S Clasp

The S clasp can be used with a variety of closures (rings, a second S Clasp, hooks) to create a dainty looking, but strong finish to a necklace or bracelet. While both ends can be open, I prefer to close one and permanently attach it to the jewelry for extra security.

Materials
16g wire
Stepped pliers
Optional: Hammer, anvil

I work off the spool to eliminate waste of my wire. You can practice in copper, and then move to sterling or gold wire after you've perfected the technique. If you don't have a stepped pliers, use the middle and largest ends of a round-nosed pliers or a pen barrel to make the loops.

Step 1 Make a small loop using the smallest section of a stepped pliers or the middle section of a round-nosed pliers at the end of the wire.

Step 2 Move the pliers to the other side of the wire, and bend the wire around the largest section (or use the barrel of a ballpoint pen). Bring the unlooped end of the wire back around so that it is even with the bottom of the small (first) loop.

Step 3 Move the pliers (or pen barrel) to the opposite side of the wire again, even with the base of the smaller loop. Bring the wire back around the largest section of the pliers (or barrel) and straighten. Cut the wire even with the base of the first loop.

Step 4 Make a last small loop using the smallest section of the stepped pliers on the straight end of the wire. The loop should curve back toward the outside of the second large loop - creating an S shape with small loops at the ends.

The Finished Product
Click Image To Enlarge

--L. Kvigne