I always make it match the beads, but make it a little smaller than the majority of them.
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It Depends :-) by: rory8535
Matching the clasp to the beads isn't *always* the way to do it.
For example, what if you've made a piece for someone elderly, with vision problems, or arthritis?
Anyone of these facts of life can make working small clasps difficult!
So, the best way--in my opinion--is to match the clasp to the client, whenever possible.
rory8535
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It's All Relative by: Anonymous
Usually, the clasp isn't meant to be a focal point of a jewelry piece if it's being used in the traditional manner, so it shouldn't (in my opinion) visually outweigh the other beads/components.It would look awkward.
If the clasp is being used as a design element, meaning it will be worn toward the front of the necklace where it'll be seen, then a larger size might make more design sense.
When I first started making beaded jewelry, there were a few pieces that I (accidentally) used too large or too heavy a clasp on, which caused the clasp to gravitate slowly down toward the front where I did not want it.
Have since learned to balance the clasp with the rest of the necklace as far as size and weight.
