14k pearl clasp question

[A Breaker]

This clasp doesn't have a safety catch (I think it broke off..from the hole). Anyone have experience with clasps coming apart? Do you think I can still use it on less expensive vintage pearls? My mother told me that "pearls have a safety catch so toddlers won't ruin your necklace." I realize how silly that phrase is now...but I don't understand how pearl necklaces got safety clasps and I want an opinion on using this before I use it.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

When I bought my baroque akoya necklace the clasp that came with it didn't have a safety. The clasp came undone and the necklace fell off my neck the first time I wore it out of the house! Fortunately I felt it going and caught them before they hit the pavement.

I restrung the necklace with a safety chain, but the chain tickled my neck, and eventually I restrung it with an entirely different clasp.

I would not use a clasp without a safety if the pearls have any significant weight to them. Very small, light pearls-- maybe.

 

[A Breaker]

Thanks! I have seen vintage safety chains for pearls. I don't think it will bother me, so I will try that.

 

[KarinK]

I lost a golden, barogue Akoya necklace from not having a safety catch. The clasp was cool so I used it. And one day the necklace was gone when I got back home.