Magnetic Jewelry Clasp

As a customer or as a jewelry designer we both have the same problem with our bracelets...the perfect fit. Measuring the wrist is the only method to acquire the desired fitting. Connecting the ends with a clasp versus elastic is the next problem for either a practical or a decorative professional finish.

The customer wants to purchase a particular bracelet but it is either too small or too big. You the jewelry artist will need to make several different sizes and in different colors. Advantages include several sales may be made because more is available. The disadvantage is if you design one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces then you have tarnished your reputation.

Other materials have been invented to help solve the sizing problem. The newest on the market is stretch elastic.

It sounds great; however, we have had these negative experiences:

Strength for longevity is minimized

The customer accuses us of poor workmanship and poor quality

Loss of customers

The bracelet needs to be undone and re-threaded. It cannot be repaired.

Sharp edges of the beads will cut the cord

Sharp edges of clasps will cut connecting cords

Stretch nylon will not always hold its knots

The elastic cord becomes too stretchy after a period of time causing the beads to separate or break free

The wearer needs to be advised of how to wear and maintain the bracelet

Short life

Ideas for "One Size Fits All" Bracelets

Leather, hemp, waxed cotton cord, ribbon, metal, and other no stretch materials

C-shaped cuff bracelets

Memory wire bracelets

Adjustable closure clasp bracelets such as a lobster clasp

Chain extensions

Design your own closures

Beads:

Evaluate the types of beads you are using

Use a magnifying glass to view the interior of the beads and select those which are rounded and smooth.

Select larger types of beads; less chance of stress on the stretchy cord

Design for children only

Design for special holiday use

Inform customer of short life

Policy and pricing for restringing

It may sound terrible to tell the customer the negative side of the stretchy wearable, however, if the bracelet or ring should fail, they will be prepared to enjoy their trinket for a short time or choose to have it re-threaded. Be reasonable in pricing the re-stringing of the stretchy cord jewelry.

There are many reasons for wearing stretchy jewelry:

Comfort

Metal allergies

Cost

Excellent fitting

Easy on and off for those with arthritis or other handicaps

Stretchy thread choices:

Gel-spun polyethylene

Braided bead thread

Rubber cord covered with polyester thread

For added durability:

Do multiple stringing

Stretch the cord before stringing to avoid excess stretching

Reinforce strength with several knots

Ask the customer why they are attracted to that particular bracelet. It may open the way to making a bracelet using traditional methods. Or offer alternatives like a broach, a pendant or a pair of earrings which may be a better solution especially if their purchase is for a gift. Offering these alternatives for a bracelet will eliminate concern for the correct bracelet size.

Clasps versus elastic extenders:

Lobster claw - most popular

Magnetic clasp - easy on and off

Metal rings and chain extenders

Looped elastic

I enjoy making my own clasps and extenders. Since I do bead weaving I cannot always find the necessary fasteners for my designs. Allow your talents to also design closures and other clasps. The risk of sharp metal edges cutting the stretch cord demands creativity to solve the problem. You may choose to make elastic loops which will encircle a holding bead or two and re-thread several times for reinforcement.

Why consider clasps and extenders? Often times the jewelry project will not appear professionally finished unless there is a clasp for joining the ends.

The name Neodymium originates from the Greek words 'neos' meaning new and 'didymos' meaning twin. It was discovered by Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach in Vienna, Austria in 1885; however it took another 40 years to isolate it in its relatively pure form in 1925. He separated neodymium, as well as the element praseodymium, from a material known as didymium by means of fractional crystallization. Sounds complicated? It is, so I won't go into it here, but suffice to say as scientific understanding evolved so the purity of the finished product improved and can now be produced to a purity of

One of the most appealing characteristics of neodymium magnets is their relatively low cost however, the bulk of current production is from China, and concerns have been raised recently in consuming countries because the Chinese government has recently imposed 'strategic materials controls' on the element. That's enough politics!

It is an incredibly useful element and is a key component of an alloy used in the production of lightweight magnets for electric motors of hybrid cars, in generators for wind turbines, loudspeakers as well as being a popular additive in glass, giving it a characteristic reddish-purple colour, especially useful in lasers emitting infrared light. You might also find these small but powerful magnets in your cell phone or your computer's hard drive and is also one of a number of metals in an alloy commonly used in cigarette lighter flints. There is also much information out there regarding its benefits or otherwise, in pain relief of conditions such as arthritis, back/spine pain, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinus and stress headaches, asthma, muscle spasms, toothaches, strains and swelling, joint pain and fractures. So you can see that somewhere along the way you have probably owned or used a piece of this 'rare earth element', (though it's actually not rare at all, in fact its abundance in the Earth's crust is about 38mg/kg and Neodymium reserves are estimated at 8 million tonnes!).

Neodymium magnets are made from a combination of Neodymium, Iron and Boron and are extremely powerful, this increased strength has inspired some new applications such as magnetic jewellery clasps and magnetic building sets for children and herein lies the fun aspect.

One such inspiration is the Wiki M-Cube it's a puzzle like you have never seen before! It consists of 216 highly magnetic Neodymium rare earth magnets with a durable nickel plated surface, far more powerful than your average fridge magnets. Each one has a north and south polarity, allowing you to make a myriad of different shapes and patterns in both 2D and 3D. There is no one solution, but it is a puzzle if you choose to set yourself challenging targets. Even returning the cube to its original shape once dismantled is harder than it sounds. It can be shaped into funky jewellery or sculpted into inspiring shapes and when you get bored with your creation you just have to start again. It will entertain you for hours and can help to relieve stress, develop the creative side of your brain and relieve boredom. It makes the perfect executive toy and would look stylish on any office desk. Your kids will also love it and you'll be prising it out of their nimble fingers at every opportunity (though not for children under 36 months due to small parts). However, take heed, once you start, you cannot put it down, it's seriously addictive!

So, neodymium for science or for fun? Try the Wiki M-Cube then decide! I think your kids will agree that physics just got that little bit more interesting.