How to Change a Necklace Pendant Hook

Repair and replace jewelry findings.

Explore the many jewelry finding styles and change the hook on a necklace pendant. Swap a jewelry bail to update an old pendant add a vintage bail to a new pendant or use jump rings to match that favorite pendant with the perfect chain. Repair old necklaces or restyle them into something new.

Things You'll Need

• Chain
• 2 pair needle-nose pliers or jewelry pliers
• Bail or jump ring findings

Instructions

1. Remove the old bail hook by laying the pendant on a flat surface, front side up. Use needle-nose pliers to grasp the front loop of the bail. Grip the back loop of the bail with the second set of pliers. Gently begin pulling and twisting to loosen the bail. Add force slowly until the bail opens. Carefully remove the bail from the chain and pendant.

2. Hold the pendant under the forefinger and thumb with the pendant front facing the forefinger. Position the new bail onto the front side of the pendant. Steady the bail with the forefinger. Hold and turn the pendant backside up. Carefully place the chain through the back loop of the bail. Gradually position the bottom pliers bar between the forefinger and bail front. Apply pressure slowly but consistently until the bail is secured.

3. Remove an old jump ring by laying the pendant and chain on a flat surface. Steady the jump ring with pliers. Position the pliers just to the left of the jump ring opening. Hold the jump ring firmly in place. Grasp the jump ring with a second pair of pliers. Position the second pair of pliers to the right of the jump ring opening. Hold the left side firmly while twisting the right. Remove the jump ring.

4. Replace or add a jump ring to a pendant and chain. Hold the jump ring with pliers to the left of the opening. Grip the right side with a second pair of pliers. Gently twist the jump ring to create a small opening. Continue holding the left side of the jump ring. Thread the jump ring through the pendant finding and chain. Clutch the opening with the second pair of pliers and gently squeeze shut.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a nail, crowbar fashion, as a tool to pry stubborn findings open.

• Use the jump ring method to replace a broken clasp or add charms.

• Consult a jeweler before attempting to remove soldered findings.

References

• Dummies.com: Jewelry Making and Beading for Dummies
• Jewelrymaking-Beads-Library.com: Jewelry Findings
• Vintage Jewelry Lane: The Repair and Restoration of Vintage Jewelry

Resources

• Craftstylish: 4 Jewelry Tutorials by Diane Gilleland