Lesson 32 · Necklaces · 39 seconds
Why a herringbone chain can kink
Herringbone is built from rows of flat, slanted links laid side by side, so it lies smooth, almost like liquid. A sharp bend can push those links out of their seats, and the crease often stays. Store it flat, do not coil it tightly, open the clasp instead of pulling it over your head, and if it kinks, take it to a jeweler instead of pulling it straight.
What this lesson shows
Smooth links, until a sharp fold.
Close-ups show the chain's rows of slanted links and a sharp raised crease. Simplified diagrams show the links flowing smoothly, then riding up into a hump after a sharp fold, and the chain ends laid flat in a velvet-lined tray.
Three quick takeaways
What to actually do when you shop
- Herringbone is built from rows of flat, slanted links laid side by side, so it lies smooth, almost like liquid.
- A sharp bend can push those links out of their seats, and the crease often stays. Do not coil it tightly, and if it kinks, take it to a jeweler instead of pulling it straight.
- Store herringbone flat, and open the clasp instead of pulling it over your head.
Read the transcript
This chain flows beautifully. One sharp fold can change that. Herringbone is built from rows of flat, slanted links laid side by side, so it lies smooth, almost like liquid. But a sharp bend can push those links out of their seats, and the crease often stays. So store it flat, don't coil it tightly, and open the clasp instead of pulling it over your head. If it kinks, take it to a jeweler instead of pulling it straight. Explore more in the Aydins Jewelry Learning Center.
Sources
- Rio Grande, guide to jewelry chain (PDF): products.riogrande.com/content/Instruction-Sheets/Guide-To-Jewelery-Chain-IS.pdf
- Robinson's Jewelers, caring for a herringbone chain: robinsonsjewelers.com/blogs/news/the-herringbone-chain-lays-flat-handles-with-care-and-why-its-the-drama-queen-of-your-jewelry-box
- Ganoksin Orchid jewelers' forum, repairing herringbone necklaces: orchid.ganoksin.com/t/repairing-herring-bone-necklaces/36390
Related lessons
Solid versus hollow gold chain · what is inside the link.
Why your chain will not fit your pendant · check the end fitting.
Why a necklace sits differently on you · chain length and fit.
Next step
Keep learning.
More short lessons on chains and necklaces are in the Learning Center.