MAKE YOURSELF AN ENDLESS CHAIN

Continuous?

Chain?

You bet. It’s not something you hear everyday. In fact, very few people have…

So what is an endless chain?

Easy. A chain with no clasp. The entire chain is just one big, never-ending loop. No ends. No fasteners. Simply continuous. (see image)

Now the real question is:

Why would you want an endless chain?

Plenty of reasons… (and most revolve around the clasp)

1. Clasps are Hard to Hold – The clasp on most necklaces are small and hard to hold or manipulate. Many people have to look in the mirror to do so, or get someone else to put the necklace on. The little bitty spring rings (round clasps) are flimsy and tough to open. The lobster claw clasps (flatter, longer clasps) are easier to grasp and hook. But some people, no matter what, just can’t get their fingers to cooperate and fasten the clasps to the tiny jump ring end.

2. The Clasp is always Upfront – The clasp is heavier than the chain and gravity (and your natural movements) will pull it around to the front where all can see. No one likes that (“Your clasp is showing!“). Plus, it often gets tangled up in the pendant bail or charm. Everyone is always adjusting it to spin it to the back, out of sight.

3. Clasps Break – Those little springs don’t last forever. They break. Fail. Fall apart. You’re apt to lose your necklace. Not to mention the fact that many clasps are hollow and can’t be soldered to the chain (so you can pull them open with just a gentle tug… And if you have kids or grandkids, this can happen a lot).

4. Clasps are Expensive – If you have to purchase a new clasp, it won’t be cheap. Now spring rings aren’t that bad, maybe just $10 or so, but if you need a new lobster clasp, those things can run you anywhere from $25-$200 depending on the size you need. Ouch!

See, Many, Many Reasons!

An endless chain, or continuous chain is going to be more durable without the clasp. And, without a clasp, you save yourself hundreds of dollars in future repairs. The chain won’t be getting caught, tangling up in your sweater or hair, and your pendant or charm will freely slide back and forth with no obstructions.

It eliminates losing it.

It’s a Win-Win!

It makes for one very secure necklace.

But to get a continuous necklace requires one main thing:

It has to be Long Enough

Long enough to slip over your head so you can easily put it on and take it off (even though you wouldn’t have to worry, because chains like this are no problem to sleep in).

A chain that’s long enough for most people to fit over their noggin (unless they have a big head), is usually a 24″ length chain. That generally does the trick. 24″ or longer.

Most stores though do not sell continuous chains. You have to make them. So buy yourself a solid (not hollow) chain, that’s durable (like a link chain, rope chain, wheat chain, curb link, rolo…) that won’t bend, break, or kink. Then have a local jewelry store remove the end tabs and clasp and solder (weld) the ends together to form one never-ending loop of magnificent chain.

But what about a Pendant?

Here’s the thing… Endless chains like this can hold a pendant, no problem. But it has to be put on the chain before you solder the chain closed. Meaning, it’s on there for good. It’s not coming off. Ever! Unless you cut the chain to remove it.

Many people want this. Love this. Especially if they have a deeply meaningful charm like a St. Michael Charm or a Cross Pendant.

You just need to make sure that the chain you choose can hold a pendant, and that the pendant rides smoothly over the chain (doesn’t catch on the links).

You should also make sure the chain is solid (not hollow, for those tend to break).

And I would also recommend Stainless Steel or Gold (White Gold, Yellow Gold, or Rose Gold). Those are durable and will last you a lifetime. Sterling Silver will not. Plus, Sterling Silver will tarnish and turn your neck green.

Not Cool!

When you have your chain soldered closed, have them put the pendant on at the same time (you can also have this done after the fact, they’ll just cut a link, slide the charm on and solder it closed again).

That way your prized pendant will lay over your heart, right where it belongs.

Check out these 24″ link chains HERE.

Buy one, then head off to your jewelry store.

Cheers! :)