Magnetic clasps are a niche product that largely depend on the development of the jewelry industry. The popularity of using stainless steel in jewelry has driven the demand for magnetic clasp they are tiny components used in bracelets, necklaces, and anklets. The quality of these clasps plays a vital role in determining customer satisfaction with the jewelry pieces.
Whether you are a newcomer to the jewelry industry or a seasoned veteran with years of experience, this guide will help you on purchasing magnetic clasps.
You will Learn in this Post
ToggleTable of Contents
- What is Magnetic Clasps?
- What materials are commonly used in the manufacturing of magnetic clasps?
- Common Surface Treatment Methods for Magnetic Clasp
- How Can I Customized My Magnetic Clasps?
- 7 Tips to Judge the Quality of Magnetic Clasps
- Why Choose Stainless Steel Magnetic Clasps?
- How to Choose a Stainless Steel Magnetic Clasp Supplier?
- FAQ On Stainless Steel Magnetic Jewelry Clasps Purchase
What is Magnetic Clasps?
Magnetic jewelry clasps, also called magnet clasps or magnetic closures, provide a convenient solution for your necklaces, bracelets, anklets and other jewelry projects. They are especially beneficial for projects where a traditional clasp may be cumbersome or less secure.
If you have arthritis, the magnetic clasps allow you to remove your jewelry easily. Just pull the magnets apart and you’re done.
What Materials Are Commonly Used in the Manufacturing of Magnetic Clasps?
Stainless steel
Common grades of stainless steel include 303, 304, and 316L. Among these, 304 and 316L are the most frequently used. 304 stainless steel offers moderate corrosion resistance, whereas 316L, known as surgical-grade stainless steel, provides superior quality and is widely used in medical devices. When it comes to magnetic clasps, customers who prioritize quality often request the use of 316L stainless steel.
From appearance alone, it’s difficult to distinguish the types of stainless steel. To save costs, some magnetic clasp manufacturers may substitute 304 for 316L, so you’d better test samples or products before purchasing.
Brass
It is an alloy composed of copper and zinc. It is often used in fashion jewelry, and many designer brands prefer brass as it can be coated to achieve a shiny silver appearance. However, it’s important to consider that some individuals may have allergic reactions to brass when choosing brass magnetic clasps.
Alloy
Alloy usually composed of two or more metal elements. The most common is zinc alloy, which can be shaped into any desired shapes and plated with various colors. It’s relatively inexpensive. Zinc alloys may contain multiple metal elements, such as lead, which is toxic, or nickel, which can cause allergies. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid zinc alloy clasps containing these elements. If necessary, pay special attention to the surface coating to ensure that lead and nickel do not directly contact with the skin.
Some magnetic clasps are made of base metals like copper, stainless steel, or iron, and plated with precious metals(gold, silver, or platinum). you’d better understand the composition of these alloy clasps before purchasing them.
Common Surface Treatment Methods for Magnetic Clasp
Water plating
Water plating, a traditional chemical electroplating method, involves immersion in a chemical solution. This plating method will raise environmental concerns. On the other hand, it may contain nickel, which may lead to allergies, poor color retention, and weakened the coating adhesion.
For example, Some people may encounter situations where lobster clasps are not working properly, which is essentially due to issues with the spring inside the lobster clasp itself. If it’s copper-silver water plating and not properly plated, it can also cause sticking, affecting the functionality of the lobster clasp.
Rack Plating
Similar to water plating, rack plating is employed for larger, more intricate, delicate, or oddly shaped components. Some customers may say rack plating when explaining the electroplating technique used for magnetic clasps.
PVD Plating
PVD coating is an environmentally friendly coating technique. In the clasp industry, two common used PVD coating methods are Vacuum plating and IP Plating (iron plating).
Vacuum plating: Evaporating metal in a vacuum environment
IP Plating: Ionizing metal in a vacuum environment.
Magnetic clasps treated with IP plating tend to have better adhesion, uniformity, and density, enhancing oxidation and corrosion resistance.
PVD gold plating(Evaporating gold in a vacuum environment) , is currently the most reliable method for retaining color and ensuring stability in electroplating. However, it can be costly to use this coating technique on stainless steel clasps.
Furthermore, we need to take into account the electroplating method used on the magnet of the magnetic clasp. If the plating is not environmentally friendly, your products may block to enter into the destination market. Additionally, if the coating on the magnet is not durable, it may corrode over time when exposed to oxygen and sweat, which would affect its performance.
How Can I Customized My Magnetic Clasps?
