Learn How to Make Necklace Extenders with Your Necklace

When I design a new necklace, I make it to my preferred length, just like the majority of you. Because the focal bead rests just perfectly above my “Great Plains,” I love 16″ necklaces. However, if I’m making a necklace as a present or to teach, I want to make sure that it can be worn by women of all shapes and sizes, so I’ve included four terrific necklace extender options below. The Great Plains are not for everyone. Actually, the majority of the women I hang out with are of the Grand Teton sort. So I normally construct my necklaces in such a way that they may be readily expanded, either by the one who makes it or by the person who receives it.

Ways to Make Your Own Necklace Extenders:

Simply extend the strap or rope design to your desired length with the same or a different type of beaded strap if you’re creating a brad woven necklace. If the rope is too simple, add some beads or ornaments to make it more interesting. To see what I’m talking about, look at stitched necklaces like Lisa Kan’s Autumn Bouquet and Jennifer Van Benschoten’s Back to Byzantium. See how easy these could be made longer at the ends?

Autumn bouquet necklace has a lot of beadwork in it and can be used as a necklace extender if desired.
Autumn Bouquet necklace by Lisa Kan.
Returning to the project of producing Byzantium necklaces.
Back to Byzantium by Jennifer Van Benschoten.

Make your own necklace extenders by adding string extensions to your DIY necklaces.

You may easily transition from stitched beading to strung beads, as seen in my example. Simply use a small length of flexible beading wire to crimp one end of one strap, string enough beads to reach the back center of your neck, and crimp on half of the clasp. Rep the process on the other side, and you’re done.
Connect the extender chain.
As I’ve done with my extenders Necklace, this is the simplest way to lengthen a necklace. Simply add a lobster clasp to one end of the strap and a chain to the other. Hang a small dangle at the end of the chain that integrates a bead from the main necklace for added interest. You can also see this technique in Delicious Donutsby Julia Zaccaria and From the East by Lindsay Burke.

Use a detachable extension.

As an extension, wear a bracelet with the same clasp and beads as your necklace. Simply connect the bracelet clasp ends to the necklace clasp ends, and you’re done! That’s an extra 7 inches of length. This theme works well with necklace/bracelet sets like Anne Timmons’ Freshwater Pearl Bridal Set and Katie Hacker’s Great Lengths Necklace and Bracelet.

A detachable extender is included in this freshwater pearl bridal set necklace.
Freshwater Pearl Bridal Set by Anne Timmons
To extend the length of the Great Lengths Necklace, a detachable extender is used.
Great Lengths Necklace and Bracelet by Katie Hacker
Do you have any other suggestions for necklace extenders, or for shortening them? Please post them in the comments section!

How to make a chain longer?

Getting the length of a chain properly, especially on behalf of someone else, can be difficult. You must consider not only the size of the neck it will be worn around, but also the size of the pendant it will be worn with. In addition to its strength, style, metal, and placement on the body. So, what should you do if you’re unsure or, even worse, if you’ve already bought the wrong length? The first thing you need do is purchase an Extendable Chain.

What is a Chain That Can Be Extendable?

A jump ring positioned two inches into the overall length of this chain allows you to wear it in two distinct positions..

The extra 2″ merely hangs down vertically at the back of the neck when not in use. As a result, a beautiful feature is created, which can also be personalized with a small charm or tag.

Curb extendable chain in sterling silver with a diamond cut.
A curb chain is an excellent general choice for a chain because it has a beautiful, clean line as well as strength and simplicity, allowing even the tiniest of pendant bails to move easily along it. The diamond cut style gives a touch of glitz and shine, transforming it to something more spectacular.

If you have a favorite chain that could be a little longer, the solution is to get an extension or extender chain. A jump ring is a short length of chain, usually between 4 and 8 cm, that can be joined to any existing chain. As a result, the entire measurement increases, offering you more possibilities.