Adjusting the clasp – what to do when your jewelry unfastens itself?

Pearl jewelry, like all other jewelry, requires care from time to time. In addition to standard cleaning of jewelry, where the clasp is installed, its adjustment may be necessary.

The clasp is often the only thing that moves and can become deformed over time due to mechanical action. The frequency of such adjustment will depend on the structure, the type of material from which it is made and the use itself. Silver jewelry, although often more massive, is softer and will deform faster than gold jewelry. Small pieces of jewelry such as an earring stud, earring plug, or the end of a necklace clasp can easily become deformed. Before or after putting on jewelry, it is always worth checking whether our necklace, bracelet or earrings are fastened properly and whether the clasp itself holds securely. None of us likes to lose things. We are often given them by our loved ones and the loss of such valuable pearl jewelry hurts even more.

Here are some hints on how to keep your jewelry safe in the most common types of clasps used for pearl jewelry.

Pearl necklaces and bracelets

A ball clasp is often used in necklaces and bracelets. It can be made of silver or gold. Fastening such jewelry involves putting the "tongue" through the safety element and inserting the "tongue" into the ball. You should hear a characteristic click when the upper part of the tongue locks into the ball. The problem can arise when the tongue itself flattens too much. Then it stops locking into the ball and can be easily pulled out. At first, the safety element should work, but if you do not notice in time that the necklace or bracelet has come unfastened, then disaster is ready.

Overly flattened "tongue" and properly angled

The repair in this case is very simple. It is necessary to bend the "tongue" so that it is not flattened too much. After bending it will begin to lock back inside the ball. Of course, this should be done with moderation and sensitivity appropriate for jewelry, as pulling too hard can damage the clasp. So it is best to do it gradually, checking each time whether the adjustment has already worked. The piece itself is quite flexible and there should be no problem with bending it back to its original shape.

Earrings with english type clasps

In this type of earrings, the stud earring has an appropriately cut groove (1) that locks on the movable clasp (2). When the pin moves too far away from the clasp, its hook stops locking properly. All you need to do is gently bend the earring stud again, in this case downwards as indicated by the arrow, for the lock to work properly. This is just one of many types of earring construction so the direction of deviation can also be different depending on the location of the groove. However, the principle of operation is similar everywhere.

How to adjust the clasp in earrings

Classic plugs (butterfly backs)

The most commonly used clasp in pearl earrings. Light and inconspicuous design that is comfortable in everyday use. The problem may be caused by the butterflies bending outwards and no longer compressing the stick properly. The cap can then easily slide out of the stick and eventually fall out. Therefore, before each wearing, it is a good idea to squeeze the butterflies slightly so that they stick better to the earring post. If the adjustment still doesn't help then it could mean that the earplugs have become damaged and it's best to replace them. They are usually quite universal and should also fit from other earrings.

B utterfly backs widened too much