Necklace clasps or clasps are a separate important group of metal elements of neck jewelry, which in ancient times were known as “fibules”. The clasps consisted of two parts, which were connected by a corresponding protrusion and a hook. In Hutsul and Bukovyna, such elements were called cheprags.

Four types of clasps are best known: square, round, diamond-shaped, and rectangular. 

Sometimes clasps for necklaces were made of metal wire. However, they were mostly made by casting.

Zoriana Kuryliak

Project "Decorative metal: metal elements of traditional Ukrainian neck jewelry" is supported by the European Union under the House of Europe programme.