Top 4 Ways to Attach a Pendant to a Necklace!

Have a great statement pendant you want to add to a necklace but aren’t sure how? We’ll list the best ways to attach a pendant to a necklace. All of these methods will work. It comes down to your personal preference and style.

Our 4 Favorite Methods for Attaching a Pendant to a Necklace

1. Jump Rings

Jump rings are small metal rings that can be easily opened and closed, making them a popular choice for attaching pendants to necklaces. Attaching charms using jump rings is one of the easiest methods.

Here’s the quick and easy on how to attach a pendant to a necklace using a jump ring:

You will need a jump ring, pliers, a pendant, and a necklace.
Use your pliers to gently grip the sides of the jump ring and gently twist it open. Do not twist the ring too hard, as this can cause it to break or become misshapen.
Slip the jump ring through the loop or bail on the back of the pendant, and then close the jump ring around the loop.
Open the jump ring as before, and slip it through the desired link on the necklace. Close the jump ring around the link on the chain, ensuring it is securely closed.
Give the pendant a gentle tug to ensure it is securely attached to the necklace. If the pendant moves or comes loose, go back and tighten the jump ring.

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2. Bail

A bail is a small loop or ring attached to the back of a pendant, making it easy to slip the pendant onto a necklace. This option is great for pendants that are heavier or have a more substantial design.

Here are the steps for how to attach a pendant to a necklace using a bail:

You will need a bail, pliers, a pendant, and your chain.
If the bail is not already attached to the pendant, use pliers to attach it to the loop or hole at the top.
Use your pliers to gently grip the sides of the bail and gently twist it open. Do not twist the bail too hard, as this can cause it to break or become misshapen.
Slip the open bail over the desired link on the necklace, and then close the bail. Ensure the bail is securely closed around the link on the necklace.
Tug gently on the pendant to see if it is securely attached to the necklace. If the pendant moves or comes loose, go back and tighten the bail.

lobster clasp

3. Lobster Clasps

Lobster clasps are claw-like fasteners that easily attach to a necklace and then securely fasten around the pendant. This is a straightforward option for attaching pendants to necklaces. While super easy to use, these aren’t the most elegant option, so you’ll want to assess the pendant style and chain.

Steps for attaching a pendant to a necklace using a lobster clasp:

You will need a lobster clasp, pliers, a pendant, and a necklace.
If the pendant does not already have a loop or bail, use pliers to attach a jump ring to the top of the pendant. Then, attach the jump ring to the lobster clasp.
Use your pliers to gently grip the sides of the lobster clasp and gently twist it open. Do not twist the clasp too hard, as this can cause it to break or become misshapen.
Slip the open lobster clasp over the desired link on the necklace, and then close the clasp. Ensure the clasp is securely closed around the link on the chain.
Test the pendant by tugging slightly to see if the pendant moves or comes loose. If it does, go back and tighten the lobster clasp.

4. Wire Wrapping

Our last method is a more decorative approach but will also require the most skill with the pliers. Wire wrapping involves using wire to create a loop or series of loops around the pendant, which can then be attached to the necklace. This method offers creative flexibility and creates a more unique and personalized design.

How to use wire wrapping for attaching a pendant or charm:

You will need wire, pliers, a pendant, and your chain.
Cut a length of wire to wrap around the pendant and the necklace link. The length of the wire should be several inches longer than the distance between the pendant and the necklace link.
Take one end of the wire and wrap it around the pendant, creating a loop. Then, wrap the wire around the loop and the charm several times, securing the loop in place.
Grasp the other end of the wire and wrap it around the desired link on the necklace. Make sure that the wire is securely wrapped around the link.
Wrap the wire several times around the pendant and the necklace link, ensuring that the pendant is securely attached to the necklace.
Use your pliers to trim the excess wire, leaving a small amount of wire to tuck into the wire wrap.
Use your pliers to tuck the wire ends into the wire wrap, making sure that they are securely hidden.

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Can Any Chain Hold a Pendant?

Most chains can hold a pendant, but the weight and size of the pendant and the type of chain will affect which chain will be best for your charm.

A sturdy chain will also prevent the pendant from becoming damaged or breaking if it becomes snagged or caught on something. For heavy or large pendants, use a sturdy chain, such as a snake chain, cable chain, or omega chain.

For lighter pendants, use a delicate chain, such as a curb chain, cable chain, or box chain. Delicate chains are often used to create a more subtle or understated look and are ideal for light or small pendants.

The type of bail or clasp that is used to attach the pendant to the chain is also essential. A sturdy bail or clasp is recommended for heavy pendants, while a delicate bail or clasp can be used for lighter pendants.

Pendants are an Excellent Way to Elevate Your Necklace and Look

Regardless of your method, a pendant is always a good choice. It can be a subtle detail or a statement piece. Assess the weight and style of your pendant before choosing your attachment method.

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