Let's talk about closures:
We've already briefly mentioned clasps in my post about findings. Let's dig deeper.
What is the most important function of a clasp? Two things actually: to be easy to attach and to not accidentally be detached. I'll judge all types of clasps from this perspective, assuming no jewelry parts should ever get caught on clothes or be uncomfortable against the skin.
Lobster claw: Expensive but reliable. Comes in all sizes and colors. Tends to be larger than some other clasps. This is a little mechanism with a spring in it, and the spring can get jammed or even fall out occasionally. Also new clasps sometimes need to be oiled with WD-40 or something because they open but don't close. Very few problems with these otherwise, since they are pretty easy to open and tend to stay closed.
Spring ring: A cheaper alternative to the lobster claw. Small and streamlined, but it contains a spring so it has the same issues as the lobster claw. As the opening is smaller than the lobster claw's, it can tend to be more difficult to put on, but is just as secure as the lobster claw.
Toggle: Looks really ancient and artistic and is also unreliable. These are best for heavier necklaces that can hold the two sides of the toggle away from each other. I've mentioned that I once had to replace a toggle clasp on an expensive necklace of sterling and turquoise, so be sure to test your toggle clasp designs.
Hooks: These are usually S hooks, but they can also be a clothing-style hook that goes into a loop (I guess these are the "fishhook clasps"). These are fairly secure but not as secure as the lobster claw or spring ring. A lot of Tibetan or Bali style silver clasps are S hooks.
Box Clasp: Extremely expensive and not very secure. These are generally used on expensive strings of pearls or other high dollar necklaces. They tend to break very easily (what happens is that the little clip gets bent and either will not go into or stay inside the box). So, these are mainly delicate decorations and need to be handled gently.
Magnetic: This wins for ease of putting on and is surprisingly secure if you buy good quality clasps. However, they do break away when pulled with force. Yet, this could actually be deemed a safety feature, so it's not all bad. Consider that if a person works outside or rides horses, sometimes it's better to lose jewelry than to get caught or tangled in something.
Barrel clasp: Longest to put on and take off, but extremely secure. I've come to dislike these because they take so long to use but they are extremely cheap like maybe only one cent each so if that's the deciding factor, they exist.
That's about it! Holla if you think of another one!
--Pam