How to Untangle a Necklace (and Stop Chains Tangling)

Short answer: lay the necklace flat on a light surface, open the clasp, and gently loosen the knot from the centre outwards using two fine pins or needles. Work slowly and never pull the ends. A light dusting of baby powder or cornflour can help stubborn knots slide apart. To stop it happening again, fasten the clasp before storing, keep each chain separate, and lay or hang necklaces rather than piling them together.

What you'll need

A flat, light-coloured surface such as a white plate, tray or sheet of paper
Two fine sewing pins, safety pins or needles
Good light (a phone torch helps)
Optional: a pinch of baby powder or cornflour

How to untangle a necklace, step by step

1. Lay it flat and open the clasp

Open the clasp and spread the necklace flat so you can see where the knot is. A light background makes fine chains much easier to see. Don't pull on the ends: tension tightens the knot.

2. Loosen the knot from the centre

Push the tip of a pin into the centre of the knot and gently wiggle it to open a small gap. Insert the second pin and slowly move them apart. As the knot loosens, keep working from the centre outwards.

3. Free the strands one at a time

Once the knot is loose, follow one strand at a time and guide the ends back through the loops. Keep the chain flat on the surface as you work, so you don't create new tangles.

4. For stubborn knots, add a little powder

Sprinkle a small pinch of baby powder or cornflour onto the knot to reduce friction, then repeat the pin method. Afterwards, brush the powder away with a soft, dry brush or cloth. Keep powder away from pearls and porous stones such as turquoise.

5. Be gentle with layered and fine chains

Very fine chains can kink or snap if forced. If a knot won't move after several careful attempts, take a break and come back to it, or ask a jeweller to help.

What to avoid

Pulling the ends: it tightens the knot and can break fine chains.
Oil on plated or pearl jewellery: oils can leave residue on plating and damage pearls and porous stones.
Sharp tools near stones: keep pins away from pearls, crystals and enamel to avoid scratches.

How to stop necklaces tangling

Fasten the clasp before storing

A fastened necklace is far less likely to twist around itself or other pieces.

Store each necklace separately

Lay necklaces flat in their own compartments, hang them on hooks, or keep each one in a small pouch. Piling chains together in a dish is the fastest way to tangle them.

Use a jewellery roll for travel

A jewellery roll keeps chains apart in your bag. Read our tips on travelling with jewellery.

Try the straw trick for fine chains

Thread one end of a fine chain through a drinking straw and fasten the clasp around the outside. The chain stays straight and tangle-free in a drawer or bag.

Layering without the tangle

When you layer necklaces, choose different lengths spaced a few centimetres apart and mix chain weights, so each one sits in its own place. Our guides on how to layer necklaces and necklace lengths explain how. A pre-layered necklace is another easy option, because its chains are designed to sit at set lengths together.

Shop the guide

Layered looks, ready to wear

Elara Layered Crystal NecklaceA$109Shop now

Polaris Heart Layered NecklaceA$129Shop now

Aurora Equestrian Pearl Layered NecklaceA$119Shop now

Travel Jewellery RollFrom A$29Shop now

Free shipping and a complimentary Travel Jewellery Roll on orders over A$75.

Frequently asked questions

What's the fastest way to untangle a necklace?

Lay it flat, open the clasp and use two fine pins to loosen the knot from the centre. Patience is faster than pulling, which only tightens the knot.

Can I use oil to untangle a necklace?

We don't recommend oil for plated jewellery, pearls or porous stones, as it can leave residue or cause damage. Try the pin method first, with a little powder for stubborn knots.