How to Untangle a Necklace Without Breaking It: Everything You Need to Know
Opening your jewellery box to find a favourite necklace in knots is one of life’s small frustrations, right up there with stepping on LEGO. Good news: with patience, the right tools, and a few gentle tricks, you can rescue even the finest chains without damage. Below is Mounir London’s brand-safe, jewellery-care-first guide on how to untangle a necklace, plus prevention tips so those knots don’t come back.
Why do necklaces tangle so easily?Necklaces (especially fine chains) tangle because links can loop and twist around themselves. Common causes:
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Before you start: work calmly and gather toolsPatience is the most important tool. Rushing can tighten knots or snap a fragile chain. Set up:
Helpful tools:
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Step-by-step: how to untangle a necklace (safe methods)1) The needle & tweezers method, best for fine chainsThis is the gentlest way to tackle most knots and is our go-to at Mounir.
2) Talcum or baby powder, non-staining lubricant for many chainsSprinkle a small amount of talcum/baby powder onto the knot; this reduces friction and helps the links slide. Work the powder in with a needle, untangle, then wash gently with mild soap and water. Good for: delicate metals and most semi-precious chains. 3) Tiny oil drops, for very tight knots (use with caution)Apply a very small drop of baby oil or olive oil with a cotton swab into the knot to lubricate it. Once loosened, wash the chain thoroughly with mild soap and water to remove oil. Important safety note: do not use oils on pearls, porous stones (turquoise, opal, some turquoise-imitation beads), or any pieces with glue-set elements, oil can stain or weaken settings. At Mounir we handle many natural pearls and delicate stones, so we avoid oil on those items. 4) Baking-soda paste, gentle cleaning + looseningA paste of baking soda and water can help loosen grime-bound knots while cleaning your chain. Apply sparingly, brush gently with a soft brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Caution: Avoid abrasive scrubbing on soft or plated metals, and do not use on gemstone pieces. |
How to untangle a very tight knot in a necklaceIf a knot is extremely tight: work under magnification (a jeweller’s loupe or bright lamp), use two pins inserted at different angles to lever the knot open gradually, and switch to powder if needed. |
How to untangle a bunch of necklaces or layered necklacesFor multiple tangled pieces, separate what you can by gently pulling one chain at a time toward the edges of your cloth. For layered necklaces that tangle while wearing, use a necklace separator / multi-clasp detangler (a small clip that anchors several chains at different lengths). Travel hack: thread each chain through a drinking straw and clasp it, the straw prevents tangling in transit. |
Special care for fine chain necklacesFine chains break easily when yanked. When you’re dealing with a very thin gold or silver chain:
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Things to avoid
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Mounir London notes on materials & safetyAt Mounir we use recycled gold, sterling silver and responsibly sourced gemstones, with most stones cut to our specifications in Jaipur, India. We also use pearls primarily sourced from China, and a small number of lab-created options (zircon and 3 mm ruby beads). Because many of our pieces use natural stones and pearls, please be mindful of the safety notes above (especially about oils and ultrasonic cleaning). If you’re unsure, contact our team, we’re happy to advise on care and safe untangling for a specific piece.MOUNIR jewellery is also now loved and worn in Australia, discover handcrafted designs that travel beautifully. |