What Size Lobster Clasp for Necklace? A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fit

For jewelry makers, selecting the right lobster clasp to finish a necklace design is key to achieving a cohesive, professional look But with so many sizes available, how do you determine what size lobster clasp pairs best with your necklace chain?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the factors to consider when pairing lobster clasps and chains. You’ll learn clasp sizing basics, measuring tips, and recommendations for common necklace sizes. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to expertly choose a properly proportioned lobster clasp for every necklace design.

Lobster Clasp Sizing Basics

Lobster clasps come in a wide range of sizes, usually measured in millimeters. The size refers to the length of the clasp along its long axis. Here are some key size measurements to know:

• Extra Small – 4mm to 6mm
• Small – 7mm to 9mm
• Medium – 10mm to 12mm
• Large – 13mm to 15mm
• Extra Large – 16mm+

Lobster clasps around 7mm to 12mm tend to be popular average sizes for most necklace designs. However, you’ll want to select based on your specific chain size and beads.

Keep in mind that wider clasps beyond 12mm or so can overpower daintier chains and beads. On the other hand, an undersized clasp can get lost against bold statement necklaces. The goal is maintaining pleasing visual proportions.

Measuring Necklace Chains and Beads

To find a well-balanced lobster clasp size, you’ll need to measure and consider the following elements:

Necklace Chain – Lay chain flat and measure from end to end. For LINK chains, measure a few connected links across to get diameter.

Focal Beads – Measure dimensions of focal beads or pendants widthwise.

Average Bead Size – For beaded necklaces, calculate average bead width.

Note the largest width measurement across all these components. This will give you the best guide for pairing clasp size.

Clasp Size Recommendations

Now that you know the basics of sizing and measuring, here are some lobe clasp size recommendations for common necklace types:

Standard Chains

• 16-18” chain – 7-9mm clasp
• 20-24” chain – 9-11mm clasp
• 30”+ chain – 11-13mm clasp

Size up as chain lengthens since longer chains suit slightly larger clasps proportionally.

Beaded Necklaces

• 2-4mm beads – 7-9mm clasp
• 6mm beads – 9-11mm clasp
• 8-10mm beads – 11-13mm clasp
• 12mm+ beads – 13-16mm clasp

Choose a clasp about 2/3rds the width of average bead size.

Link Chains

• 2-3mm wide links – 7-9mm clasp
• 4-6mm wide links – 9-11mm clasp
• 7-10mm wide links – 11-13mm clasp

Select a clasp about 2/3rds the measurement across the links.

Pendants

• Pendant 1” or less – 7-9mm clasp
• Pendant 1-2” – 9-11mm clasp
• Pendant 2-3” – 11-13mm clasp

Base on pendant width, not chain, and allow pendant to be focal point.

These recommendations provide a general starting point for getting clasp-to-chain proportions looking cohesive. But always assess based on your specific necklace creation.

When to Size Up or Down

In some cases, you may want to deviate from the size chart above:

Size Up If:

• Dealing with a wide focal pendant
• Working with an elaborate chain with big links
• Wanting a bolder, statement clasp look

Size Down If:

• Working with very delicate chain and beads
• Prefer a daintier, minimalist aesthetic
• Concerned about clasp overwhelming design

Use your best judgment based on the full necklace design.

Other Considerations for Clasp Size

Beyond width-based sizing, here are some other considerations:

Intended Audience – For children or seniors, err on the side of a larger, easier-to-handle clasp.

Clasp Style – Fancier shaped clasps suit being slightly bigger. Plain clasps can be smaller.

Chain Type – Bulkier chains like box chains suit larger clasps than dainty cable chains.

Pendant Weight – If a heavy pendant is used, size up the clasp slightly to balance.

Putting It All Together

Follow this summary when selecting your lobster clasp size:

1. Measure your chain, focal beads/pendants, average bead width.

2. Identify the largest width measurement.

3. Refer to the size chart recommendations.

4. Consider sizing up or down based on aesthetics and audience.

5. Verify proportions look balanced.

With the guidelines above, you’ll be able to expertly narrow down the lobster clasp size that complements your necklace design for a professional finish. Well-matched proportions are the mark of quality craftsmanship.

If you need any guidance on selecting lobe clasp sizes for your specific project, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re always happy to provide sizing recommendations. Go forth and craft beautiful necklace creations with perfectly proportioned lobster clasps!