This month is common clasps, citrine and yellow topaz, the gemstones for November, plus more! Scroll down, or click one of the links below on the html version to go to a certain section.
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Common Clasps & Bails
Citrine - Mellow Yellow
Yellow Topaz
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Some clasps are more secure than others, and some are more difficult to open and close without help from another person. When designing a necklace or bracelet, take all these factors into account when choosing the catch.
A budget piece may need a different fastener than a more expensive necklace. The color of your fastener should be as un-distracting as possible and compliment or blend with the stones or cord.
Uniqueness in your design will increase sales. The more unusual the beaded jewelry is, the more likely it is to grab the attention of the customer. An elaborate box fastener goes a long way on an expensive pearl necklace.
Bails are used to connect a pendant or stone to a necklace.
Below we list some of the most common used components. Click the HTML version to see pictures.
Lobster claw
A lobster clasp is held closed by a spring and is opened or closed by holding a small lever, usually with a fingernail, then it is attached (or removed from) a ring-like structure. Named as such because of their pinching mechanism and shape like a lobster's claw.
Lobster claws are secure and work well for bracelets and anklets.
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.
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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.
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.
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