How To: Shorten Jewelry Chain
Hi guys!
Today’s post will be a How-To post on shortening jewelry chain. I have really
small wrists and most bracelets I buy are mostly too big for me. So in this
post, I will be attempting to try and explain the process of shortening jewelry
lengths.
*Disclaimer: I am not a
professional at this but this is how I shorten my jewelry. Please handle your jewelry
with care and do note that if you clamp too hard on the jewelry, it may leave
scratches. You may wish to try the procedure on cheaper jewelry first.
Below are the items you will need:
1. The
pieces of jewelry you will be working on,
2. Big pliers
for clamping,
3. Small
pliers for twisting,
4. Measuring
tape/ ruler (optional)
I’m going
to shorten my bracelet first. If
anyone is curious, the Eiffel tower bracelet is from Mini-bits. So before any
adjustments are made, the chain measures to around 7 inches.
.
.
Step 1: Notice the jump ring that connects the chain to the clasps? Google jump ring if you are unsure how it looks like. You will need to clamp down on one side of the jump ring and use small pliers to twist open the ring. I find that twisting outwards (away from your body) is easier to achieve with lesser strength.
Locate jump ring
.
.
Step 2: You may want to remove the excess chain first
before attaching the clasps back onto the chain but in this case, I am
attaching it on to test the length. Again, using same method, clamp onto one
side of the jump ring and use the small pliers to twist it back into place. 
.
.
Step 3: using the same method as you would with the
jump rings, clamp on one side of the chain you wish to remove, and twist
outwards to expand the linkage.
That is it!
It’s done! The bracelet is now around 6.2
inches long.
.
.
Now we are going to do the same for the necklace. Unlike bracelets, necklaces are a little trickier, and why so? Necklaces have to be the same length on both sides or else the necklace will turn out lopsided. The necklace below is from Nasty Gal.
Similarly,
before any adjustments, one side measures to 12 inches.
.
.
Steps 1: Firstly, locate the jump ring, then using the
same method again, clamp on one side and twist outwards, not much strength is
required. In this case the jump ring locates before the lobster clasp.
.
.
Step 2: Measure how many portions of the chain you wish to remove. In this case, I am removing 3 linkages. Remove the chain as per usual.
.
.
Step 3: Insert the jump ring removed previously into
the chain and clamp to close the openings. One side is now down.
.
.
Step 4: Measure the chain making sure that the amount
removed from one side should be the amount to be removed from the other side.
Again locate the jump ring connecting the end of the necklace to the chain. Clamp
and twist to remove the end of the necklace to the chain. 
.
.
Step 5: Remove the excess chain and connect back the
end of the necklace to the chain. Clam on one side and twist back the jump ring
to close using small pliers. The necklace is now complete! After removing the
excess chains, it measures 10 inches now. 
.
.
.
.
That's all guys! I hope this
post can help people out there who wish to adjust the lengths of their jewelry
but had no idea how to. The tools can be easily found at home, the bigger pliers
is from my Dad and the smaller one is from my brother. I hope you guys find
this beneficial even though my explanation may not be the best.
Now we do
not need to worry about bracelets slipping off our wrists again! Hope to see
you guys in my next posts! Cheers!
Love,
Anonymous
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