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Why do jewellery chains become so tightly knotted together? part 2

One reader explains exactly how you can untie your knotted jewellery

11 February 2026

Gold jewelry with space for writing; Shutterstock ID 735656746; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other:

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Why do jewellery chains put in a box together become so tightly knotted on themselves, and each other, that it is impossible to unknot them? (continued)

Steve Rider
London, UK

Having been in the jewellery business for over 50 years, I have faced this problem many times. I think it is all down to the people who invented string theory.

Firstly, it helps to put your chains away “done up”, so there are no loose ends. If, however, they do become knotted, place them on a hard, flat surface, get two dressmaking pins, hold one pin in each hand and pick and press the points into the tangle until they slowly loosen and unknot. The chains can then be separated one by one. You could call it a chain reaction.

 

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