Jewelry-Making Articles

Design idea A8SF
by Dan Day, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

Extending Your Component Usage

One of the rewards of jewelry-making is incorporating new uses for components in your designs. The traditional use of an extender chain is, as the name implies, to extend the length of a necklace or bracelet. Most often this is achieved by adding the extender chain to other chain by attaching a jumpring onto one of the end loops.

Traditional Uses
Item Number 4983JE, Necklace with 2-Inch Extender Chain
  • This simple finished jewelry piece demonstrates how the 16-inch necklace length can easily be adjusted with a 2-inch extender chain and lobster claw clasp
Here is another example: Extending Your Component Usage – Alternate Uses for Extender Chains

Alternative Uses
There are several alternative ways to incorporate an extender chain into your designs that can help you expand your component palette:
  • Earring drops--e.g. dangle them for chandelier drop earrings
  • Necklace drops
  • Bracelet links between gemstones or beads strands
  • Necklace and bracelet safety chain
  • Use with ball posts and earnuts to display pendants or charms
Explore alternative uses for extender chains with these suggestions from our jewelry production specialists:
  • Earring drops--e.g. dangle them for chandelier drop earrings
Extending Your Component Usage – Alternate Uses for Extender Chains Extending Your Component Usage – Alternate Uses for Extender Chains
  • Necklace drops - This finished necklace features a 5-inch chain dangle.
Item Number 4574JD, Necklace with Chain Dangle

  • Bracelet links between gemstones or beads strands
Extending Your Component Usage – Alternate Uses for Extender Chains

  • Necklace and bracelet safety chain
Item Number E9852CL, Bracelet

  • Use with ball posts and earnuts to display pendants or charms
Extending Your Component Usage – Alternate Uses for Extender Chains

  • Here are two design ideas that use a lot of extenders for both the necklace and earrings:
Extending Your Component Usage – Alternate Uses for Extender Chains Extending Your Component Usage – Alternate Uses for Extender Chains
The additional possibilities available makes extender chains a sensible investment for the creative jewelry maker. Get the most from components by using these suggestions, or devise your own innovative ideas.

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