925 Sterling Silver Bolt Ring Spring Clasp with Purity Mark
Jewelry Findings (Clasp/Closure) · Unidentified generic manufacturer; typically produced by mass-market jewelry findings suppliers for assembly into larger jewelry pieces.
Pattern: Standard Bolt Ring / Spring Clasp; utilitarian design with no specific artistic collection name.
Type
Jewelry Findings (Clasp/Closure)
Maker
Unidentified generic manufacturer; typically produced by mass-market jewelry findings suppliers for assembly into larger jewelry pieces.
Material
925 Sterling Silver; composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy (usually copper).
Dimensions
Approximately 5mm to 8mm in diameter; weight is negligible, typically less than 0.2 grams.
Description
A standard sterling silver spring clasp often found on fine chains or bracelets. It features a circular tube that houses a spring-loaded wire, which closes the gap in the ring when released. This piece shows significant sulfide tarnish, giving it a copper or dark tone in the photograph.
Key Features
Dual '925' purity stamps, internal spring mechanism, and a simple ring-shaped housing.
Material & Composition
925 Sterling Silver; composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy (usually copper).
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with heavy oxidation (tarnish) in the recessed areas. No ornamental decoration; functional industrial design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with '925' on the rounded surface of the housing and '925' on the pull-back lever tab. This indicates sterling silver fineness.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured; consists of a hollow circular housing, an internal steel tension spring, and a sliding bolt arm.
Functional Features
Spring-loaded bolt ring mechanism for securing necklaces or bracelets. Features a small protruding tab used to retract the internal bolt.
Handle & Grip Details
Small rounded pull-tab designed for fingernail operation to open the mechanism.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial grade; machine-stamped and assembled. Lacks the hand-finished joinery found in luxury or antique jewelry closures.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic '925' incuse stamp; wear patterns consistent with soft sterling silver; standard three-part construction (housing, bolt, spring).
Origin & Manufacturing
Globally mass-produced; likely manufactured in major jewelry hubs such as Italy, Thailand, or China.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Late 20th Century to Present); this specific style of hallmark stamping and component assembly is typical of mass production from the 1970s onward.
Age Estimate
Contemporary; produced within the last 20-30 years based on stamp style and construction.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from bespoke handmade jewelry fasteners to standardized, interchangeable industrial findings in the global jewelry market.
Condition Notes
Poor finish condition; heavily tarnished with dark oxide layers. The mechanical spring appears functional, but the surface requires significant cleaning.
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD (Sold as a replacement finding/scrap silver value).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a silver polishing cloth or mild silver dip. Avoid getting liquid cleaners inside the housing as it may corrode the internal steel spring.
Similar Pieces
Lobster claws, toggle clasps, or magnetic clasps. Lobster claws are generally considered more secure and durable than bolt rings.
Interesting Facts
The internal spring of silver clasps is almost always made of steel because silver is too soft to maintain the 'spring' tension needed for the clasp to work.