How To Make A Chain Longer
Written by Annabelle
April 16, 2020
Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or anklet, you might be wondering how to get it extended if it’s not at the right length for your tastes! There are a few different methods to extend your jewelry, depending on your needs. Read on to learn more about how to make a chain longer.
Three Ways To Make A Chain Longer
A jeweler can extend your chain via three methods, depending on your item. Before they proceed, they’ll take a look at your piece to determine its style and structure.
- Seamless extension: This option is only available for standard chains with definable links, such as a figaro chain or cable chain. Most chains are made out of standard jewelry materials such as sterling silver or gold at a width of 1-2 mm, and the jeweler can easily source a matching portion of chain to attach to the end of your item, extending it to your desired length. This method does not work with more intricate chains such as rope chains or byzantine chains, as the process of disassembling these chains and adding on a new portion will disrupt the chain’s pattern and potentially affect the integrity of the chain’s structure.
These bits of gold chain can be used to extend a chain that matches in style.
- Add-on extension: For chains that are very thin or incompatible with the seamless extension method, a jeweler can add on a portion of chain that does not match with the item’s existing chain. This part is added to the back next to the clasp, and is often intentionally designed to be wide-linked so that the wearer can adjust the length of the item by clipping the clasp at any point of the extension.
A sterling silver bracelet with an add-on extension.
- Custom extension: This method is used for very wide chains or elaborate pieces that have a special design. In order to extend thick chains such as curb chains or cuban chains, the jeweler may have to custom create new links and assemble them with the existing piece. They can do this by creating a 3D design based on the existing link, and 3D print out a wax mold for casting. Naturally, this is the most expensive extension option but it creates a seamless look for these unique designs.
A 3D design used to extend the length of a Cuban chain necklace.
Adjustable Chains
An evil eye bracelet with a bolo clasp.
Depending on the item, the jeweler can accommodate requests to make the chain adjustable in length if you enjoy shortening or lengthening the item on a daily basis. The easiest way to do this is by utilizing the add-on extension method, but a jeweler can also add a bolo bead and a tab to your item if the chain allows for it. This allows you to avoid opening and closing a clasp, as you only have to hold onto the bead and pull the tab to adjust the length of the item. We recommend this conversion for individuals who have a hard time using regular lobster or jump rings or suffer from arthritis.
Now you’re up to date on how to make a chain longer! If you have an item you’re looking to extend, comment below and we’ll help you out.
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35 Comments on “How To Make A Chain Longer”
Process go extensions on bolo bracelet
I have a figaro chain I need to extend by 2 inches.. What would you recommend me doing?
Hi there, keep an eye out for an email from us!
I have a 7.5in gold rope bracelet and it’s about a half inch too short. I think a full 8 inches in length would fit better. Where should I go to get it extended?
Hi Kayla, could you please reply with a few pictures?
I would like to add 2” to my Cuban link Wht would recommend
Hi There, We wouldn’t be able to add extra Cuban link chains to your necklace but we could definitely add a safety chain to give it more length. Please let us know if you’d be interested in this service! 🙂
I have a 7” 5mm 14k YG Figaro chain I need extended by an inch
Hi Dan, we’ll reach out via email with further details!
I have a rope chain 16 inch. I want it to b 18 inch
Hi There, we’ll reach out via email with further details!
I have a medium Belcher Chain i want it to 2 inches bigger.
Thank you.
That shouldn’t be a problem at all, Vini! I’ve followed up directly via email 🙂
I have a sterling silver figaro bracelet that I need lengthened, how can I go about getting it done?
Hi Christopher, we’ll reach out via email with further details.
How much would it cost to add 5 links to a 8mm curb chain 9ct
Hi Tom, we’ll reach out via email with further details!
I have a diamond tennis chain how can I extend dat a couple more inches ?
HI Zaekwon, we’ll reach out via email with further details on our chain lengthening service!
I need to extend a figaro chain
Hi Angie, we’ll reach out via email to request some photos.
What option do I have for my flat gold chain? Even an inch could help.
Thank you
It depends on the precise specs of the chain, but we should be able to help with this! I’ve followed up directly via email 🙂
I have a Cuban link necklace i recently had cut, however it’s too short now is it possible to extend if I still have the link that was cut from the original necklace?
This sounds like a snap! I’ve followed up via email with next steps 🙂
I have a solid sterling silver Cuban chain I need to extend from a 22″ to a 28″, is that possible and how much?
Totally possible, and the price will depend on the weight and design of the links. I’ve followed up directly via email for next steps 🙂
I have a hollor rope rose gold chanin with a box lock. Is there a way ti prolog it?
Hi Grete, Happy to help! We’ve reached out via email with further details.
I’d like to add 1/2 inch to a 3 strand gold chain bracelet, can you help?
Hi, Kim! This is definitely right up our alley. I sent you an email that has all the information we need to assist you further. 🙂
i Have a 22 inch 8mm 24 kt gold solid cuban chain I have badly wanted to find a way to lengthen into 30 inches, no more, I think would do it so that I can stack it correctly with another chain I wear with a medium sized pendant worn on it. I love the chain and it was made by the team over at Daniels Jewlery and co who specialize in makin cuban chains. I am going to call them as well but am afraid they would just tell me to scrap what I have and go for a 30 inch 🙁 Too much money in the end for me to justify paying even for this poor mistake I made in haste some time ago in sizing, wanting a pendent, being able to stack and how, etc.
Is is possibl you could extend the length of my cuban chain to 30 inches maximum? I can send you a photo of it for refference of course, anything you need. Just the thought that this CAN be done has given me so much hope and thank you for the article explaining the process a bit to me.
One question, would the extra links be made by computer to ensure that they look like, and can I expect the same or similar fit w/o kinks and quality for the extended areas? Are there any risks or possible risks to this tat I should know about. Thanks for all of the info!
Hi Holden, Happy to help! We’ve reached out via email with further details.
I’ve got a silver chain curb 20″long and grams 211 I need it at least 2″ longer any help
Hi Lee! Thanks for the comment! We reached out via email to help you with your chain 😀