Abstract: A clasp for a piece of jewelry comprises a first part and a second part. Each of the parts comprises a trailing end, a leading end, a connection on the leading end, and a center line intersecting the leading and trailing ends. The first part comprises a receiving surface and at least one magnet in the receiving surface providing north and south poles on opposite sides of the first part center line. The second part comprises a matching surface which conforms to the first part receiving surface when the first and second parts are engaged and at least one magnet in the matching surface providing south and north poles on opposite sides of the second part center line. When the first and second parts are engaged, the magnets are aligned and in an attracting relationship. The first and second parts have a tongue and socket connection which acts along the first and second parts center lines and resists separation of the parts in a longitudinal direction by forces acting in the direction of the parts leading ends.