I’m working on a different post coming soon featuring a few of my favorite handmade jewelry shops (after hearing your feedback on IG!), but in this post I wanted to share a few jewelry hacks and gadgets that I’ve found to be very useful!
1. Multi-Strand Clasp for Layering Necklaces
If you tend to layer the same few necklaces together each time, a multi-strand clasp allows you to attach individual necklaces to the same clasp, and helps a little with preventing tangling! There’s a couple options on Amazon but since the reviews were mixed, I ordered this one from Etsy which arrived quickly:
- Nami layer necklace clasp – available in either sterling silver or 14k gold filled (“gold filled” lasts longer through wear & tear than “gold plated”) with either 2 or 3 rings. Mine is the 6mm size with 3 rings. The two pieces on this large clasp slide on and off.
2. Magnetic Jewelry Clasps
I have a little trouble with tiny bracelet and necklace clasps, so magnetic attachments have been amazing!
Note that magnet clasps add approximately 1 inch to your jewelry chain length, which can make some bracelets too loose. So when I order custom sized chain bracelets these days, I factor that in and order a shorter length.
- Indented clasps: The circular magnetic clasps pictured below just sold out, but they’re from this listing and will be there again when restocked. I ordered them since they have a small indentation in the center to keep the magnets securely attached. They’re perfect for necklaces but take a little maneuvering to remove with one hand on a bracelet (I can do it fine after some practice, but just FYI).
- Pull apart clasps: pull-apart style magnetic clasps from Amazon (available in gold filled, sterling silver or silver plated) that I ordered for my bracelets.
- For heavier or chunkier necklaces: “strong” & “very strong” magnetic clasps on Etsy that are handmade in the US specifically for heavier jewelry. Note the seller doesn’t recommend these for delicate jewelry.
3. Ring Re-sizer
- Amazon re-sizers: I got these after almost losing a slightly loose ring down the drain! These are easy to attach and remove, and work well for making a ring about half a size smaller up to maybe 1 size smaller (won’t work for dramatic re-sizings). The $5.99 pack comes with 4 pieces of “tubing” in two different widths for various rings.
- Adding metal beads: Once our quarantine days are over, you can also have a jeweler add two small metal beads to the inside bottom of a ring band like I have on my engagement ring. This is great if you want a seamless look from the outside but don’t want to commit to a permanent re-sizing.
4. Necklace Extenders
I’ve previously mentioned necklace extenders in my post on useful style solutions for accessories but wanted to share a few more options. The magnetic clasps mentioned above serve as 1 inch chain extender, but sometimes I want to convert a choker or short necklace to a longer one for layering, and need a little more length.
- These 14k gold filled necklace extenders are made in NYC, and come in pack of 3 lengths.
- This Gorjana necklace extender is 40% off, along with most Gorjana items on Nordstrom!
Other DIY Jewelry Hacks
In addition to the gadgets above that I find helpful, here are a few DIY hacks using items you provably have around the house!
- Temporarily shorten a necklace: using a mini paperclip between the chain links, or a small clear elastic to be hidden under your hair.
- Maintain the color of inexpensive costume jewelry: apply a coat of clear nail polish, which serves as a barrier from wear and moisture to help prevent quick tarnishing.
- Store delicate chains through straws: Back during our traveling days, this was a nifty little hack to keep delicate necklaces separate and untangled in my suitcase.
Do you have any tips or gadgets you love for your jewelry?
