A New Option For Your Jewelry Clasps

Magnetic Clasps

One of the more recent innovations on the fine jewelry market is magnetic clasps. Although when they were first introduced they had a reputation for being the latest gimmick or fad, lately they have begun to be appreciated as a great help for folks who have difficulty manipulating traditional clasps, especially in cases where arthritis, diabetes, or other conditions could cause difficulty.

At Saori C. Jewelry Designs, we have done several fine jewelry and bridal jewelry pieces with magnetic clasps recently, and have received nothing but positive feedback from our customers about their ease of use. Also, as the market for these clasps grows, many very stylish varieties are now available in many metals and styles.

 

There is one important thing about magnetic clasps that needs to be remembered, though, and that is how to open them. The best way is to open the clasp like you would open an egg you just cracked: holding on to either side and pulling down (not out!) so that the top opens first, then the bottom. This puts torque only on the clasp itself (which is designed to take it), and not on your necklace. You should never attempt to open a magnetic clasp by pulling horizontally on it. The magnet is strong enough that most likely you will break the necklace before the clasp comes apart.

Next up: More about pearls. Stay tuned!

Pearl Buying Trip

Touring Tokyo's Pearl District

The Saori C. Jewelry Designs buying team recently returned from a pearl buying trip to Tokyo. When it comes to cultured saltwater pearls, we use only the best, and to get the best, you have to go to the source: Japan.

Tokyo's pearl district is a fasciniating place - there are literally dozens of pearl wholesalers and retailers within a couple of square kilometers, catering to all different tastes and price ranges. We were looking for top-quality white pearls for bridal jewelry, so that's what we were focusing on. We talked to several wholesalers in the area, and in addition to establishing some great connections and getting some great product, we also picked up a lot of insider insight into the cultured saltwater pearl business.

We were also extremely lucky to score a meeting with the head of one of the largest pearl wholesalers in Japan, who kindly shared his wealth of knowledge with us, not only about the industry, but about pearls and the pearl making process. Turns out a lot of what you think you know about pearls is probably wrong. Stay tuned. :)