About

Cost: $ $ $ $ $

Difficulty: • • • • •

Time: 10 mins

Making clasps
Clasps join the two ends of a necklace or bracelet securely together, usually at the back or side. You can buy them in all shapes and sizes, but it is handy to be able to make your own. With a bit of practice you'll be able to make them in just a few simple steps.

Posted by GMC Group • Published 20th December 2014 • See GMC Group's 304 projects » © 2024 Jessica Rose / GMC Publications · Reproduced with permission. · Bead & Wire Fashion Jewelry by Jessica Rose, published by GMC (£14.99, available from www.thegmcgroup.com)

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Step 1
Create a small loop at the end of a length of US 20 gauge (SWG 21, 0.8mm) or US 18 gauge (SWG 19, 1mm) wire. There's no need to centralize the loop; leave it facing to one side. Place the wire into a pair of round-nose pliers with the loop sitting just above the pliers and the wire tail protruding below.
Step 2
Gripping the pliers with one hand, use your other hand to guide the wire tail up and round the circular pliers in the opposite direction to the way the original loop is facing.
Step 3
Once the wires are touching at the back, take the wire off the pliers and cut it down before gently flicking the end of the wire with your chain-nose pliers.
Step 4
File the end gently using a needle file. The "hook clasp" is then complete. Team it with a jumpring on  the other side to make a full, useable clasp for necklaces or bracelets.
Step 5
To connect the clasp to your jewelry, simply open the small original loop slightly using your round-nose pliers, thread on the end of the piece you are making, then close it tightly again using the pliers. Add a jumpring to the other end of your piece for the clasp to hook into.