What is a lobster clasp?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A lobster clasp is a small, spring-loaded clasp shaped roughly like a lobster claw, with a hinged gate that opens when you press a tiny lever and snaps shut under spring pressure when you release it. It is the most widely used clasp in fine jewellery because it is secure, relatively easy to operate one-handed, and compact enough to sit neatly on a chain. You open the gate with a thumbnail or fingernail, loop it around the jump ring or end link, and let it spring closed. Similar styles go by the names parrot clasp and trigger clasp.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you open a lobster clasp?
- Press the small lever or tongue on the flat back of the clasp with a thumbnail. That compresses the spring and pulls the gate open so you can loop the clasp around a jump ring or chain end, then release to snap it shut.
- Is a lobster clasp secure?
- Yes, a lobster clasp is one of the most secure everyday clasps because the spring holds the gate firmly closed. It will not open by accident, unlike a hook or toggle that can come undone. The main risk is tiny lobster clasps that become difficult to grip and operate over time.
- What is the difference between a lobster clasp and a spring ring clasp?
- Both are spring-loaded, but a spring ring is a circular ring with a sliding section, while a lobster clasp has a hinged claw-shaped gate that moves in and out rather than around. Lobster clasps are generally considered easier to operate and more reliable.
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