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by Jesús Zabala - 4 min read

How to Turn a Necklace Into a Bracelet

Transforming a necklace into a bracelet offers a creative way to repurpose jewelry and refresh your accessories collection. Whether you’re seeking a new look or have a cherished piece that deserves a new life, learning how to turn a necklace into a bracelet can be both practical and rewarding. 

By following a few simple steps, you can seamlessly adapt the length and style of your necklace to suit your wrist, ensuring a unique and personalized piece that reflects your individual taste and style. Discover the art of jewelry transformation and unlock the potential of your favorite necklaces with this guide.

How to Turn a Necklace Into a Bracelet

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: BadLui

How to Turn a Necklace Into a Bracelet?

To transform a necklace into a bracelet, you should first choose the right necklace type made with flexible links that don’t pinch or irritate your skin and sit comfortably on your wrist.

Opt for necklaces with easy-to-use clasps like lobster claw or toggle closures, which can be securely fastened around the wrist. Another factor to pay attention to is the length. A necklace between 16 to 18 inches works well for wrapping around an average wrist two to three times, creating a layered bracelet effect.

Finally, we advise you to choose necklaces with versatile designs, such as chain links, that can seamlessly transition into a bracelet. Avoid necklaces with large pendants that may look uncomfortable on the wrist.

When choosing the necklace material, make sure that there are no sharp edges that could scratch or irritate the skin. Smooth, rounded links and beads are best for comfort. 

Finally, we advise you to choose durable materials that can withstand frequent handling and bending. Metals like sterling silver, stainless steel, or well-crafted leather are excellent choices for durability.

Measuring and preparing

First, measure your wrist. Use a soft measuring tape, like the one you would use for sewing. Ensure the tape sits comfortably, not too tight or loose. Note down the measurement.

Now, you should determine the bracelet length. Bracelets typically measure 7-8 inches for women and 8-9 inches for men. Add about half an inch to your wrist measurement to make the bracelet sit comfortably on the wrist. This final measurement is the correct length of your bracelet.

To measure the necklace, lay the necklace flat and measure its length. If the necklace is significantly longer than your desired bracelet length, you will need to remove some links or sections. At this point, you should decide where you want to make the cuts. Use a permanent marker to mark the points on the necklace where you will separate the sections. Ensure the marked points are symmetrically spaced to keep the design.

Reconfiguring the necklace

To reconfigure the necklace, you have to gather specific tools and supplies. To turn a necklace into a bracelet, make sure you have jewelry pliers, jump rings, and a clasp if the necklace is not suitable for a bracelet at hand. If your necklace has a lobster clasp, you can reuse it. Otherwise, you will need to buy a suitable clasp for bracelets.

The next step involves disassembling the necklace with the jewelry pliers. This tool will help you open the jump rings at the marked points and remove the extra length.

Remember that if the necklace has beads or decorative elements, you may need to restring them. For that purpose, you must use jewelry wire or a stringing material matching the original necklace. Measure and cut the wire to the desired length, allowing the length to attach the clasp.

If you are using new jump rings, thread one through the end link of the necklace section and close it securely with pliers. If reusing the original clasp, reattach it to the new ends of the bracelet.

Finally, try on the bracelet to make sure it fits comfortably.

How Do You Twist a Necklace Into a Bracelet

To twist a necklace into a bracelet, start by wrapping the necklace around your wrist several times and make sure it fits snugly but comfortably. If the necklace is too long, twist it into a figure-eight shape before wrapping it around your wrist to shorten it. Secure the ends together by fastening the clasp. If the necklace does not have a clasp or is too long even after twisting, you can use a small elastic band or a decorative clip to hold the ends in place.

Another bracelet trick is to weave the necklace through a stretchy bracelet, combining the two pieces. This method works best with beaded or chain necklaces. Adjust the placement of the necklace on your wrist for comfort and style, ensuring it does not slide off or pinch your skin.

How Do You Twist a Necklace Into a Bracelet

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: feedbackstudio

How to Make an Anklet Out of a Necklace

To make an anklet out of a necklace, follow these steps:

  • Measure your ankle - wrap the necklace around your ankle to determine the desired length. Mark where the necklace needs to be adjusted.
  • Adjust the length - if the necklace is too long, you can clip off the excess chain with pliers or create a short loop.
  • Secure the ends - if you had to cut the necklace, attach a new clasp or use a small elastic band to secure the ends together. For necklaces with a built-in clasp, fasten it.
  • Check the fit and decorations (optional) - make sure the anklet fits comfortably, not too tight or loose. At the end, you can add charms or beads if you want.
  • Conclusion

    If these tips have helped you learn how to turn a necklace into a bracelet, gather the necessary tools, choose the right necklace type and material, and get started. When searching for the right necklace, remember that it has to sit comfortably on your wrist without any sharp edges that may irritate the skin.

    Or if you’ve been influenced by the mass public and their DIY methods, you could always go with the twist-the-necklace method.

    Jesús  is the founder and designer of JewelryLab. He is the Head of Design and also oversees production, quality control, and precious metal sourcing.

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