Modifying jewelry for disabled wearer

Jewelry Discussion
1

I am constructing a hairpiece for a lady with Parkinson’s disease;
as such she has lost most use of her right hand.

Has anyone had experience making jewlery for people with limited
mobility? Specifically, I need to make a clasp that will be easy for
her to manipulate.

Any and all ideas welcome.

Mark Zirinsky, Denver

2

Hello Mark, Your question:

    Has anyone had experience making jewlery for people with
limited mobility? Specifically, I need to make a clasp that will
be easy for her to manipulate. 

A magnetic clasp would be very simple for impaired folk to

manipulate. They hold well unless jerked apart - such as a bracelet
catching on something. Rio Grande has a selection of clasps in
sterling and 14K. I’ve no doubt there are base metal magnetic
clasps also. Might be a solution for your customer. Hope this
helps. Judy in Kansas

Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
237 Seaton Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan KS 66506
(785) 532-2936

3

Mark , I myself am disabled "use of only right arm " and have an
ideal for you . You could use the rare-earth magnets as a catch .The
small size 0.25 X 0.10 round has a magnet strength of 2.5 lbs which
should be more than enough to work as a catch . You may even be able
to thin it down and weaken the strength if it is too hard for her to
open with her one hand. They can be found at Lee Valley tools in NY
the phone # is 1-800-871-8158 on line address is
http://www.leevalley.com They do have a free catalog also. Good luck
and hope this helps Timothy

4

I made a medic alert bracelet for a customer with MS and used a
magnetic clasp. All she has to do is get it close.

Deb- on my way from Coconut Grove to Baltimore ACC

5

About magnetic clasps–

Those of you making your own–how are you fastening the magnets in?
Glue? Which kind? Are you using two magnets, or one and some steel?

Thanks! --Noel