There are a wide variety of necklace and bracelet fastenings all with their own special names, selected for quality of appearance, weight and balance of the jewellery:

Bolt Ring - The basic type of fastening for a necklace or bracelet consisting of a hollow loop with an internal spring operated catch, which is retracted then released when attached to a link at the other end of the chain.

Jump Ring - This is a fixed ring used to connect components in a finished article, or at the end of items such as necklets and to which bolt rings may be attached.

Padlock - Looking just like a traditional padlock (but without a key), this fastening clicks into place and is commonly used on gate bracelets.

Pearl Fastener (Barrel) - Pearls are traditionally fastened by means of a clasp, one side of which screws into the barrel of the other.

Trigger - Also known as a karab or lobster claw clasp (one look at it shows why!), this is related to a bolt ring as it has a trigger which lifts a bar, allowing a jump ring or other loop to be inserted. It operates like a mountaineer's karabiner. This is a popular fastening for heavier chains. A Squared lobster claw clasp is similar but with parallel side edges.

Magnetic - A recent innovation using powerful mini magnets.

Other, more obscure, fastenings include the Box and the Ladder.