Magnetic Jewelry Clasps: A Simple Upgrade for Your Handmade Pieces


If you’re making jewelry, a magnetic jewelry clasp can be a beautiful and functional finishing touch. Magnetic clasps make it easier for the wearer to secure and remove a necklace or bracelet without twisting, tiny hooks, or complicated closures. This is especially helpful for those with limited hand mobility or arthritis, making your jewelry more accessible without sacrificing style.

Why Choose Magnetic Clasps?
Magnetic clasps come in various designs, from sleek cylinders to decorative beads so that they can blend seamlessly with your overall look. They connect by attracting their opposite counterparts, creating a secure hold without the need for small, hard-to-grip parts. This makes them perfect for:

  • Bracelets that need quick, one-handed fastening
  • Necklaces for everyday wear
  • Gifts for people who may struggle with traditional clasps

One of our most popular options for jewelry making is our 4mm x 4mm cylinder magnetic jewelry clasp. 

How to Attach a Cylinder Magnet Jewelry Clasp: Two Methods

Option 1: Using a Headpin or Thread

  1. Prepare Materials
    • Gather beads, headpin or strong beading thread, round-nose pliers, wire cutters, and your magnetic cylinder clasp.
  2. String Beads
    • Thread your beads onto the headpin or thread, leaving enough room at the end to attach the clasp.
  3. Attach Clasp
    • Pass the wire or thread through the clasp loop, then double back. For thread, tie a secure knot. For a headpin, create a wrapped loop with pliers.
  4. Secure
    • Trim any excess and tighten so the beads sit neatly against the clasp.

Option 2: Using Jewelry Glue

  1. Prepare Materials
    • Gather beads, flexible beading cord, jewelry glue (like E6000), and your magnetic cylinder clasp.
  2. String Beads
    • Thread beads onto the cord, leaving a small tail at the end.
  3. Apply Glue
    • Dab a small amount of jewelry glue inside the clasp opening.
  4. Insert & Secure
    • Insert the cord into the clasp with beads flush to the edge. Hold in place for a few seconds. Let cure according to glue instructions.

Check out this great instructional video from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads on YouTube, where both techniques are demonstrated. 

 

Another option is our Magnetic Cylinder Clasp. Depending on your desired finished design and what tools you have available, you can determine if you prefer the barrel magnet or the cylinder clas. 

How to Attach a Magnetic Cylinder Clasp Using a Crimp Bead

  1. Gather your materials
    • Beading wire
    • Magnetic cylinder clasp
    • Crimp beads
    • Crimping pliers or flat-nose pliers
    • Wire cutters
  2. Thread the crimp bead
     Slide a crimp bead onto the beading wire, followed by one half of the magnetic clasp.
  3. Loop the wire
     Feed the wire back through the crimp bead, creating a small loop that holds the clasp in place.
  4. Secure the crimp
     Using crimping pliers, flatten the crimp bead to secure the wire. Tug gently to make sure it’s tight.
  5. Trim the excess
     Cut any extra wire close to the crimp bead.
  6. Repeat on the other side
     Attach the second half of the clasp to the other end of the jewelry using the same process.

 

Pro Tips for Using Magnetic Clasps

  • Always match the clasp size and strength to your jewelry weight. Heavy beads may need a stronger magnet.
  • Test the connection before gifting or selling your piece to ensure it’s secure.
  • Store magnetic jewelry separately to avoid tangling with other metal items.

Adding a magnetic jewelry clasp not only improves the wearability of your handmade pieces but also adds a touch of thoughtful design your customers or loved ones will appreciate.

For more DIY tips, read Picking the Right Jewelry Clasp for Your Project on our blog. 

Whether you’re crafting for fun or stocking your Etsy store, Apex Magnets’ collection of magnetic jewelry clasps has something for every project. And once your jewelry is complete, try your hand at our DIY Magnetic Jewelry Board project!

If you need additional help or have questions, contact us! 

Safety Warning: Children should not be allowed to play with neodymium magnets as they can be dangerous. Small magnets pose a choking hazard and should never be swallowed or inserted into any part of the body.

Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.