How to Untangle a Necklace Easily, According to the Pros
Follow these easy steps to untangle your necklace—and prevent future knots.
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We’ve all been there—excited to wear a necklace that’s the perfect accessory for your outfit, only to discover the chain is knotted or tangled up with a bunch of other necklaces. It’s so frustrating, but it can happen to all jewelry lovers. Here, we break down how to untangle a necklace—with a few easy methods—plus expert tips for preventing tangled necklaces in the future.
Meet the Expert
George "George The Jeweler" Khalife is a Detroit-based celebrity jeweler known for his work with the Kardashians.
How to Untangle a Necklace
Though frustrating, untangling a necklace is sometimes necessary to avoid damaging your jewelry. “Untangling chains can be a big headache,” says celebrity jeweler George “George The Jeweler” Khalife.
However, once the chain is untangled, the payoff is big. “Believe it or not, it's one of my favorite things to do because it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction when they're finally untangled,” Khalife says. Here are a few methods you can try.
Use a Needle or Pin
What You'll Need
Flat surface
Sewing needle, safety pin, or small sharp object of similar size
Tweezers
Lay the chain down on a flat, hard surface, such as a kitchen counter, desk, or dining table.
Locate the center of the knot and start tapping with the pin or needle. Tap in between the chain and the actual knot itself, not directly on the chain.
Repeat this process using light to moderate force, being careful not to break or damage the chain. You will start to see the knot shift and loosen. Continue tapping.
Once you have loosened the knot enough to get the tweezers in, switch to using them to further open the knot until you can undo it.
If the knot is stubborn, resist the urge to break it. Keep tapping and consider finding a sharper pin if necessary.
Tip
Be gentle when removing knots and tangles from your necklace or chain. Regardless of the method used, you want to avoid breaking your jewelry piece.
Coat With Baby Oil
What You'll Need
Flat surface
Cotton swab
Baby oil
Sewing needle (optional)
Warm water
Soap
Lay your chain or necklace on a hard, flat surface.
Soak the cotton swab with baby oil and dab it onto the chain's knot.
Massage and rub the oiled knot with your fingers to loosen it up. You may need the help of a needle if the knot is stubborn.
Once you've untangled the necklace, wash off the oil with warm, soapy water.
Cover in Baby Powder
What You'll Need
Flat surface
Baby powder
Sewing needle (optional)
Warm water
Soap
After laying your necklace on a flat surface, sprinkle it with baby powder. You'll want to coat the entire chain, not just the knot.
Loosen the knot with your fingers by gently rubbing it. Work from the middle out.
If necessary, use a needle to help separate the knot.
Add more baby powder as needed and continue working the knot with your fingers.
Once you've untangled the necklace, clean and rinse it with warm, soapy water.
Apply a Glass Cleaner
What You'll Need
Glass cleaner (like Windex)
Cotton swab
Small plastic container
Washing machine or dryer
Warm water
Soap
Dab or spray glass cleaner onto a cotton swab.
Gently apply the cleaner to the knot.
Place your necklace in the container and seal it tightly.
Put the container on top of your washing machine, dryer, or something else in the house that vibrates. The vibrating motion will help loosen the knot.
Remove the chain from the container. Continue to loosen the knot by rubbing between your fingers and untangling it from the center outward.
Once completely untangled, rinse your necklace clean with soapy water.
Try Tweezers
What You'll Need
Flat surface
Bright light
Tweezers (like eyebrow-plucking tweezers)
Lay your necklace on a hard, flat surface underneath a bright light. You want to be sure you can see clearly as you work.
Use the tweezers—very carefully and gently—to loosen the knot and remove its knotted layers. Be careful not to cut or break your chain accidentally.
When the knot has loosened significantly, continue untangling the necklace with your fingers.
How to Untangle Multiple Necklaces at One Time
What You'll Need
Flat surface
Sewing needle, safety pin, or small sharp object of similar size
Tweezers
Unclasp all the chains.
On a hard surface, use the same tapping method as with one necklace starting with the bigger knots first.
Tap with your pin to loosen the knots, and use the tweezers to open the knot and comb from the knot outwards to pull it out. Treat the chains like you would treat your hair (remember not to apply too much force as chains are delicate).
If you are still struggling, try focusing on one chain at a time, starting with the easier one to untangle. Then move on to the next.
Tip
If all else fails, and you have tried to untangle your necklace or multiple chains with various methods, or have been at it for a while, take the necklace to your local jeweler for assistance. This way, you don't damage the chains.
Preventing Necklace Tangles When Storing Jewelry
It's important to properly store your necklaces to help prevent knots and tangles from occurring in the first place. Here are a few tips for storing jewelry that will avoid tangled chains.
Keep thinner, dainty chains separate, especially if they are different types of chains. Chains are more likely to tangle up due to weight differences.
Take the pendants off chains when storing them.
Store necklaces in the box they came in or in small plastic jewelry bags (amazon.com).
Don’t close the whole necklace in the bag. Instead, leave the clasp hanging outside of the bag before sealing it. This prevents knots and tangles from forming if the clasp is heavier than the chain.
Consider using a jewelry box with hooks so you can hang necklaces individually.
When traveling, don't pile all your necklaces into a bag or pouch. Use a travel jewelry case with divisions for necklaces.
Related: How to Clean Jewelry So It Shines Like New
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