Jewelry-Making Articles
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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
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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
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Here is another example: |
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Alternative Uses
There are several alternative ways to incorporate an extender chain into your designs that can help you expand your component palette:
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Earring drops--e.g. dangle them for chandelier drop earrings
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Necklace drops
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Bracelet links between gemstones or beads strands
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Necklace and bracelet safety chain
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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:
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Earring drops--e.g. dangle them for chandelier drop earrings
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Necklace drops - This finished necklace features a 5-inch chain dangle.
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Bracelet links between gemstones or beads strands
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Necklace and bracelet safety chain
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Use with ball posts and earnuts to display pendants or charms
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Here are two design ideas that use a lot of extenders for both the necklace and earrings:
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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