Benefits of Extender Chains

by Judy Larson

Toggle clasps are so much easier to use on necklaces and bracelets for those of us with dexterity issues. However, they have some drawbacks. They are not super secure because no matter how long the T-bar is, it can sometimes slip out of the O-ring. Also, they are not adjustable, so if I want to gift a bracelet or necklace to someone that does not live near me, there is no way to make it a perfect fit.

Options for custom fit, because not everyone is the same size, are important. The turquoise and leather cord wrap bracelet has three button length options for a custom fit. The Viking knit bracelet sports a 1¼" extender with 7 links for even more of a custom fit. With bracelets, a 1½" extender chain can usually fit wrists from a size small to a size large.

Judy Larson's Benefits of Extender Chains - , General Education, Design, , benefits of extender chains

As we age, we like to not emphasize our necks, so some of our most loved necklaces are no longer worn. Adding an extender chain the necklaces can lengthen them enough so they do not draw as much attention the neck area as they used to. The length of a necklace extender chain is really personal preference. On some necklaces, I add 2" extenders, and on others, it is 3" long. Some people use bracelet chains as extenders to add even more length. Necklaces are then long enough to wear over heavy sweaters in the winter.

Sometimes the main chain is extended and used as an extender. In this Four Seasons Bracelet, the last two links make three different size bracelets. The link connecting loop on each link is large enough for the lobster claw, which swivels so will lie flat against the wrist no matter where it connects on the chain.

Extender chains can benefit from the addition of a small decorative charm or beads (see the above bracelet) on the end to give it a more finished designer look. Of course, sometimes adding something to the end of the extender chain might detract from an element added close to it, such as the large heart charm on the brass Viking knit bracelet. Also, when the extender chain is large enough, as with the Viking knit bracelet, it is a decorative element on its own.

Materials

Gold Filled Cable Chain 10.5mm - 10 Feet

C4-127U

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $218.40
Gold Club Price: $163.80

Add to Bag

Add All Items to Cart

Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5

G15-20

G15-20
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $170.72
Gold Club Price: $128.04

Add to Bag

Add All Items to Cart

Category: General Education
Technique(s): Design, General Education

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!