Using a two strand clasp on a one strand necklace?

[amti]

I would love some ideas on how to use a beautiful clasp that was on a two strand bracelet with a long strand of pearls. I hardly ever wore the bracelet and have decided to add those pearls to my long pearl strand. I've got 47" of 6.5-7mm unknotted akoyas that I can wrap around my neck three times. Is there a way to modify the clasp so I can use it as a one strand clasp and also a two strand clasp. If using it for a two strand clasp, I would have two shorter strands and have one of the strands removable and attachable to the remaining strand to make one long strand... Does that make sense? Is there a pretty clip or spring ring that I can attach to the jump rings to do this? Or maybe an enhancer? Would it lay right if I used it as a single strand clasp?

I know if I use a toggle or another type of clasp, I can get the results I want. I would prefer to use this clasp for sentimental reasons, if possible.
Thanks!

 

[BWeaves]

My grandmother had a pearl and diamond 3 strand clasp on which she had a single strand of pearls. She had the pearls attached to the loops on one side of the clasp (as opposed to the middle loops) and then wore the clasp in front like a pendant. I recently added a second strand, but still wear it in front.



For longer strands, I always wear my clasps on the left, like a brooch, because I want to show them off.

If you want to use your clasp with a single rope, you might want to attach each end of the rope to opposite loops, so the clasp sits in the middle, but on an angle. Top left loop on one side and bottom right loop on the other side. No one will notice that it sits crooked because it's round.

For extra flexibility, you could look into mystery clasps, but I'm not sure they will do exactly what you are thinking of doing. I'd be concerned with having too many claspy things right together. It could look and feel clunky.

 

[amti]

Are mystery clasps those that are drilled into the pearl? I did look at them and decided against them because they seem to be complicated to work with.

I love how elegant your pearls are and the idea of wearing the clasp like a pendant. I have never thought of wearing the clasp in front or the side since the old clasp was a regular fish hook. With a pretty clasp, I should show it off. This clasp was from my grandmother too!

Your ideas made me think of something new... not sure if it will work, but what if I attach small spring ring type clasps on all the ends of two separate strands and put larger jump rings on each of the four holes on the clasp. The idea behind it would be that I could attach either or both strands to any jump ring on the clasp. The strands would also be able to be connected to each other, in case I want to make one long strand (and the ends could be on opposite corners on the clasp as BWeaves suggested). Does anyone know of something that might work that is more attractive than a spring clasp and would look good with this clasp? My concern is that it might end up looking too bulky for something that is supposed to be simple.

Thank you!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

These are bulky but could take the place of a spring ring:

http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Sterling-Silver-Oval-Hook_dash_Side-Push-Clasps/613126?Pos=18

 

[amti]

Thanks! I know several ladies use and love the orbit clasps like this, so this was in the back of my head. Preferably, something a little smaller would be ideal since my pearls are small. I'll definitely look around for smaller sized ones! Thank you PD!

 

[CathyKeshi]

Amti, there are really small or it clasps too ... Rio Grande sometimes has them.

 

[CathyKeshi]

Really small orbit clasps ... thanks, iPhone LOL ...

 

[GemGeek]

I was thinking that you could use chain to merge the two into one like a Y. ----<o>----. Does that make any sense?

 

[amti]

Thank you Cathy. I really like the look of the orbit clasps and will check out smaller sizes. I did find a few clasps that resembled them but were more narrow and looked like a cross between the orbit and a lobster. I love that the orbits have clean edges and look so sleek.

GemGeek... how would you do the Y? Attach jumprings to both holes and connect them to a center ring, then string the pearls from the center ring? This might be the simplest and cleanest look. And I think I like it too! There is a nice bead shop not too far from me so I will try to head out there and see what they have in stock and see if they have some ideas too.

One of the problems I foresee is that the jumprings on the clasp are really tiny. They are the same size as the strand holes and my 24 gauge wire can fit inside but barely. The gimp fits but it is very snug. Should I cut the jumprings off (the ends are closed and white gold) and how do I strengthen the rings so they can hold a longer strand? I'm assuming new jumprings need to be soldered closed (another thing I may need to learn, but I have some experience soldering capacitors and resistors).

 

[amti]

UPDATE!!! I finally finished the strands! It took a while to figure out what I wanted and when I got what I ordered, I wasn't always happy with the way it looked. I finally got these little oval silver clasps in from Turkey last week and completed my strand. My first attempt was using two flower shaped spacers with holes. Then I tried a couple of D rings on each side of the clasp. I decided it made the clasp too bulky and went simple and used three O rings joined together with the center larger than the two sides (which were connected to the two strand clasp holes), very similiar to GemGeek's suggestion. I can clip one or two of the oval clasps to the center O ring. I'll need to get some good O rings and try to solder them when I have time. Meanwhile, they are on temporary O rings, strung on Beader's Secret. The short strand is 19" with the big clasp, and the long strand is 35" with just the little clasps. They can be worn solo or together, or combined together to make one long strand!

I posted these two photos on my facebook page and got several friends inquiring about how to string pearls, so I added a link to your etsy page, Pattye.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Wonderful! You did a great job.

 

[juliebeth]

Oh that looks fab! Can we get neck shots of the various combinations? (You knew someone would ask! )

 

[Katbran]

Looks like you did a great job ! Well done !

 

[pattye]

Wow, a creative solution indeed, Helen! So appreciate you sharing!! Sounds like you have some very useful skills if you already know how to solder! Thanks very much for giving Beader's Secret a plug too!

 

[amti]

Thanks everyone! I'll have to take a neck shot when I wear it. lol... went to a party last night but wore another pearl necklace I made a couple of weeks ago that I'll post later today. Pearling is so much fun!!!

You're welcome Pattye, more than happy to pass on your info! I have soldered before, but only circuit boards. I asked my husband if I could borrow one of his soldering tools and he asked me questions about melting points, so I need a little more education on precious metal soldering before I start.

 

[Happy Huku]

Ooh, they look great, look forward to the neck shots!