How to Untangle a Necklace

By Alisha Hitchcock

There’s nothing more disheartening than finding your favourite necklace in a tangled mess. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and enough to make anyone consider giving up on the piece entirely! But don’t worry. At Bloom Boutique, we’ve handled our fair share of tricky knots and delicate chains. With some simple tools and a little patience, we can help you untangle even the most stubborn necklaces.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to untangle necklaces, offer tips for handling multiple tangled pieces, and share household hacks to prevent future tangles.

How Do You Untangle a Necklace?

Lay your necklace flat on a clean, smooth surface. A light-coloured cloth or towel helps knots appear more visible and prevents the necklace from slipping around.
Use a small amount of baby oil, olive oil, or dish soap to loosen the knots. Apply with a cotton swab or fingertips, ensuring the lubricant only touches the tangled area to avoid residue on the rest of the necklace.
Using a fine tool like a needle, safety pin, or tweezers, gently loosen the knots. Take your time to avoid pulling too hard, which could tighten the tangles or damage the chain.
Once the knots are loose, carefully pull the ends of the necklace apart. Be patient and deliberate to avoid creating new tangles.

Can You Use Household Items to Untangle a Necklace?

Believe us, you don’t need fancy tools to untangle your jewellery. Many common household items can work wonders:

Baby Powder: Reduces friction and helps chains slide apart, ideal for non-precious metals.
Mild Soap: Mix with water to loosen knots, especially useful for delicate or precious metals.
Plastic Wrap: Stabilises the necklace while working on knots, preventing further tangling.
Toothpicks and Tweezers: Perfect for tight grooves and stubborn knots, allowing you to work carefully.

What's the Best Way to Get a Knot Out of a Necklace?

If you’re dealing with several tangled necklaces, it can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s manageable.

Tips for Untangling Knots in Multiple Necklaces:

Separate the strands first: Identify where one necklace ends and another begins to minimise confusion and prevent further tangling.
Work on one necklace at a time: Focus on untangling one piece before moving on to the next.
Lubricate the knots: Apply a small amount of baby oil or soap to each knot to make the chains slide apart more easily.

How Do You Prevent Necklaces From Tangling?

After taking the time to untangle your necklace, you’ll want to avoid repeating the process. Here are some tips to keep your jewellery tangle-free:

Fasten clasps before storing: Minimises loose ends that can knot.
Store necklaces individually: Use a jewellery organiser or hang them on hooks. An enclosed organiser helps prevent tarnishing.
Hang necklaces on hooks: Try the back of a wardrobe door or as a decorative wall feature.
Use jewellery trees carefully: Ensure they’re in stable locations to avoid necklaces falling into a tangled pile.
Wrap necklaces when travelling: Use tissue paper, plastic wrap, or small ziplock bags, fastening the clasp on the outside.
Thread necklaces through straws: Slide the chain through a plastic straw and secure the clasp on the other side.
Invest in a travel jewellery case: These are a more luxurious option for frequent travellers and provide excellent organisation.

FAQ

Yes, you can untangle a necklace without tools. Use your fingers to gently work through the knots. For tighter tangles, a needle or safety pin can help. Take your time to avoid damaging the chain.

Store necklaces individually to avoid tangling. Use hooks, jewellery boxes with compartments, or thread chains through straws.

When travelling, wrap necklaces in tissue paper or use ziplock bags with the clasp secured outside. This keeps them organised and tangle-free.

Yes, many jewellers offer necklace untangling services, usually for a fee. Consult a local jewellery repair shop for help with delicate or valuable pieces.

We know how much your jewellery means to you, whether it’s an everyday favourite or a cherished gift with sentimental value. With these simple tips, you’ll never have to throw out a tangled necklace again.

At Bloom Boutique, we’re here to help you care for your jewellery so it remains as beautiful as the memories it represents.