How to Lengthen Necklace: 8 Simple Ways to Get the Perfect Fit

Introduction

You found the ever-elusive perfect necklace, but it sits too high up on your neck. Maybe the clasp keeps sliding to the front, or it simply doesn’t look right with your favorite V-neck shirt. This happens all the time.

You don’t need to buy another necklace. You can lengthen your necklace with some simple tools or even items that you may have lying around your house.

This guide will show you 8 simple ways about how to lengthen necklace, and these methods work for all different material necklaces.

Solution 1: Necklace Extenders (The Gold Standard)

Necklace extenders are simply a small chain, one end with an open/jump ring and the other end with a clasp, totaling 5 cm in length.  You can clip the clasp of the extender to any link of your necklace and then clip the clasp of the necklace to the jump ring or links of the extender. Look! Extra length.

Why extenders are a great option:

• They lie flat against your neck
• You can change the length of your necklace depending on which link you hook your clasp through.
• They cost very little money
• They look professional & thought out

Expert tips:

Choose the same color, if your necklace is gold-plated, buy a gold extender. Mixing metals looks cheap and messy.

If you’re looking for a manufacturer to customize your necklace, don’t forget to ask for chain extenders for your necklace. Such a simple thing to make a customer feel good right off the bat with a great fit.

Solution 2: The “Safety Pin” Hack (Quick Fix)

How: Using your regular safety pin, bridge the nerve-wracking gap between your necklace clasp and the end ring after your clasp. Open the safety pin, slide it through the jump ring at the end of your chain, close it, and fasten your clasp.

Where does this technique come in handy?

• When you’re getting ready and realize your necklace isn’t long enough
• When your hair or collar hides too much of the back of your neck
• If you need to make something work temporarily until you can get a proper extender

Keep in mind this is not a permanent solution, and use this method in urgent situations without other solutions. This is because the safety pins can pop open if they catch on your clothing, and the metal finish definitely won’t match your necklace.

Solution 3: Repurposing an Old Bracelet

To make your jewelry longer, you may use a bracelet that is a matching style to your necklace and then connect them together. Using this method will add a minimum of 6 to 8 inches in length to your necklace.

Here is how:

1. Find a same style bracelet with your necklace
2. Check out if the bracelet clasp fits your necklace clasp.
3. Connect the necklace and bracelet end-to-end.
4. Use the clasp of the bracelet as your closing mechanism.

This will create an original, multilayered design. This method can easily turn a 16″ choker into a 24″ statement. It’s a good way to create a layered look and custom design.

Solution 4: Adding Jump Rings or Chain Links

This do-it-yourself technique only demands the needle-nose pliers and some small jump rings. You open the jump ring with your plier, slip it onto your necklace chain, and then close it tightly. Put on as many rings as you require.

Difficulty level: It requires patience and steadiness.

Ideal for: If you have delicate box chains or cable chains, small jump rings are less noticeable than an extender.

What you need:

• Needle-nose pliers
• Jump rings that match your chain thickness
• Good lighting

To make the jump ring keep circular, don’t pull it apart; rather, twist it to open. When you slide it onto the chain, twist it back so that it is not open again.

Solution 5: The Professional Route (Permanent Fix)

When in doubt, take your necklace immediately to a professional jeweler; they can solder more links of chain onto your present chain, or you can replace the entire chain as well.

It is always best to consult a pro when:

• Your necklace costs you a lot of money
• You have a pearl necklace strung with special knotting
• Your chains are complex
• You’re looking for a perfect solution to make your chians look good

A jeweler is able to match the exact style of the chain and type of metal, and will have professional tools to solder your silver or gold without ruining your piece. This work usually costs $20-$50 according to the various types of necklaces.

Sounds like a fair amount of money, but if you have a valuable piece, the investment is worth it. A sloppily soldered necklace will actually bring down the value of fine jewelry.

Solution 6: Use Natural Beads

You can even make your own extender with a needle, thread, and stone beads. Having a personal touch no commercial product can offer.

What you need:

A beading needle and strong thread stone beads that match your necklace

Thread the beads onto a 2- to 3-inch thread of the appropriate place

At either end put small clasps or jump rings, then connect to your necklace

Using this method, you can extend a piece of bohemian jewelry without ruining its flow, part of the design, as it were.

Solution 7: Ribbon or Cord

Without having any tools, this method is the most straightforward way to attach a ribbon/cord to your necklace. Use any type of ribbon or cord that you find appealing, and either use the loop(en) at either end of your necklace or the original clasp to tie a double knot.

Solution 8: Layered Necklace

In case your necklace is short but you can still wear it, consider adding one or two more necklaces so that you can achieve a layered look. This will make the short length look purposeful instead of incorrect. You can have a look at our insights on wearing multiple charms on a necklace for creative ideas on how to do it.

Conclusion

You have eight different options to extend a necklace that is too short. Start with the extender method—it’s safe, has a professional appearance, and is adjustable. Use safety pins to save yourself in an emergency. Use beads or ribbons when you want your own unique look. If you are in possession of expensive jewelry, always have a professional jeweler do it for you.

If you’re going to order necklaces from a China manufacturer, contact OOTB jewelry, we offer over 1000 unique designs and also provide customized service.

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