What is an antique barrel clasp?
The Barrel Clasp - This type of clasp has been around for a long time. In antique pieces, it may exhibit changes in the shading of the metal. A tell-tale feature of an antique barrel clasp in fact may be a brassy appearance. This type of fastener gets its name from the tiny barrel that is found at both ends of the jewelry piece.
What are the different types of antique jewelry clasp?
These barrels typically either screw together or hook inside each other, rendering the antique necklace or bracelet extremely secure on the body. 2. The Spring-Ring Clasp - This type of jewelry clasp dates back to the early 1900s, putting it in the heyday of the Victorian jewelry era. It is more commonly found on antique bracelets than necklaces.
What is a spring ring clasp?
Traditional Spring Ring Clasp - The most common type of clasp, which has a little spring inside the round shape of the clasp which allows it to open and close. The spring ring clasp was invented in the early 20th century. Jewelry older than 1900 will not have a spring ring clasp.
What is a ball clasp?
Ball clasp. Also called a bead clasp, a ball clasp is a round, spherical jewelry fastener. Sometimes adorned with gemstones or texturing, ball clasps provide a decorative closure which flows with the design of a necklace or bracelet.
When were barrel clasps used in jewelry?
The pin and barrel clasp was common during the Victorian Era. The hook and box clasp was seen on necklaces and bracelets during the early 20th century, circa 1920's.
What is a barrel clasp?
Barrel (aka Torpedo) Clasps are low-profile clasps with threading, which are twisted to open and to close. See also screw clasps. Bead Clasps look like a bead, with a magnet, tab or bayonet closure. They blend in when closed, allowing the design to visually flow uninterrupted around the piece.
When was the clasp invented?
Safety Clasps The earliest known form of a jewelry clasp was created in the late 1700s and resembled the modern-day safety clasp. It consists of two pieces, one that features a spring lock mechanism that slides into a slotted groove located on the second piece.
When was fold over clasp used?
Prior to the early 1950s, typical necklace clasp styles used by Coro and Trifari were spring ring, push (also known as box), or fold-over. In the 1950s, a new type of clasp using a hook and extender became popular for costume jewelry necklaces. The other types of clasps continued to be used, and are still used today.
How can I tell how old my necklace clasp is?
0:3712:12How to Identify Vintage Necklaces by Clasp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's open it up. But the older clasp were shaped like a v and much smaller and fragile than thisMoreLet's open it up. But the older clasp were shaped like a v and much smaller and fragile than this one is shaped like a square it's a little stronger.
What are the five types of clasps?
What are the Different Types of Clasps?Bolo. This clasp is used for bolo bracelets and sometimes, even for lariat necklaces. ... Lobster. As the name suggests, this one bears a close resemblance to the lobster's claw. ... Spring Ring. ... Toggle. ... Hook. ... 6. Box.
How do you date an old brooche?
0:002:12Vintage Jewellery and how to date a vintage brooch from the catchYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy looking at the catches on the back. Here first of all is the oldest one we have dating from theMoreBy looking at the catches on the back. Here first of all is the oldest one we have dating from the very early 1800s.
When was lobster claw clasp invented?
The lobster claw clasp made its appearance on the jewelry scene in the 1970s so it is more commonly found on Retro bracelets and necklaces.
How do you identify a Victorian brooche?
11:3625:33How to Identify & Date Victorian Brooch Clasps and Hinges - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is also a tubing and it has um imprinted or stamped designs on it and like little applied goldMoreThis is also a tubing and it has um imprinted or stamped designs on it and like little applied gold flowers and the things at the end usually in the shape of hearts.
Are barrel clasps secure?
Barrel clasps aren't ideal for bracelets because it's difficult to do up with one hand. It's also not a good option for anyone who has issues with their hands, as it takes some amount of skill to fit the clasp. Even so, barrel clasps are a very safe option and a sturdy clasp for most jewelry.
What is a bayonet clasp?
0:141:27How to operate a bayonet clasp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat will arrest the dimple in the end of the hook shaped groove and the clasp is securely closed aMoreThat will arrest the dimple in the end of the hook shaped groove and the clasp is securely closed a spring inside will make sure it stays in this position until you open it and to open the clasp.
How do you use a barrel screw clasp?
4:3524:27How to add barrel clasp to elastic waist beads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSide. This side it has a screw on this screw. So your barrel class the first half should beMoreSide. This side it has a screw on this screw. So your barrel class the first half should be backwards that makes sense. And i'm going to make it right all the way up the string. To the knot.
How do you use a barrel clasp?
4:3524:27How to add barrel clasp to elastic waist beads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSide. This side it has a screw on this screw. So your barrel class the first half should beMoreSide. This side it has a screw on this screw. So your barrel class the first half should be backwards that makes sense. And i'm going to make it right all the way up the string. To the knot.
Are barrel clasps secure?
Barrel clasps aren't ideal for bracelets because it's difficult to do up with one hand. It's also not a good option for anyone who has issues with their hands, as it takes some amount of skill to fit the clasp. Even so, barrel clasps are a very safe option and a sturdy clasp for most jewelry.
How do you open a barrel clasp?
0:232:00How to open a Pandora Bracelet - gilletts.com.au - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst look at the clasp. Rotate the clasp until you see the vertical. Line. Then take yourMoreFirst look at the clasp. Rotate the clasp until you see the vertical. Line. Then take your fingernail. And place it inside that line take your other fingernail.
How do you finish a necklace with a barrel clasp?
