The Old-School Trick For Keeping Your Necklace In Place On Your Neck

One of the last things that you want to be worrying about while going about your day or attending a special event is if your jewelry is acting right. There’s nothing more irritating than looking in the bathroom mirror only to notice that the beautiful design of your necklace is actually on the backside of your neck, while the clasp is sitting front and center. Are we expected to be on necklace patrol at all times? Twisting it and fixing it during dinner?

I was determined to find a way to fix the problem without having to be constantly stressed, especially at occasions where I was dressed up or in photos—for weddings, showers, parties, and other events. So I asked makeup artists, hair stylists, and my own grandmother what they recommended, which landed in a mix of suggestions. Luckily, there’s an old-school trick that, apparently, folks have been divulging for decades, and it’s incredibly easy. The only thing you need is probably sitting in your bathroom cabinet already. Much like our popular trick for wearing heavy earrings without stretching your earlobes, the answer is simpler than you think. 

The Best Way To Keep Your Necklace In Place

Clear Nail Polish

Clear nail polish has long been a secret for keeping jewelry in place, as it’s gentle on skin but generally effective for hours-long wear. All you need to do is place a small dot of clear nail polish on the skin on the backside of your neck and press the necklace clasp onto it. Allow it to dry, and your necklace should stay in place and keep from rotating. Warm water and soap can remove the clear nail polish when you no longer require it. 

Is Clear Nail Polish Safe For Jewelry?

Clear nail polish has been said to act as a barrier between jewelry and air to help avoid tarnishing, so it's safe to use on jewelry without ruining it. However, it's advised to avoid using clear nail polish on any gemstones, so it's best to stick to the metal facets.

Other Ways To Keep Your Necklace From Rotating

Lash Glue

Makeup artists also recommend using lash glue to keep your clasp in place as it is incredibly effective. However, not everyone might have lash glue on hand. It’s easy to pick up at a drugstore or beauty store, and you can stock up to have at home in case of a necklace—or lash—emergency. Simply place a small dot of lash glue on the backside of your neck where you want the clasp to stay, and press the clasp into it until dry. Similarly, warm water and soap can remove the lash glue when you no longer require it. 

Double-sided Tape

Slightly less effective, double-sided or fashion tape can be used to help necklaces stay put on the backside of your neck. However, it is more noticeable for those with shorter hair or who are donning an updo. 

How To Keep Layered Necklaces From Tangling

Clasp Multiple Necklaces Together 

If you’re perturbed at how necklaces get tangled together when you’re wearing more than one, there’s luckily an easy fix. Before putting them on, lay out the necklaces unclasped. Clasp one end of one necklace to the clasp of the other necklace, making what appears to be a single continuous necklace made from both necklaces together. Wrap the attached necklaces twice around your neck, making sure that the shorter necklace is pulled tighter than the longer necklace. Position them at the desired lengths on your neck with both clasps in the back, and you’re good to go. No necklace annoyances here!