How to make your own glasses chain

How to make your own glasses chain

Glasses chains are accessories that are both practical and stylish. They have been on the scene since the 20th century and became quite popular in the 1960’s. They serve two main purposes: Keeping your eyewear securely attached, while providing you with another form of expressing who you really are, to show the world a little more of what makes you… you.

Glasses chains were once very popular with librarians, secretaries and business professionals, this was probably due to the fact they often needed to use, and remove their glasses, and a chain is a great way to make sure you always know where your glasses are. These pieces have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, becoming a wanted item for anyone who looking to make a fashion statement.

If you like the idea of a glasses chain but can't find one you like, then making your own is a possibility, here are some guidelines and ideas on how to create your own DIY glasses chain.

Materials Needed:

1. Two rubber eyeglass holders (or silicone loops)
2. Jewellery chain of your desired length (usually around 26 to 30 inches)
3. Two jump rings
4. A pair of needle-nose pliers

The process:

1. Choose Your Design: The first step is choosing your design. You can keep it simple with a basic metallic chain, or you could use beaded designs, semi-precious stones, pearls, or even charms for personal touches.

2. Measure Your Chain: Wrap the chain around your neck as if you were putting on a necklace. Make sure to let it drape at a comfortable level so it’s not putting pressure on your neck. Measure this length for your glasses chain. This is normally between 26 to 30 inches for the large majority of people, but of course your measurements and preferences may be different.

3. Attach The Eyeglass Holders: Take one of your jump rings with the needle-nose pliers. Open the jump ring and thread it through the last link on one end of your chain. Next, thread the same jump ring through the small hole at the end of the rubber eyeglass holder. Once both are on the jump ring, use your pliers to close the jump ring securely. Now all you need to do is to repeat the process with the other eyeglass holder on the other end of the chain.

Well done! You've now created a chic, custom glasses chain. This DIY project not only provides an accessory that's uniquely you, but it also keeps your glasses conveniently with you at all times and reduces the risk of you misplacing, losing or damaging them.

How to Wear Your Glasses Chain:

Wearing your newly created glasses chain is just as simple as making it. Start by slipping the rubber or silicone loops onto the temples of your glasses, just behind the hinges. Let the chain drape down behind your neck, similar to a necklace. Now, whenever you need to take off your glasses, instead of placing them down somewhere and forgetting where you put them a couple of times a day, you can now let them hang securely around your neck.

This newfound popularity of glasses chains has really opened up a wide range of creative ways to wear them. Some people prefer the classic method, letting the chain hang down at the back, while others enjoy bringing the chain forward, like a necklace when their glasses are in use.

You could also attach the chain to sunglasses for any outdoor activities. For a trendier approach, you could drape the chain over the back of your head, resting your glasses on top of your head when not in use, however, if you do this over time you may damage your glasses.

The beauty of making your own glasses chain is that you're not only creating a practical piece that keeps your glasses secure, but you're also designing a piece of fashion that reflects your style and personality. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or a statement piece with loads of decorations, the possibilities are really endless.

The use of glasses chains dates back decades and their function has never changed, but our interpretations and applications have. So, get creative and design a chain that suits your style and needs, because when you DIY, you make it uniquely yours and you show everyone who you truly are.