When it comes to customizing your gold chains, you may be wondering if one that is too long can be shortened. It’s important to know that this process will need a jeweler to do the work for you.
However, there are many other ways for you to customize your chain. We will go over some tips in this blog post on how you can change up the length of your chain or add charms.
Can You Shorten A Gold Chain?
This is a question that many people ask themselves when they are considering how to customize their chains. The answer to the question isn’t as simple as it might seem, and there are some factors that need to be considered before you do anything with your chains.
The first thing that you need to know is that it’s necessary to have your gold chain shortened by a professional jeweler.
This type of work should only be done by someone who has experience with the process, and this means shelling out some cash for their services. Also, note that they will not use actual gold in order to shorten the length of your chain. There are some other ways for you to customize your chains, but you should know that they will not be as effective in changing the length of the piece.
For instance, there is no way to shorten a gold necklace by simply clipping off links or using jump rings because it’s made with alloy metal and not pure 24k gold.
You may be able to solve this problem by wearing your pendant on a different chain or necklace, but if you want the option of shortening it for convenience then there are better alternatives.
What Can You Do With Your Too-Long Gold Chain?
If you have had your gold chains too long and don’t know what to do with them, then here are some ideas to help you out.
Add Charms Or Other Pieces
This is an effective way for you to shorten your chains while also customizing them with new looks and making them unique. You can add a charm, pendant, or even make it into a shorter bracelet.
Create A DIY Bracelet
You can also turn your gold chain into a simple bracelet by using jump rings to connect them together in order to form one long strand that you will wear on your wrist instead of around your neck. This is an excellent way for you to change up the length of your chain without spending a ton of money on going to the jeweler.
Create A Bracelet From Small Charms
If you have a lot of smaller charms and pendants, then one option for you is to string them together so that they turn into an interesting new piece. This can be easy if you are creative with how you do it, and you can make an interesting bracelet or piece of jewelry out of your collection.
Make Gold Necklaces And Bracelets
If you want to go with a different option, then one way for you to shorten the length is by making it into a gold necklace that also doubles as a bracelet. This will require some creativity on your part since there are no instructions on how to do this, but it is a great way for you to get the most out of your chains.
Is It Ok To Shorten My Gold Chain?
Shorten your gold chain if it has a clasp or safety latch. If the chain was not meant to be shortened, you may have difficulty fastening and unfastening the clasp each time. It is best to shorten chains with clasps because they are designed for easy shortening and lengthening without being too heavy on either end of the chain.
You can ask for help at your local jeweler’s store if you are having difficulty shortening the gold chains without clasps.
Otherwise, yes! It is possible to shorten most types of necklaces.
If you want to cut your gold chain short, measure the length of the new split ring before cutting it off. This will ensure that the shortened piece is not too long for a clasp to be attached securely. You can ask at your local jeweler’s store how to attach a clasp if needed.
How Much Does It Cost To Shorten A Gold Chain?
The prices for shortening a gold chain can vary depending on where you go. A reputable jeweler in the area may charge a higher amount than if you went to a less-reputable shop. The pricing will depend on how much work is needed and what materials are used when making your new length of chain or adding an extender onto the chain.
In most cases, the price of shortening a gold chain is going to cost anywhere from $50-$100 per inch that you need to be shortened. For example, if your gold necklace is 24 inches and you want it shorter by three inches then you would pay around $150 for this service. This does not take into account any additional materials that may be needed for this service.
Gold chains are not easy to shorten because the links of the chain need to remain connected in order to keep your jewelry looking nice and sturdy. This means that you will likely have additional costs associated with it depending on:
- How many inches you want to be shortened
- What materials were used (gold or gold-plated), and whether or not the jeweler uses an extender
You can also shorten your gold chain yourself if you have a sturdy pair of wire cutters. If you want to do this then ensure that you buy the appropriate tools for cutting through metal chains with ease. You can find these at any local hardware store for around $20-$30.
How To Shorten A Gold Chain Yourself
You will need wire cutters and pliers, as well as the gold chain that you would like to shorten.
The first step is going to be to measure how much of the gold chain that you want shortening and then use the wire cutters or jeweler’s snips (depending on the thickness of your gold chain) to cut the section that needs shortening.
The next step is going to be using a pair of pliers or tweezers and pulling aside any loose ends until you have an even end on either side, which will help prevent it from catching on anything while you’re wearing it.
The last step is simply connecting the two ends.
Shortening a gold chain does not take much time or effort but it is something that you should be aware of.
This way, you can ensure that no damage comes to any parts of the jewelry while trying to shorten it and save money in the process.
Conclusion
If you have a gold chain that is too long or needs to be shortened, there are several ways to do so. If the only option for shortening your current chain is by removing links, consider bringing it in to a jeweler and having them shorten it from there.
This is typically the best option because it will not damage your gold chain. If you have pliers and know what you’re doing, this can be an inexpensive way to shorten a gold chain yourself.
If the only issue with your current necklace/chain is excess length, consider simply adding on some beads or charms to cover up any of that extra chain that may be dangling or lying in a way you don’t like.