In the Victorian era, jewelry that used to be made only for upper class citizens started being produced for those in the lower classes as well. The jewelry was often elaborate, with carved shells, precious gems and elaborately beaded designs. Women wore clasps for their cloaks, shoes and other articles of clothing as decoration.
C Catch
Resembling a "C," this catch is one of the earliest Victorian clasps, dating back to the late 1890s. The pin slips into the "C," which is curved downward enough to hold it in place. This clasp, though simple, is still in use today.
Trombone Clasp
This clasp also originated in the 1890s, though it was more commonly used in the 1940s. This clasp gets its name from the removable barrel which secures the pin. Once you hook the pin in place, the barrel slips down over the end of the pin, keeping it closed. You can see a good picture at Ruby Lane (see Resources).
Spring Ring Clasp
This clasp was produced at the tail end of the Victorian era, at the beginning of the 1900s. This clasp, still in use today, resembles a small circle with an inside spring, allowing the clasp to open and close.
Tags: This clasp, Clasp This, Clasp This clasp, still today
