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What is a C Clasp

C Clasp

A C clasp is very popular on jewelry up until about 1900 when the safety catch was invented, this clasp consists of a piece of formed metal in the shape of a c, under which the pin part of the clasp sits.

There are two types of C clasps: Plain C-Clasps are uncommon today. They are similar to the locking-C, but have no spinning locking mechanism. A plain C-Clasp usually indicates that piece of jewelry is an older piece. The locking C-Clasp was patented in 1901. It was widely used for jewelry in 1910 and remains popular today.

Examples of C Clasps: (click the pictures for more detail)  The first two are older C clasps.  The third photo is a locking C Clasp which is more modern

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