Why pulling makes it worse
A tangle is not really a knot — it is links sitting inside each other at angles they were never meant to. Pulling on it tightens those angles and starts stretching the links, and a stretched link is the one that breaks next month. Most chains that arrive here broken were tangled first.
So the moment it stops coming out easily, that is the point to stop and bring it in.
What we do
Under magnification, with fine tools, working the links back through each other in the order they went in rather than forcing anything. It is patience more than force, which is exactly why it is hard at a kitchen table with fingernails.
While it is on the bench
We look at the links that were under tension and tell you if any have opened or thinned. If something is on its way out you would rather know now than find out when it lets go with a pendant on it.
Bring the whole tangle
Two or three chains knotted into each other is a very normal thing to walk in with, and it is fine. Bring the lot, pendants and all, exactly as it is.
Keeping it from happening again
Chains tangle in a pile and they do not tangle hanging up or clasped closed. Fastening the clasp before it goes away is the single thing that stops most of it.
Bring it in and we will look at it
Every piece is different and fine chain especially so. Put it on the counter, tell us what has happened, and we will tell you what we see and what we would do about it. You decide from there, before anything is agreed.
Questions we get asked
Can you untangle a knotted chain?
Yes, usually while you wait. Bring it in rather than pulling on it.
Will the chain be damaged?
Not by us. The damage risk is in pulling on it, which is why we would rather you brought it in first.
What if several chains are knotted together?
Bring the whole tangle exactly as it is. That is a normal thing to walk in with.
How do I stop it happening again?
Clasp the chain closed before it goes away, or hang it rather than laying it in a pile.
Will you tell me what you find before doing any work?
Always. We look at it with you at the counter, tell you what we see, and you decide.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.