How to Get a Knot Out of a Necklace | GLDN

Written by GLDN Team — August 16, 2024

Why do necklaces tangle so easily?

Because they’re ✨cursed✨! JK, of course—so many factors contribute to tangled necklaces that you might have never thought about. Movement (like exercise) is a big one, but so is wearing multiple necklaces, your necklaces rubbing against your clothing, and improperly storing your necklaces (we’re looking at you, ones who toss your necklaces in a jewelry box!).

What about layered necklaces?

We all love a good necklace stack, but sometimes they can be a total headache—especially when you layer multiple necklaces of the same length, chain type or thickness. To prevent tangles, we recommend doing the opposite: choosing chains of varying lengths, chain types, thicknesses and textures.

Techniques to remove necklace knots

Before you begin, set the scene with a song: possibly Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up In Blue,” or anything by Slipknot.

Use a pin

…or an earring back, tiny screwdriver or needle (just be careful, and use a thumbtack!). First, grab your untangler of choice, and insert it directly into the center of the knot. From there, slowly wiggle your pin back and forth until you see the chains slowly start to loosen. You don’t want to pull too hard with the pin—this might make the knot even tighter, or break a dainty chain—but use it to gently unravel them. Once the knot starts to give, you can use your fingers to remove the knot fully.

Use baby powder

If the pin itself isn’t doing the trick, add baby powder to the mix. It’s actually a lubricant that can help loosen up your necklace knots! To do this, lay your necklace on a flat surface and sprinkle a lot of baby powder over it; you want to coat the entire necklace. From there, use your pin (or your hands) to gently pull apart your necklace knot until you can see how to untangle it fully.

With this method, you want to be sure to rinse the baby powder off your jewelry completely once you’re finished (with warm water and gentle soap) and dry it fully before putting it back on or back in your jewelry box.

Use oil

No baby powder? No problem. Use some olive oil or a baby oil product and repeat the same steps we mentioned above! Dip a cotton swab into the oil, dab onto your necklace and work the oil into the knot until the chains start to loosen. Be sure to rinse the oil off your jewelry once you’re finished with this method, too, using warm water and gentle soap, then dry completely.

Pieces shown (from top to bottom): Faun Chain, Innoko Chain, Bold Paperclip Chain

How to prevent tangled necklaces

Chain choices

In general, chunkier chains are less susceptible to knots than dainty chains are—it’s just a fact of life. So if you really, really don’t want to deal with untangling necklaces, opt for a statement chain (especially if you plan on wearing it daily or sleeping in it) and layer that with other chains of varying size and length.

These chains almost never tangle (it’s just the way they’re designed!):

Proper home storage

Still tossing your necklaces in a dish or jewelry box? It’s time to upgrade your jewelry storage. Even carefully laying your necklaces flat or using jewelry boxes with drawers is still asking for trouble. Seriously, sometimes necklaces have minds of their own and will tangle when you least expect it. So don’t give them the opportunity to. 😉

For necklaces and chains, we always recommend hanging them on necklace hooks, or securing them safely in a jewelry case with dedicated chain storage! Shameless plug: our Signature Jewelry Case features chain hooks and pouches to keep all of your necklaces secure and tangle-free.

Travel solutions

The last thing you want to worry about while traveling is a tangled necklace. What a buzzkill. We recommend either choosing necklaces that won’t tangle (see our list above!) or, again, storing your necklaces safely and securely in a jewelry case with thoughtful chain storage solutions. Our case is compact and will fit in your suitcase or carry-on with ease.

May your necklaces never tangle,

Team GLDN ✨

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