Magnetic Clasp discolouring

[Wisegal]

Hi all!  This is my first post on this forum.  What a wealth of information I have found here.

My question is about some small magnetic clasps I have.  I love them, as do the people who I make jewelry for.  Unfortunately, I have found that they change colour after being used a lot.  I have started giving them a coat of top coat nail polish.  I am wondering if there is any special product that would work better. 

Thanks for any help you can give me! 

[Russ Nobbs]

Hi Wisegal, welcome to our forum!

Any plated metal finding will in time change colour as the plated finish wears off. How fast it wears depends on the body chemistry of the person wearing it and the quality/thickness of the plating..

Your top coat nail polish is a good solution. I don't know of a better economical one.

[Metalman]

For purposes like you describe - I have been getting clear automotive lacquer touch-up bottles from the auto supply stores. The auto lacquer is very durable & comes in a container very similar to nail polish. You will probably need some lacquer thinner to clean your brush.
Make sure to do this in good ventilation - highly flammable but that's no different than nail polish
Metalman

[Polli]

I had problems with magnetic clasps I purchased elsewhere, the silver wore off and the brownish tone underneath shone through (what is that??  brass, copper?).      But someone told me about the Mag Lok magnets R&T carries.  I made a bracelet with a safety chain (sterling silver works best for the chain, so it doesn't cling to the clasp), and have been wearing it for close to a year.  The bracelet showed wear finally, so I remade it, but used the same clasp!  After almost a year, the silver is still as bright as it was originally! 

They are more expensive than the other brand, but I feel better about giving my customers something I know will stand up under time!  I don't want them coming back a year later showing me an ugly bracelet! 

This one's my favoriite:
http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/Clasp-Magnetic-Superior-Quality-Button-6mm-1131p12636.htm

[RitaD]

Thanks for the great feedback.  Let even more of our shoppers know how great this is by writing a review in the store.