"Swan" Wire Clasp
Elegant and classic, the Swan Wire Clasp requires a bit of experience in wire-working, but is fun and fairly fast to make. Using heavier gauge will create a large clasp — smaller gauge will create a delicate but strong clasp that is easy to put on, but won't inadvertently come off your wrist.
Level: Intermediate
Materials
14-20g round wire
Stepped or round nose pliers
Flush-nosed pliers
Flat nosed pliers (nylon jaw recommended)
Hammer, steel block or anvil
Optional — fine file
Cut 4 1/2" of wire from your spool. It's a good idea to practice your first few tries with copper or craft wire until you have the method down. (And if the clasps turn out perfect, you still have a clasp to use!)
Lightly flatten both ends of the wire. Use a file if you need to so that there are no sharp edges.
Use the smallest section of the stepped pliers or the end of a round-nosed pliers to make a tiny loop at one end.
Use the large section of the stepped pliers or the largest (back end) of the round-nosed pliers to make a shepherd's hook in the opposite direction from the small loop. This will be the hook end of your clasp.
Flatten the outer section of the hook using the hammer and steel block or anvil. This will strengthen your hook and help it keep its shape.
At the other end of the wire, make another small loop in the opposite direction of the hook. Using the flat nosed pliers, make a swirl around the loop and continue to swirl until the length from the top of the hook to the base of the swirl is 1 5/8".
Use the flat nosed pliers to grasp the wire next to the base of the swirl. Bend the wire back toward the swirl so it forms a V shape at the base of the swirl.
Use your fingers to form the hook around the side and top of the swirl. Hammer the swirl to strengthen it. You can now hook the clasp by hooking through an existing loop or jump ring, or create a jump ring large enough to fit over the hook end.
