Jewellery clasp

Abstract

The invention relates to a new and improved clasp for attaching jewellery items which have a loop and a clasp closure to a chain, necklace or bracelet or similar item that provides a jewellery clasp for securing an ornamental item to a continuous chain comprising a pair of oppositely oriented decorative portions hinged on one side of a tubular member extending circumferentially around the clasp and terminating in a short gap at the opposite side of the hinged portion, a gap closure member extending from one of the decorative portions adapted to releasably secure the decorative potions in a closed position thereby closing the gap.

1 . A jewellery clasp for securing an ornamental item to a continuous chain comprising a pair of oppositely oriented decorative portions hinged on one side of a tubular member extending circumferentially around said clasp and terminating in a short gap at the opposite side of said hinged portion, a gap closure member extending from one of said decorative portions adapted to releasably secure said decorative potions in a closed position thereby closing said gap. 
     
     
         2 . A jewellery clasp as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said gap closure member is a tongue portion extending inwardly from said one decorative element. 
     
     
         3 . A jewellery clasp as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said tongue portion is press fitted to secure said decorative portions together. 
     
     
         4 . A jewellery clasp as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said tubular member is a continuous member extending through a channel attached to said two decorative portions thereby allowing said decorative portions to be swung away from each other. 
     
     
         5 . A jewellery clasp as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said tubular member is secured to a hinge element adapted to allow each decorative element to be swung away from each other.