Lay the necklace out in the form of a circle so that each unfinished end is laying near each other.Tie the end of your necklace through the bead tip. ... Place the bead tip through the circular opening on the end of the barrel clasp. ... Crimp the bead tip down using your needle nose pliers.More items...
What is an antique clasp?
Antique Jewelry Clasps. 1. The Barrel Clasp - This type of clasp has been around for a long time. In antique pieces, it may exhibit changes in the shading of the metal. A tell-tale feature of an antique barrel clasp in fact may be a brassy appearance. This type of fastener gets its name from the tiny barrel that is found at both ends ...
What is a spring ring clasp?
2. The Spring-Ring Clasp - This type of jewelry clasp dates back to the early 1900s, putting it in the heyday of the Victorian jewelry era.
What is a lobster claw clasp?
Like the spring-ring clasp, a small nub poking out of the lobster claw end can be levered back and forth to attach to a ring on the other end of the jewelry piece . The lobster claw clasp made its appearance on the jewelry scene in the 1970s so it is more commonly found on Retro bracelets and necklaces.
What is a shepherd's hook clasp?
The Hook Clasp - You may have heard this type of vintage jewelry clasp being called by the name shepherd's hook because it looks like the staff shepherds and shepherdesses are known to carry with them in the fields.
What is a fishhook clasp?
The Fishhook Clasp - Sometimes referred to as a hook and box clasp, a fishhook fastener has a dainty and elegant appeal to it. The hook end is slim and may have some scalloped notches in it that give it the appearance of an antique key. This hook is delicate for a reason. It is designed to slide inside and hook, or lock, ...
What is a box clasp?
1. The Box Clasp - Jewelry with a box clasp has a decorative box on one end and a flat incline on the other that gently slopes. When pressed, a notch on the non-box side levels it off so that it slips inside the box. A safety mechanism locks the two ends in place.
What is a push button clasp?
The Push Button Clasp - The push button clasp can come in a variety of forms. Watches often use this type of fastener, which folds over on itself and then locks into place. This is another example of a hidden or concealed clasp. Some push button clasps have a lever or button that must be pressed to release the closure.
When was the springring clasp invented?
Springring clasp — Invented in the early 1900s, a springring clasp is small and highly effective. It's a hollow circular metal fastener with a spring opening that keeps the clasp closed.
What is a ball clasp?
Ball clasp — Also called a bead clasp, a ball clasp is a round, spherical jewelry fastener. Sometimes adorned with gemstones or texturing, ball clasps provide a decorative closure which flows with the design of a necklace or bracelet. Barrel clasp — A barrel clasp is a small barrel or torpedo-shaped closure which fastens two ends together ...
What is a fishhook clasp?
Fishhook Clasp — A fishhook clasp is a delicate fastener that involves a hook inserted into an oval encasing. This style of closure creates a fancy look for lightweight necklaces and bracelets.
What is a magnetic clasp?
Magnetic — A magnetic clasp relies on a magnet to hold the necklace or bracelet together, allowing for easy-on, easy-off closure. Toggle clasp — A toggle clasp is a two-piece jewelry fastener that closes when a t-shaped or decorative bar is threaded through a circular loop. This stylized clasp type often serves as the centerpiece of a design.
What is a clasp in jewelry?
A jewelry clasp, or jewelry fastener, is the mechanism that allows a necklace or bracelet to easily be put on and taken off without causing any damage. Some fasteners are meant to be hidden, while others are a key element to the design.
What is a lobster clasp?
Lobster clasp — Named after the pinching style of the hook, a lobster clasp is often shaped like a lobster's claw. Work the lever to open the clasp and release it to close.
What is a concealed clasp?
Concealed clasp — A concealed clasp is one that is hidden within the design of the piece, so as to not interrupt the flow of the appearance.
When was the spring ring clasp invented?
The spring ring clasp was invented in the early 20th century. Jewelry older than 1900 will not have a spring ring clasp. (Photo coming tomorrow)
What is a clasp on a bracelet?
The clasp on a particular bracelet is one of the clues that I use when verifying the period of a charm bracelet. That method isn't always reliable because sometimes an older bracelet may have had the clasp replaced ...
Why are lobster clasps called lobster clasps?
Lobster clasps are named because of their "pinching" character, and are shaped like a lobster's claw. Sister Hook Clasp - Typical of bracelets made in the 1930s & 1940s, this rectangular clasp has two overlapping hooks that open in opposite directions and close when linked with the ring the other end of the bracelet.
When were safety catches invented?
Early 'Safety' Catches Handmade, ca. 1890-1910+ . Editor note: Push-pull or Trombone catches were not referred to as 'safety' clasps until the later part of the 19th century. The Push-pull or Trombone catch was patented in Britain in 1850 and was used prior to 1890 in British brooch designs, well before they became popular in the US.
When were brooch fasteners invented?
Dating Brooch Fasteners - 1850 to 1910 By Mark Chervenka. One of the best ways to avoid reproductions and fakes is to know and understand how originals are made. Reproductions are rarely made the same as originals due to changes in materials, labor costs and modern production techniques. When looking at brooches, ...
How many tubes are in a ca. 1850-70 brooch?
Fig. 4 - Tube Hinge Ca. 1850-70 Two tubes soldered directly to brooch; one tube soldered to pin.
When were tube hinges used?
Editor Note: Tube hinges were also used during other eras but not to the extent they were used during last half of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century.
Can you use safety catches on old brooches?
Keep in mind that non-original fasteners like modern safety catches may have been added to genuinely old brooches as legitimate repairs. Or it could be a sign of a badly damaged or "made up" piece. Be sure to base your evaluation on a thorough inspection of the entire piece. Never use one single test.
