Who hasn’t experienced this? You open the box carefully, ready to put on the necklace… and it appears in the form of an impossible knot. A knotted necklace, small but highly effective at testing your patience.

If you wear fine chains or delicate necklaces daily, this is not bad luck. Having a knotted necklace is more common than it seems.
The good news? There is a way to untangle a necklace without damaging it and, more importantly, to prevent it from happening again.

Why do necklaces get knotted?

Before going into jewelry SOS mode, it’s worth understanding why a knotted necklace is so common:

• Fine chains have more freedom of movement and easily form knots
• Storing several necklaces together causes constant friction
• Small and delicate clasps tend to catch on the chain
• Carrying loose jewelry in a bag is practically an invitation to chaos

In other words: it’s not you. It’s really physics – and the way the jewelry is stored.

How to untangle a knotted necklace without damaging it

If you already have a knotted necklace, take a deep breath. Force is never the solution.

1. Use a flat surface and good lighting

Don’t try to fix this in the air. A stable and well-lit table helps you see exactly where the knot is.

2. Use two pins or fine needles

They are ideal for loosening the knot precisely, without pulling or marking the chain. This method is especially safe for delicate necklaces.

3. Emergency trick: talcum powder or baby oil

A small amount helps reduce friction and makes the chain move more easily.
Then, gently clean the piece with a dry cloth.

If the necklace is gold-plated, it is essential to be even more careful during the process, following good practices for caring for gold-plated jewelry to avoid damage to the piece.

This is especially important for necklaces with gold plating, since pulling or forcing the chain can compromise the finish.

4. Golden rule: patience instead of force

Pulling only tightens the knot and can damage the necklace, especially if it is silver or gold-plated.

After untangling the necklace, it is important to remove any residue and clean the jewelry properly to maintain the shine and durability of the piece.

How to prevent a necklace from getting knotted again

Prevention is always more elegant than remedy — and it makes all the difference in the durability of your jewelry.

Store each necklace individually

To avoid a knotted necklace, choose:

• cloth pouches
• separate compartments
• vertical organizers designed for necklaces

Always close the clasp before storing

It’s a simple detail, but it prevents the chain from twisting on itself.

Avoid carrying loose necklaces

If you are travelling or changing bags, protect each piece individually. It is one of the most effective ways to avoid knotted necklaces.

When the necklace gets knotted… but the look is worth it

There is something ironic about spending several minutes untangling a necklace… only for it to look absolutely perfect around your neck afterwards.

Maybe that’s why we keep choosing fine, delicate, and minimalist chains.
Because we know that, in the end, the drama of the knotted necklace is worth it.

In summary

Loving jewelry means accepting:

• some knots (literal and existential)
• a bit of patience
• and better care habits

With the right care, your necklaces stay beautiful, last longer, and are always ready to accompany you, without knots along the way.

The durability of a necklace also depends on the material, so it’s worth knowing the differences between 925 silver and other metals used in jewelry.