Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or anklet, you may be wondering how to expand it if the length isn’t quite right? The majority of chains are made of conventional jewelry materials such as sterling silver or gold and have a width of 1-2 mm. The jeweler may easily locate a matching length of chain to attach to the end of your item, extending it to the appropriate length. These shards of gold chains can be utilized to extend a matching chain. There are various ways to prolong your jewelry based on your specific requirements. Continue reading to learn how to lengthen a chain.
How To Make A Gold Chain Longer
Depending on the item, a jeweler can extend your chain in one of three ways. Prior to proceeding, they will examine your piece to ascertain its style and structure.
Seamless Extension
This option is accessible only on basic chains with specified links, such as a Figaro chain or cable chain. The majority of chains are made of common jewelry materials such as sterling silver or gold. The jeweler may easily locate a matching section of chain to attach to the end of your item, extending it to the appropriate length. This method is ineffective with more sophisticated chains, such as rope chains or byzantine chains, because deconstructing these chains and inserting a new piece disrupts the chain’s pattern and may compromise the chain’s structural integrity.
Add-on extension
For extremely thin chains or incompatible with the seamless extension method, a jeweler can add a chain section that does not match the item’s existing chain. This section is attached to the back adjacent to the clasp. It is frequently purposefully wide-linked to allow the wearer to modify the item’s length by fastening the clasp at any point along with the extension.
Custom Extension
This approach is utilized for extremely wide chains or intricate pieces with a unique pattern. To expand thick chains such as curb chains or Cuban chains, the jeweler may need to produce new links custom-made for the piece and assemble them with the present piece. They can accomplish this by 3D printing a wax mold based on the current link. Naturally, this is the most expensive extension option, but it provides the most seamless appearance for these one-of-a-kind designs.
Standard Necklace Chain Lengths
There are six main necklace lengths that you can consider if you are looking for the right necklace length for you.
Collar Length
The measurement of this necklace chain is between 12 to 13 inches or 30 to 33 centimeters. This length of chain is usually worn tight to the neck. Collars are the shortest chains. This sort of necklace is worn snugly around the neck and can be fashioned of a variety of materials, including fabric (with lace and velvet are the most popular options). Unlike longer necklaces, a collar will not shift from its location on the neck due to its snug fit.
Choker Length
Choker length is 14 to 16 inches or 36 to 41 centimeters. It is placed on the base of the neck. Choker chains are a timeless and extremely popular necklace length because they are universally flattering and adaptable. A traditional pearl choker will sit just above the collarbones, at the base of the neck, and will measure between 14 and 16 inches in length. Chokers can be worn for a variety of events and are equally at home with daytime and evening ensembles. These chains are 14 to 16 inches or 36 to 41 centimeters.
Princess Length
The princess is a popular necklace length. This style of necklace is approximately 18 inches in length and is designed to sit at or just below the collar bone. Due to its adaptable length, this neck piece complements a variety of women’s outfits, from button-up shirts to evening dresses. Princess length is 17 to 18 inches or 43 to 46 centimeters.
Matinee Length
The matinee necklace is appropriate for both casual and formal occasions. It is a favorite when stacking necklaces of varying lengths. Typically falling 2-4 inches below the collarbone and above the bust, it is a favorite for layering necklaces of varying lengths. Evening gowns with plunging necklines, particularly wedding gowns, are also an excellent fit for a matinee-length necklace (20 to 24 inches or 51 to 61 centimeters).
Opera Length
Opera length necklaces fall slightly below or on the lower portion of the bust, depending on your body shape and height. Often worn twice around the neck, this necklace length is ideal for layering and is also appropriate for formalwear. The Opera length is 28 to 36 inches or 71 to 91 centimeters.
Rope Length
Rope-length necklaces are the longest available on the market. It is 36 to 51 inches long or 91 to 130 centimeters. Rope necklaces are quite versatile, as they may be worn in a variety of ways: wrapped many times around the neck, tied in a lariat-style or extra-long to the waist, alone or layered with various pendants and necklaces.
How To Measure Necklace Chain Length?
When shopping for necklaces, it is critical to choose the correct length – and to do so, you must have a firm grasp on what those numbers imply, where the necklaces will be worn, and which necklines they will complement. The following is a short three-step procedure to determine the necklace’s length.
Create a ‘false necklace’.
If you’re considering purchasing a necklace online and want to get a sense of how it will look, cut a piece of string the same length. To do so, lay the string flat on a table and indicate the desired length, then cut. Wrap the thread around your neck and check the necklace’s positioning.
Experiment with chain or string to see what works best.
If you’re looking for a different necklace from what’s in your jewelry box or are shopping for a particular neckline, experiment in the mirror with a simple long chain or string until you find the most attractive length. Mark and measure your chain or string – then go shopping!
Compare the length to an existing necklace.
If you’re considering shopping for a necklace online, take a measurement of a similar necklace at home — for example, a matinee necklace that measures 24 inches in length. Take note of its placement and compare it to the piece you’re considering to get a sense of how your next buyer will seem.
What To Consider When Choosing The Right Necklace Chain Length?
A well-chosen necklace can truly transform an ensemble and serve as the main point of a woman’s physique. It is consequently critical to analyze how the necklace’s length compliments your body. It is critical to consider your neck, your height, your body type, and your facial shape while choosing the appropriate chain length for your necklace.
Neck Measurement
Measure your neck, if feasible, before purchasing any necklace, but especially a choker. The simplest method for measuring your neck is to gently wrap a soft measuring tape tightly around your neck. Add two inches to your neck measurement to create a comfortable length for chokers, which are typically 16 inches in length; add four inches to create an ideal length for a pendant or name necklace, which is often affixed to an 18-inch chain for women. Chokers work best for persons with long necks, while those with short necks are better off avoiding them.
Height
Your height is another consideration when selecting the ideal necklace chain to complement your body type. Necklace lengths of 16 to 20 inches look best on women under 5’4″. A lengthy necklace tends to overpower a petite frame. Women who are between the heights of 5’4″ and 5’7″ can wear any length necklace. Women 5’7″ or taller may wear any length necklace. Necklaces with longer chains look better on taller ladies since they enhance a tall frame.
Physical Characteristics
In terms of necklaces, keep in mind that people’s eyes will halt at the point where your necklace stops, so avoid necklaces that end there if you don’t want them to. A long thin chain or a long layered chain would look fantastic on women with smaller busts. Necklaces that are longer than the breast line should be avoided by full-figured women, as they will not hang appropriately. Rather than that, opt for a necklace that sits somewhat higher on the body, such as one that is 18 to 22 inches.
The shape of the Face
Apart from being an adornment, necklaces also serve to frame the face. As with body type, a necklace can help you emphasize your most prominent facial features and affect how others view your face.
Conclusion
To conclude, chains are one of the daily dainty pieces of jewelry that you can wear every day. It is important to know the size of the chain that best fits you. If you bought a chain that is shorter than the length you prefer, you can choose to buy extenders and extend your chain to your desired length. If you do not have experience in putting extenders to your necklace chain, you can choose to visit a professional jeweler to extend the necklace chain for you.