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 a custom fit are important because not everyone is the same size.

The turquoise and leather cord wrap bracelet offers three button length options for a tailored fit.

The Viking knit bracelet includes a 1 1/4" extender with seven links for even more customization.

With bracelets, a 1 1/2" extender chain usually fits wrists from small to large sizes.

Judy Larson's Benefits of Extender Chains - , General Education, Design, , fit wrists from a size small to a size large.

As we age, we tend to avoid emphasizing our necks, so some favorite necklaces are worn less.

Adding an extender chain can lengthen necklaces, making them draw less attention to the neck area.

The length of an extender chain is a personal choice sometimes I add 2", other times 3".

Some people even use bracelet chains as extenders to add more length.

This makes necklaces long enough to wear comfortably over heavy sweaters in winter.

Judy Larson's Benefits of Extender Chains - , General Education, Design, , Some people use bracelet chains as extenders

Sometimes the main chain is extended and used as an extender.

In this Four Seasons Bracelet, the last two links create three different size options.

Each link's connecting loop is large enough for the lobster claw clasp.

The clasp swivels, so it lies flat against the wrist no matter where it connects on the chain.

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

Extender chains can benefit from small decorative charms or beads on the end to create a finished, designer look.

However, adding something to the extender's end might detract from nearby elements, like the large heart charm on the brass Viking knit bracelet.

When the extender chain is large enough, as with the Viking knit bracelet, it becomes a decorative element on its own.

Judy Larson's Benefits of Extender Chains - , General Education, Design, , Extender chains can benefit from the addition of a small decorative charm

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

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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

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

Reviews

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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!