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There are several ways to shorten a necklace chain. The simplest is to use cutting pliers to cut the chain at the right spot. Another option is to add a clasp, which lets you adjust the length quickly and easily. If you are a little handier, you can even add a new clasp, or move the existing one to a new point on the chain to get the length you want. All of these options make it easy to shorten a necklace effectively.
Shortening a necklace chain is simple. With a few basic tools and a little patience, you can reduce the length of your chain yourself. First, decide on the length you want, then remove the extra links with needle-nose pliers. Next, attach the ends of the necklace to a new lobster clasp and close everything securely with the right jump ring. Once the length is set, try the necklace on to check that it fits, and make sure the links and clasp are secure so they will not loosen or break.
Shortening a necklace can be tricky without the right tools, but a few practical tips will help you do it in minutes. The first step is finding the right length for your necklace: measure it and mark the point where it needs to be shortened. Then cut the chain with jewelry cutters or wire cutters, depending on how thick the chain is. Once the chain is cut in the right place, use a clasp to reconnect the two ends, and you are done! Your necklace is now shorter and ready to wear.
Shortening a necklace can seem delicate, but there are several easy methods. The simplest use a clasp, a jump ring, a hook, flat-nose pliers, spring clasps or cutting pliers. You can also take your necklace to a jeweler and ask them to shorten the chain. Jewelers can also add extra links if you want to make a necklace longer. Either way, there are plenty of simple, safe ways to shorten a necklace chain without damaging the piece.
Shortening a necklace chain is an easy way to turn a long chain into a dainty piece. You can cut the chain where you want it, or add a clasp or extra beads to reduce the length. Depending on the type of chain, you may also need to add jump rings at each end or adjust the links to get the look you want. Once your necklace is shortened and personalized, you can dress it up with beads, pendants and other charms!
Don't want to damage your jewelry, or want to keep the option of going back to the original length? Here are several ways to shorten a necklace without cutting the chain:
All of these tricks are reversible: you can get your chain's original length back whenever you like.
For a fashion chain or a stainless steel necklace, you can shorten it yourself with cutting pliers and a jump ring, as explained above. For a solid gold or sterling silver chain, it is better to see a jeweler: they remove the extra links and solder the clasp back on cleanly without weakening the piece. The price depends on the metal, the thickness of the chain and the shop, so ask for a quote first.
Be careful with some chain types: a snake chain or a very tight chain cannot be cut like a cable chain. Its ends need to be fitted with special end caps, which takes a jeweler's skills. To identify your chain, check out our guide to the different types of chains.
Before you cut anything, test the ideal length with a piece of string around your neck. Here are the most common lengths:
| Length | Where it sits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 14-16 in (35-40 cm) | At the base of the neck (choker) | Open necklines, boat necks |
| 18 in (45 cm) | On the collarbone | Dainty pendants, everyday wear |
| 20-22 in (50-55 cm) | Just below the collarbone | Crew necks, men's chains |
| 24 in (60 cm) and longer | On the chest | Layering, long necklaces |
If you are looking for a necklace in the right length, browse our collection of chain necklaces. For more detail, our necklace length guide covers every length by body type.
Yes. You can hook the clasp onto a higher link, add a necklace shortener, wear it as a double wrap or tie a small knot in a fine chain. None of these methods change the necklace.
Take a gold chain to a jeweler. They will remove the extra links and solder the clasp back on. Cutting a gold chain yourself can damage it and waste precious metal.
Yes, by adding an extender chain between the clasp and the ring. It is a simple, discreet and reversible solution.
Always close the clasp before putting the necklace away, and store each chain separately. If it is already too late, follow our tips to untangle a necklace.
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