Vintage jewelry hardware refers to the various types of clasps pins earring backs rings and other elements used to create jewelry.
Vintage types of necklace clasps.
The barrel clasp this type of clasp has been around for a long time.
If not keep reading.
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.
In antique pieces it may exhibit changes in the shading of the metal.
Box clasps aka tab insert clasps aka tongue and groove clasps decorative box clasps can add so much to a necklace especially if your hair is short or in an up do.
A visual dictionary of jewelry clasps.
Some fasteners are meant to be hidden while others are a key element to the design.
These are also called findings techniques and elements have evolved over time so knowing the types of hardware used during various eras will help you to properly date your vintage and antique jewelry.
A tell tale feature of an antique barrel clasp in fact may be a brassy appearance.
Designers often choose the type of clasp depending on the size style and quality of the jewelry.
Here s a list of the different types of jewelry clasps you ll find in the ross simons collection.
Vintage clasp samples card.
If you want a quick look jump to our infographic at the end of the article that features all the types of clasps we talk about in the article.