Is it the clasp, or the ring holding it?
More often than people expect, the clasp is fine and the jump ring has stretched. A jump ring is a small circle of wire, and years of pulling opens it into a spiral. The clasp then slides straight out of the gap without ever failing.
That is a two-minute fix and a much smaller job than replacing the clasp. It is also why it is worth someone looking at it rather than ordering a new clasp online.
If it is the clasp
What kind do you have? A spring ring has a tiny spring inside that tires out and stops pulling the gate shut. A lobster has a stronger spring and usually fails at the hinge. A box clasp has a tongue that loses its tension and needs adjusting or replacing. A toggle does not fail so much as slip out when the bar is a little short for the ring.
Worth asking while you are here
Is this the clasp you actually want? Plenty of people are wearing a spring ring because that is what came on the chain, when a lobster would suit them better. If you struggle with small fasteners — and most of us do eventually — there are clasps you can work one-handed, and magnetic clasps with a safety catch. It is worth two minutes at the counter.
Matching it
A new clasp has to match the metal and the colour of the chain it sits on, and the end link it has to fit through. Yellow gold, white gold, rose, sterling, stainless. We size it to the chain so it does not look like a repair.
Questions we get asked
Can you replace a clasp while I wait?
Usually. Most clasp work is twenty to thirty minutes. Bring it in during mall hours.
Is it the clasp or the jump ring?
Often the jump ring, and that is the cheaper answer. We can tell in about a minute.
Can I get a clasp that is easier to work?
Yes. There are clasps made for one-handed use and magnetic ones with a safety catch. Ask at the counter and we will show you the options.
Will it match my chain?
It should. We match the metal, the colour and the size of the end link so it does not read as a repair.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.