of this romantic Endless Love Collection necklace ELN10

6. Magnetic Clasp

• Description: Composed of two parts that contain magnets, these clasps easily snap together when brought close. Simply pull the two sides apart to open.
• Appearance: The magnets are usually enclosed in small, cylindrical, or spherical shapes, providing a smooth, seamless look when closed.
• Pros: Extremely easy to use, especially for the partially sighted or those with dexterity issues; quick to fasten without needing to align small components.
• Cons: May come undone with a strong pull; not ideal for heavy or valuable pieces.(in this case we would highly recommend a safety chain). Warning: It is not recommended to wear magnetic catches next to watches - magnets and mechanical watches are a bad mix!
• Maintenance: Keep magnets clean and free from dust; check for strong magnetism and replace if weak. 
  

We can replace existing catches with magnetic catches on most of our designs by request.

10. Hook or S-Hook Clasp

• Description: Shaped like the letter “S,” this clasp has one end of the “S” attached to the chain, while the other hooks onto a ring or loop.
• Appearance: Stylish and often used in artisanal or bohemian-style jewellery. The curves can be plain or decorated.
• Pros: Easy to use and adjust; adds a decorative element to the jewellery design.
• Cons: Less secure if not properly hooked; may bend or wear out over time.
• Maintenance: Inspect for bends or kinks; clean to maintain appearance and prevent tarnish.

We can also repair or replace jewellery catches on jewellery that has become worn or where the clasp has failed you.

Simply drop us a line at info@annikarutlin.com for advice and a quote.

This is obviously by no means a complete list of the possible catches within the jewellery world. The list is long and varied, including swivels, box catches and specially designed catches with a specific purpose, but hopefully this will give you a better understanding of some of the more common jewellery catch types. Do contact us if you require further info on any other styles of catches.

In the meanwhile feel free to shop from the Annika Rutlin Website www.annikarutlin.com