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Choosing Clasp and Earrings from Bella Findings for New Takahashi Pearls

newtojewels

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jul 16, 2020
Messages
483
I've posted a million photos of these so far in the Livestream thread, but I'm looking for a white gold clasp for my new Takahashi 7-7.5mm gem luster with light kizu bracelet. I see a lot of bracelets with ball clasps, are there any disadvantages to them? I'm deciding between the clasps below but of course am open to other suggestions. My biggest worry with the inexpensive ones is that they'll be too flimsy for a bracelet since they don't weigh very much. I was looking primarily at 8mm clasps though one option is only 7mm.

Here's the bracelet strung with a temporary small lobster clasp which is a nightmare to fasten on myself:
1716223444870.png

Clasp options:
7mm ball clasp for $34.66 (weighs 0.33g):
1716225190556.png

8mm matte ball clasp for $60.69 (weighs 0.41g):
1716225259880.png

16x7.5mm X clasp for $104.80 (weighs 0.84g):
1716225079937.png

8mm diamond spiral for $152.43 (weighs 0.96g):
1716223363085.png
8mm plain spiral for $105.16 (weighs 0.77g)
1716223596797.png
8mm diamond accent matte ball for $193.97 (weighs 1.15g)
1716224998670.png

I'm also trying to decide what to do with the 8-8.5mm earring pearls. I have small earlobes, see the photo below for my ~8.5mm floral studs, so I'm reluctant but not unwilling to just set them into plain studs. I've never worn pearl studs and typically prefer dangling earrings.
1716223173535.png

My Moline 7.5-8mm natural whites dangling from hoops, so I want something different from these:
1716224572465.png

It looks like this finding can hang from a regular stud? And it's inexpensive so that's a plus. The only white metal studs I have right now are the diamond/paraiba clusters but of course that could change:
1716222640714.png
To make the earrings into something like this:
1716223283024.png

Otherwise I'm considering something like this setting which I think is really fun but I don't know if I can source it:
1716224336540.png
I also like these from Pearl Paradise, though I don't know the cost of the setting alone. The pictured pearls are the same size as mine:
1716224444657.png

If I were to do plain studs, is this a good setting? Is a 7mm cup the right size for 8-8.5mm pearls? Any suggestions for a back?
1716225417806.png

Thank you in advance for any thoughts/help!
 

lulu_ma

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 9, 2020
Messages
4,312
I love the enhancer option.
 

pearlsngems

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
2,890

newtojewels

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jul 16, 2020
Messages
483
WenPearls has this 14K white corrugated ball safety clasp in sizes ranging from 6mm to 10mm, at lower prices than Bella Findings:


The weight isn't posted, but I bought one of these once for a pearl necklace and it works fine.

Oh thanks! I'm definitely going to throw that into the mix. I bet the corrugations help it be stronger/hide dents more than the plain round ball clasps.
 

CMN

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 2, 2018
Messages
686
@newtojewels i have ball clasps purchased from Bella Findings for three of my necklace strands. I have been happy with the quality. I can’t speak to a bracelet though. I note you said that you were looking at a 8mm ball clasp. However, I would personally chose a ball clasp in the size range of your pearls (I assume the smaller 7mm pearls are on the end of the stands and will be next to a clasp fitting) so 7mm. I think this will make the bracelet look cohesive as opposed to a larger clasp which, given a size mismatch between the pearls and a 8mm ball clasp will make the ball clasp stand out.
 

BoonGrrl

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 21, 2023
Messages
26
I am a clasp person ... I troll Ebay for white gold diamond clasps and have found some real gems. I tend to like antique settings rather than modern but it's just an idea. I've even bought entire strings just for the clasp. This clasp I got for maybe $180 on Ebay and finally strung it last night (still learning the art of the knot). Rondels are from GemPacked.

Also try Etsy. I like toggles for bracelets. They seem easier to manage for me.
20240702_074535.jpg
 

katbran

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
Joined
Mar 4, 2011
Messages
1,034
Lovely clasp ! I'd be afraid to buy on EBAY but I'm sure there must be some trusted sellers.

And I agree that Toggles are easy to use on bracelets plus the added benefit of being able to add a charm .
 

yssie

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 14, 2009
Messages
27,336
I am a clasp person ... I troll Ebay for white gold diamond clasps and have found some real gems. I tend to like antique settings rather than modern but it's just an idea. I've even bought entire strings just for the clasp. This clasp I got for maybe $180 on Ebay and finally strung it last night (still learning the art of the knot). Rondels are from GemPacked.

Also try Etsy. I like toggles for bracelets. They seem easier to manage for me.
20240702_074535.jpg

I have turned into a clasp troll too, including buying strands to harvest from :bigsmile:

Your vintage find is beautiful! Looks to be in great condition!
 

glitterata

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
4,480
Fellow clasp troll here! Now I know why I have trouble finding them these days...
 
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