[Jewelry making - Article 01066] - [Orchid] Clasps structural necessities

[Len and Judy Bjorkman]

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    I like the look of clasps which resemble a "C" (actually, 2 "Cs")
    almost closed, but with a slit in each of them, where they would
    slipped together to close the clasp. I experimented with making a
    pair out of brass washers, but they slipped open too easily. 

    Can anyone advise me on the structural "necessities" of this type of
    clasp? (Some varying forms are shown on p. 453 of Rio Grande's
    2007-2008 Gems & Findings catalog.) Would a slit in only one of the
    "Cs" work? Is thick or thin metal better? Is the width of the slit
    crucial? 

    I drilled holes in the washers, at 90 degrees from the slit, to
    attach the clasps to a bracelet with jump rings. This way, it is
    solderless and more useful to my students. 

Any advice would be appreciated -- Judy Bjorkman
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