The lobster clasp dominates contemporary jewellery because it delivers security, simplicity and versatility. The magnetic clasp offers a different trade-off: easy daily operation in exchange for a smaller safety margin. To pick the right one, you need to know what each is designed to do and what GRIFFIN’s specifications say about both.
What is a Lobster Clasp? Definition and How It Works
A lobster clasp is a spring-loaded mechanism with a lever that opens a hook. Press the lever and an internal spring retracts the hook jaw, creating an opening to pass a jump ring or chain link through. Release it and the hook closes automatically. The hook locks firmly around the jump ring or chain link and won’t open without deliberate lever operation.
The security feature: a lobster clasp cannot open by accident under tension. The spring holds the hook closed even under load. In fact, pulling harder on the necklace makes the clasp grip more firmly. For necklaces with heavy beads, active wearers and any piece where security matters most, this positive-locking behaviour is the key advantage.
GRIFFIN Lobster Clasp: Confirmed Specifications
GRIFFIN Lobster Clasps are available in three shapes and four sizes:
- Shape 1 with open jump ring: Streamlined design with an attached open jump ring for flexible cord or wire connection. Most versatile for standard necklace and bracelet work.
- Shape 2 with closed eye: Supplied with a soldered, permanently closed eye instead of an open jump ring. The closed eye provides a fixed attachment point, the professional recommendation for wire-strung pieces and high-value commission work.
- Shape 3 slim with open jump ring: Elongated, slender profile for delicate designs where a standard lobster clasp would look visually heavy.
Sizes: Available in 9.0mm, 11.0mm, 13.0mm and 16.0mm.
Materials: 925 sterling silver, confirmed nickel-free per GRIFFIN’s catalogue specifications, and 24K gold plated.
The 11mm size is standard for most necklaces. Use 9mm for fine chains and delicate designs; 13mm and 16mm for heavier beaded strands where the clasp needs to be proportionally substantial.
What is a Magnetic Clasp? Definition and How It Works
A magnetic clasp has two internal magnets, one in each half, that attract when brought close together. Unlike a lobster clasp, no manual alignment or threading is needed, the magnetic attraction draws the halves together automatically.
The key security point: magnetic clasp strength depends entirely on magnet strength relative to the piece’s total weight. A weak magnet on a heavy necklace will separate under normal tension. GRIFFIN addresses this with its slide-to-open mechanism, you manually slide the halves apart to open rather than simply pulling them. This prevents accidental separation during wear while keeping the engagement easy.
GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasp: Confirmed Specifications
GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasps are spherical magnetic clasps with concealed internal magnets and a slide-to-open mechanism. Available specifications:
- Sizes: 8.0mm, 10.0mm, 12.0mm and 15.0mm diameter
- Materials: 925 sterling silver, confirmed nickel-free per GRIFFIN’s catalogue specifications, and 24K gold plated
- Mechanism: Two internal magnets behind permanent covers; slide-to-open (not pull-to-open) for security
- Best application: Pearl necklaces and fine bead designs where the round ball form complements the bead aesthetics
Note: GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasps are not recommended for wearers with pacemakers or other implanted magnetic-sensitive medical devices. For any wearer with such a device, a lobster clasp is the appropriate choice.
Lobster Clasp vs Magnetic Clasp: Direct Comparison
| Feature | GRIFFIN Lobster Clasp | GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasp |
| Sizes available | 9, 11, 13, 16mm | 8, 10, 12, 15mm diameter |
| Closing action | Manual hook into ring, deliberate | Magnetic attraction, automatic |
| Opening action | Press lever | Slide halves apart |
| Accidental opening risk | Very low, spring locks under tension | Low, slide mechanism prevents pull-open |
| One-handed operation | Possible with practice | Significantly easier |
| Medical consideration | None | Not for pacemaker wearers |
| Aesthetics | Functional, typically placed at nape | Decorative ball, complements pearl strands |
Which for Heavy Beads? Which for Light Chains?
Heavy gemstone beads: GRIFFIN Lobster Clasp, Shape 2 with closed eye, in 13mm or 16mm. The spring mechanism holds securely under sustained weight. Pair with GRIFFIN Crimp Tubes for maximum security at the wire-to-clasp connection.
Standard knotted pearl necklace: GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasp at 10mm or 12mm. The spherical form suits the round pearl aesthetic, and the ease of daily operation works for pieces worn regularly.
Fine chain jewellery: GRIFFIN Lobster Clasp Shape 3 (slim) at 9mm. The slender form keeps visual proportion with fine chains. A magnetic clasp would look oversized.
Arthritis or limited dexterity: GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasp. The self-engaging close and manual slide-apart open are much easier than any spring mechanism for wearers with reduced hand strength or precision.
High-value commissioned pieces: GRIFFIN Lobster Clasp Shape 2 (closed eye). The positive lock and permanent, soldered eye provide the maximum security margin for pieces where loss would be significant.
GRIFFIN 925 Sterling Silver: The Quality Foundation for Both
Both GRIFFIN Lobster Clasps and Magnetic Ball Clasps are manufactured in 925 sterling silver (confirmed nickel-free per GRIFFIN’s catalogue specifications) or 24K gold plated to the same professional standard. 925 sterling silver is the benchmark for fine jewellery findings in direct skin contact. Its durability, workability and long-term appearance stability have made it the professional standard.
Match clasp metal to the wire or cord finish and all other findings in the piece. A silver clasp on gold-plated wire is a material specification error that experienced makers and trained jewellers will notice immediately. Cohesive metal throughout, wire, crimp, jump ring and clasp all in the same finish, is the mark of professional quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a lobster clasp?
- A lobster clasp is a spring-loaded jewellery closure with a lever that opens a hook. Press the lever and the hook retracts, allowing you to thread a jump ring or chain link through. Release it and the hook closes, locking positively and resisting accidental opening under tension.
Q2. Are magnetic clasps secure enough for everyday wear?
- GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasps use a slide-to-open mechanism that prevents accidental opening under normal tension. They work for daily-wear pearl necklaces and light to medium bead designs. For very heavy gemstone strands, a GRIFFIN Lobster Clasp provides a higher security margin.
Q3. What size lobster clasp should I use for a necklace?
- 11mm is standard for most necklaces. Use 9mm for fine chains and delicate designs. Use 13mm or 16mm for heavier beaded strands where the clasp needs proportional substance relative to the cord or wire.
Q4. Can I use a magnetic clasp if I have a pacemaker?
- No. GRIFFIN Magnetic Ball Clasps contain internal magnets that are not recommended for wearers with pacemakers or other implanted magnetic-sensitive medical devices. Use a GRIFFIN Lobster Clasp instead.
Q5. Are GRIFFIN clasps nickel-free?
- Yes. GRIFFIN confirms its 925 sterling silver clasps and findings are nickel-free per catalogue specifications, suitable for most wearers. Individual reactions vary, and anyone with severe documented sensitivity should consult a dermatologist.
Q6.What is the difference between a spring ring clasp and a lobster clasp?
- Both are spring-loaded closing mechanisms, but a lobster clasp has a larger, more accessible lever that is easier to operate one-handed. The spring ring uses a small rotating trigger on the ring itself, which requires more fine-motor precision. For most wearers and applications, the lobster clasp is more practical.