There are many customization options for choice, you can tailor them to meet individual needs and preferences. Here are some common customization choices for magnetic clasps:
1.Brand Logo: Enhances brand recognition by engrave your brand logos on magnetic clasp.
2.Numbers, Patterns, and Letters: Personalized with specific numbers, patterns, or letters, making them unique and suitable for various occasions and uses.
3. Names and Initials: Adding names or initials to magnetic clasps can make them personalized gifts or special accessories for individuals.
4. Icons and Symbols: Custom icons or symbols can be used to convey specific themes or messages, making the clasps more meaningful and visually appealing.
5. Emojis and Drawings: For a playful and modern touch, emojis or custom drawings can be added to the clasps.
6. Inspirational Texts: Short, inspirational words can be engraved on magnetic clasps, making them a source of motivation and positivity.
7. Size Customization: Customers can choose from various sizes to ensure the clasp fits their specific needs.
7 Tips to Judge the Quality of Magnetic Clasps
1. Surface Quality: Check the stainless steel surface. A high-quality magnetic clasp should have a smooth, even shine without noticeable flaws, dents, scratches, or bubbles.
2. Plating Color: When assessing a plated clasp, check if the plating color is consistent. Uneven plating may reveal the steel color underneath or display shades of red, green, or a lackluster appearance.
3. Welding Points: Inspect the welding points, especially for clasps made of multiple parts. High-quality stainless steel clasps should have strong welds with no visible seams or looseness. The welded areas should be smooth and free of sharp edges to avoid skin injuries.
magnetic clasp with welding loop
4. Magnetic Strength: Magnetic clasps ofen use magnets, with the most common types being from the N35 to N54. The higher the number, the stronger the magnet.
5. Magnet Adhesion: Magnets in clasps are glued in place. Using high-quality glue ensures that the magnets do not yellow, discolor, or come loose.
6. Polishing: The quality of electroplating is related to the polishing process. Finer polishing results in a more delicate plating layer. Poor polishing will affects the plating’s surface appearance. We usually use mirror polishing to process the surface of the clasp.
7. Eco-Friendliness: Various materials can be used for magnetic clasps, such as copper, iron, alloys, and stainless steel. Some materials are not eco-friendly and can be harmful to health, so stainless steel become the most popular material for their safety and environmental benefits.
Why Choose Stainless Steel Magnetic Clasps?
The trend of stainless steel adoption in jewelry has extended to magnetic clasps, for the following reasons:
1. Non-Fading: Unlike alloy materials, stainless steel does not fade over time.
2. Hypoallergenic: Stainless steel is recognized for its low allergenic properties, preventing skin allergies, traditional alloy and copper jewelry may cause allergy issue.
3. Durable: Stainless steel has high hardness, offering excellent wear resistance.
4. Corrosion-Resistant: It is highly resistant to corrosion unless exposed to seawater or corrosive gases for extended periods.
5. Easy to Use: Stainless steel clasps are simple to use and a practical alternative to traditional clasps.
6. Resistant to Tarnishing: Stainless steel does not tarnish, rust, or corrode, making it a durable option.
7. Affordable: Stainless steel clasps are cost-effective.
How to Choose a Stainless Steel Magnetic Clasp Supplier?
1. Location: In China, significant jewelry industry clusters are in Yiwu, Zhejiang, and Dongguan, Guangdong. It’s better to find a supplier in Dongguan Changan, for many stainless steel magnetic clasps in Yiwu are come from Dongguan, where supplies 90% of the world’s stainless steel jewelry.
2. Production Capacity: Although the production process is automated, it is not very fast. The number of CNC machines indicates a supplier’s capacity. A factory with 40 machines is considered well-scaled, ensuring better production efficiency and shorter lead times.
3. Styles Variety: Magnetic clasps ofen come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, you may need different kinds of clasps, so choosing a supplier with a wide range of styles can help you save more time in managing different supply chains.
4. Rich Experience: A Supplier with many years in the industry usually have good reputation, high product quality, they are more reliable and trustworthy.
5. Specialization: True stainless steel magnetic clasp manufacturers typically have a single product line. For instance, Kaiming Stainless Steel Jewelry Co., Ltd focuses solely on stainless steel magnetic clasps, unlike others that might diversify too broadly.
6. Supply Capability: Due to the variety of clasp styles and customer demands, a supplier should maintain an inventory level in order to ensure prompt delivery and fulfill small batch wholesale orders.
These tips have proven useful in finding a satisfactory supplier.
FAQ On Stainless Steel Magnetic Jewelry Clasps Purchase
If you have more questions on stainless steel magnetic jewelry clasps, you can go here: FAQ On Stainless Steel Magnetic Jewelry Clasps Purchase.