Clasp Styles
Clasp Style 1
Clasp Style 1 is a traditional Ecuadorean clasp. It consists of a hinged ear wire that is inserted in the pierced earlobe from the back and closed in the front. The hinge is a delicate mechanism, completely handmade. It must not be forced past its natural opening nor should it be twisted.
- To open this clasp, grasp the ear wire between thumb and forefinger. Press down on the top of the clasp and pull it back to its natural opening.
- Insert the ear wire into your ear hole from the rear of your ear lobe. Angle the hook of the wire so that it’s smooth heel goes first into your pierced lobe.
- Push it through your hole until the head of the wire appears in the front of your ear.
- Supporting the ear wire between your thumb and forefinger, press down on the top of the clasp and insert the hook into the cup or loop on the front of the earring.
A bit of patience is required to get used to this traditional clasp. A mirror is helpful, especially at first. You will be rewarded by the security of this clasp as well as its comfort.
Clasp Style 2
Clasp Style 2 is a French wire with a lock back. The ear wire is inserted from the front and locked by a tiny hook which extends off the base of the earring top. The ear wire should be opened no further than necessary to insert in your hole and allow the earlobe to pass through. When opening the ear wire to accommodate your lobe, support the solder joint at the joint between the wire and the top of the earring.
- Open the ear wire just enough for your earlobe. Do not bend the wire back and forth. Insert from the front of your ear lobe and fasten the bottom tip of the ear wire behind the hook.
Clasp Style 3
Clasp Style 3 is a simple French wire inserted from the front of the ear. Again, do not stress the joint at the body of the earring and the ear wire. All earrings of this style will be shipped with rubber stoppers to prevent loss.
Clasp Style 4
Clasp Style 4 is a commonly used hoop earring closure, but ours have handmade hinges. Again, do not force this hinge beyond its natural opening. This clasp can be used front to back. Or it may be inserted from the back of the ear and clasped in front, giving the hoop a more polished appearance.
Clasp Style 4 is a commonly used hoop earring closure, but ours have handmade hinges. Again, do not force this hinge beyond its natural opening. This clasp can be used front to back. Or it may be inserted from the back of the ear and clasped in front, giving the hoop a more polished appearance.
Clasp Style 3 is a simple French wire inserted from the front of the ear. Again, do not stress the joint at the body of the earring and the ear wire. All earrings of this style will be shipped with rubber stoppers to prevent loss.
Clasp Style 2 is a French wire with a lock back. The ear wire is inserted from the front and locked by a tiny hook which extends off the base of the earring top. The ear wire should be opened no further than necessary to insert in your hole and allow the earlobe to pass through. When opening the ear wire to accommodate your lobe, support the solder joint at the joint between the wire and the top of the earring.
Clasp Style 1 is a traditional Ecuadorean clasp. It consists of a hinged ear wire that is inserted in the pierced earlobe from the back and closed in the front. The hinge is a delicate mechanism, completely handmade. It must not be forced past its natural opening nor should it be twisted.