ARVENIER
To untangle a necklace, lay it flat on a hard, light surface, undo the clasp, and use two fine pins or needles to gently loosen the knot from the outside in, never pulling the chain ends. A drop of baby oil or a little talcum powder makes the links slide. Work slowly; most knots open within a few minutes once the chain is relaxed.
What do you need?
- A flat, hard, light-coloured surface such as a plate or white paper.
- Two sewing pins, needles or straightened safety pins.
- A drop of baby oil, olive oil or a pinch of talcum powder.
- Good light, or a magnifying glass for very fine chains.
How to untangle a necklace, step by step
- Open the clasp and lay the necklace flat, spreading out every loose section.
- Find the knot and loosen the chain around it so there is no tension.
- Add a tiny drop of oil or a pinch of powder to the knot.
- Insert both pins into the centre of the knot and gently pull them apart to widen it.
- Keep loosening from different angles until loops appear, then slide the ends through.
- Once free, wash off any oil with mild soapy water and dry the chain completely.
What not to do
- Do not pull both ends of the chain; it tightens the knot.
- Do not use sharp blades, which can cut fine links.
- Avoid oil on pearls, porous stones or thread necklaces; use powder instead.
- Do not rush very fine chains; a broken link costs more than five extra minutes.
How to stop necklaces tangling
Fasten the clasp before storing each necklace, and hang chains or lay them flat in separate compartments. For travel, thread one end of a fine chain through a drinking straw and fasten the clasp outside it, or tape the chain flat on a card. Store pendants apart from each other so they do not twist together.
When a knot will not come out
If a knot is very tight in a fine chain, a jeweller can usually loosen it with specialist tools, or replace the chain. For inexpensive fashion chains, replacing the chain and keeping the pendant is often the quickest fix.
Untangling layered necklaces
When several layered chains knot together, unfasten every clasp first and lay the bundle flat. Free the longest chain first, then the next longest, so each one you remove reduces the tension on the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to untangle a necklace?
Lay it flat, add a pinch of powder or a drop of oil, and use two pins to open the knot from the centre outward.
Why do layered necklaces tangle?
Chains of similar length and weight twist around each other as you move. Vary the lengths and weights, or use a layering clasp.
Will oil damage my necklace?
A drop on metal is harmless if washed off afterwards. Avoid oil on pearls, turquoise and thread.