How to Untangle a Necklace (and Keep It from Tangling)

October 17, 2023

Comment démêler un collier ?

How to Untangle a Necklace

We have all been there: you reach for your favorite necklace and, surprise, it is tangled! How did that happen? And more importantly, how do you untangle it without damaging it? Here are all our tips to fix a knotted necklace and keep it from happening again, so you can wear your favorite jewelry whenever you want.

tangled necklaces

Why Do Necklaces Get Tangled?

The explanation is simple: chain necklaces naturally tangle when they are shaken or moved around, for example in a bag or a jewelry box.

When several chains sit close together, their links easily intertwine and form knots. Even small movements can make the tangle worse.

The quality and type of chain also matter. Soft metals such as gold and silver are more flexible and bend easily, which makes them more likely to catch on other pieces.

What Makes Necklaces More Likely to Tangle?

The type of necklace

Long necklaces, like our long pearl necklace, have more links and therefore more surface to tangle. Heavier necklaces can also tangle lighter ones because of gravity. Mixing chains of different lengths and weights is a common cause of knots.

How you store them

How and where you store your chain necklaces plays a huge role. If you keep all your jewelry in a single compartment of your jewelry box, the pieces are much more likely to tangle. Humidity in the storage space can also make some chains more prone to knotting.

How you put them on and take them off

We are often in a hurry when we put on or take off our chain jewelry. Quick movements can make the chains catch, overlap or even twist around themselves. Handling them with care helps avoid these problems.

gold chain necklace

How to Untangle a Necklace Chain

The tools you need

Untangling a necklace can be delicate and frustrating, but with the right tools at hand it becomes much easier:

  • Fine sewing needles: perfect for small knots. Slide the needle into the knot and gently pry it loose.
  • Bobby pins: used the same way as needles, their flat tip gently pushes the knot apart.
  • Tweezers: a precise tool to grab tiny links or loosen stubborn knots.
  • Baby oil or olive oil: a few drops lubricate the links and make untangling easier. Clean the necklace afterwards.
  • Soft cloth: to gently wipe off any oil residue.
  • Magnifying glass: for very complicated knots, it helps you see the details.
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush: ideal for gently combing fine chains, like our extra fine chain, without damaging them.
  • Water spray bottle: lightly misting the knot can sometimes make untangling easier.

Before you start, make sure you have a pin, some baby powder (talc) and, if needed, a few drops of baby oil.

chain necklace

Step by step: how to untangle a necklace

Whether you tossed it into your jewelry box or it got knotted while traveling, a tangled chain necklace can feel like a puzzle. Luckily, there are simple, quick methods to fix it:

  1. Lay it flat: spread the necklace out gently on a flat, soft, smooth surface such as a jewelry mat, a towel or a cloth tablecloth. This gives you a clear view of the knot and keeps you from creating new ones.
  2. Add baby powder: a jeweler's secret is to lightly dust the knot with baby powder (talc). It acts as a lubricant and helps the chains slide over each other.
  3. Use the two-pin method: take two sewing pins or bobby pins, insert them into the loops of the knot and gently pull them apart to loosen it. Pins are very effective for isolating small loops and undoing knots with precision.
  4. Try a drop of oil: if the knot is still stubborn, apply a few drops of baby oil or olive oil, wait a moment, then try again. The oil makes the links slippery and the knot easier to undo. Be sure to clean the necklace afterwards to remove any greasy residue.

Untangling a necklace takes patience, a gentle touch and precision. With these steps, even the toughest knots won't resist. Once your necklace is untangled, store it carefully to avoid new knots.

double gold chain necklace

How to Keep Necklaces from Tangling

Prevention is the best defense against tangled necklaces. Here are the best habits to adopt.

Choose the right storage

  • Individual bags and pouches: store each necklace separately to minimize the risk of tangling.
  • Jewelry boxes with compartments: give each necklace its own space.
  • Always close the clasp: a closed clasp forms a loop and reduces the risk of catching.
  • Watch the lengths: store necklaces of the same length together so longer ones don't wrap around shorter ones.
  • Wall-mounted jewelry holders: hang each necklace on its own hook so it stays straight and free.

Wearing and handling tips

  • Sports: take your necklace off during workouts or intense activities.
  • Gentle handling: put on and take off your necklaces carefully, avoiding rushed movements.
  • Limit stacking: when wearing several necklaces, limit layering, especially if their styles or lengths are very different.

Helpful accessories

  • Necklace separators (layering clasps): these small tools keep your necklaces apart and tangle-free.
  • Travel jewelry rolls: when traveling, they hold your necklaces in place and prevent knots.

Regular care

  • Check your jewelry regularly to fix small knots before they get worse.
  • Avoid humid places for storage.

triple chain necklace

How to Layer Necklaces Without Tangling

Layering, the art of stacking several necklaces, is a must-have trend. The challenge is keeping them from tangling. Here is how:

Choose different lengths

The first rule is to choose necklaces of different lengths. Layered strategically, they create a balanced look and are much less likely to tangle.

Use a necklace separator

A necklace separator (or layering clasp) is a little-known but very handy accessory: usually a small bar with several hooks or rings that holds each necklace individually. With every chain kept in place, you can move freely without worrying about them intertwining.

Put them on in the right order

Order matters. Always start with the longest necklace, then add the others from longest to shortest. This gives each necklace its own space and reduces the risk of tangling.

Avoid sudden movements

When you wear several necklaces, limit sudden movements: bending over quickly or running can twist the chains together.

Check them after wearing

When you take your necklaces off, take a moment to check and untangle them if needed, then store them properly.

FAQ: Untangling Necklaces

Can I use olive oil to untangle my necklace?

Yes, olive oil can really help untangle jewelry, but be sure to clean your necklace well afterwards to avoid residue.

Can a jeweler untangle my necklace?

Absolutely. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, a professional jeweler can do it for you.

Is baby powder safe for a silver necklace?

Yes, baby powder is safe for silver. Just clean your necklace afterwards so it stays shiny.

Does wearing several necklaces at once cause knots?

It can increase the risk of tangling. If you want to wear several necklaces, use a necklace separator or choose multi-layer necklaces, like our gold-plated triple chain necklace, designed for exactly that.

How do I clean my necklace after untangling it?

Use a soft cloth and, if needed, a little jewelry cleaner.

snake chain necklace


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