How to Open and Close a Pandora Bracelet: Beginner's Guide (2024)

  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Jewelry
  • Bracelets and Bangles

Download Article

Explore this Article

methods

1Opening the Bracelet with Your Fingers

2Using a Clasp Opener

3Closing the Bracelet

4Opening and Closing Clip Beads

+Show 1 more...

-Show less...

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

Expert Interview

References

Article Summary

Co-authored byCory Schifter

Last Updated: January 22, 2024Fact Checked

Download Article

Most Pandora bracelets feature a specific type of snap clasp called a barrel clasp. It's firm but it's easy to pry open with your fingers or a clasp opener. The stopper beads protecting the ends of these bracelets open the same way. When you're ready to wear your bracelet again, you can snap the clasps closed to seal them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Opening the Bracelet with Your Fingers

Download Article

  1. 1

    Rotate the clasp until the groove on it faces upwards. Turn the clasp with your fingers. You will soon see a vertical line running end to end along 1 side. The clasp opens along this line.[1]

    • The standard barrel clasp has a groove. Pandora also sells some lobster clasps, which are like keychain hooks. You simply press the button to open the clasp, then slide the end of the bracelet off it.
  2. 2

    Insert your fingernails into the groove. Slide your thumbnail in first, followed by another fingernail if you can fit it. The easiest way to do this is with both thumbs, but you can do it with your other fingers as well. Position your thumbs so both nails touch back to back.

    • Brace the sides of the clasp with your other fingers or the side of your body.
    • After you get accustomed to opening the bracelet, you may be able to do it with a single nail. Starting with 2 nails is easier and gives you more leverage on the clasp.

    Advertisem*nt

  3. 3

    Pry the sides apart until the clasp opens. Push both nails outwards to separate the ends of the clasp. Apply gentle but firm pressure. The clasp will soon pop open so you can remove or put on the bracelet.[2]

    • To keep the charms secure, the clasp may be a little stiff and difficult to open. Apply more force to leverage it without the use of additional tools.
    • If you have trouble opening the clasp, adjust your grip and try again. Most clasps pop open without much trouble, but you may need to get a clasp opener to remove a stuck clasp.
  4. 4

    Lift the rod out of the clasp to free the ends of the bracelet. The clasp is permanently secured to 1 end of the bracelet. The other end looks like a small plug. Simply pick it up and move it out of the clasp to finish opening the bracelet.[3]

  5. Advertisem*nt

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using a Clasp Opener

Download Article

  1. 1

    Pinch the thumb and forefinger. Curl your fingers in like you're making a fist, but rest your fingertips on your palm. With your other hand, set the clasp on top of your forefinger, then squeeze it in place with your thumb. Position the opener so a flat, broad edge points away from you.[4]

    • Pandora sells a clasp opener that looks like a flower pendant. It has 4 petals, each with a flat edge that can be used to open clasps.
    • If you don't have a Pandora clasp opener, you can use a generic clasp opener. Look for tools designed for jewelry or even phones. You can also use small coins or other sturdy objects with a flat edge.
  2. 2

    Rotate the clasp until you see its groove. Turn the clasp with your fingers until you see a gap in the clasp. The gap is a vertical line running between the clasp's top and bottom edges. Face the groove upwards so you can get plenty of leverage with the opener.

  3. 3

    Insert the opener into the groove. Wedge the clasp opener's flat edge into the gap. Push it in as far as it will go, but avoid forcing it.[5]

    • Hold the clasp steady by bracing it against your fingers or the side of your body.
  4. 4

    Pry the clasp open to free the bracelet. Wiggle the clasp opener back and forth, pressing it against the sides of the clasp. Maintain a steady amount of pressure. The clasp will usually pop open right away without much of a struggle. Then, pull the bracelet's loose end out of the clasp to finish opening it.[6]

    • If you can't open the clasp right away, adjust your grip on it. Make sure the opener is firmly wedged in the groove.
    • The bracelet permanently attaches to the clasp at 1 end, so identify the removable side and pinch it between your fingers to lift it out.
  5. Advertisem*nt

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Closing the Bracelet

Download Article

  1. 1

    Place the bracelet's rod into the open clasp. Take a look at the ends of the bracelet. The bracelet will have a small head shaped like a rod at one end. Make sure the clasp is open, then rest the rod in it. Push the rod as far as you can into the curved groove of the clasp.[7]

    • The easiest way to put the bracelet on is by draping it over your wrist. Position the clasp on top of your wrist, then bring the rod end around to meet it.
    • If the rod is outside of the groove, the clasp will not close correctly. The bracelet may end up falling off your wrist. Check the placement carefully as you close the clasp.
  2. 2

    Grasp the sides of the clasp with your fingers. Place your thumb against one side of the clasp, then reach your forefinger over to the other side. Grasp the clasp firmly between your fingers.[8]

    • Use your free hand or fingers to hold the rest of the bracelet steady as you work.
  3. 3

    Squeeze the ends of the clasp together to close it. Bring your thumb and forefinger together to snap the clasp shut. You won't need to use a lot of force to do this. Check the clasp to make sure the head is secure inside of it. If the clasp seems loose, open it up and adjust it.

    • Avoid forcing the clasp if it doesn't close correctly. You could end up breaking it. The problem likely is that the rod isn't snug in the clasp's groove. Open it up and try again.
  4. Advertisem*nt

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Opening and Closing Clip Beads

Download Article

  1. 1

    Rotate the bead so the opening groove faces upwards. The clip bead will be at the end of the bracelet, directly behind the rod component on the bracelet's latching mechanism.Turn the bead with your fingers. You can spin it on the bracelet until you see the groove. It is a thin gap that runs down the bead's side.[9]

    • Note that you have to open the bracelet before you can open any beads. This allows the clip bead to prevent other components from sliding off the bracelet.
    • Opening the clip bead is very similar to unlocking the bracelet itself. They both use the same type of mechanism.
  2. 2

    Insert your fingernails into the gap. Slip your thumbnail into the groove. You can usually snap open the bead with a single nail. If you need more leverage, try using your other thumb as well to pull the bead's sides in opposite directions.[10]

    • If you're wearing the bracelet, pin it to your wrist with your fingers to keep it still.
    • You can also use a clasp opener or the side of a thin coin to open the bead.
  3. 3

    Pry open the bead set it aside. Use firm, even pressure to pull open the gap in the bead. As you push outwards, it will pop open. The remaining beads will be loose, so hold on to the end of the bracelet and keep it pointed upwards. Now you can reach any other beads you wish to remove.[11]

    • As soon as the bead pops open, you can move it off the bracelet. Be careful to avoid spilling the other beads.
  4. 4

    Pinch the bead between your fingers and fit it around the bracelet. Hold the bead between your thumb and forefinger, keeping its inner groove facing upwards. Bring the end of the bracelet over and set it inside the groove. Make sure it fits snugly inside the curve of the bead.[12]

    • Hold the bead steady with your other fingers. You can pin it against a flat work surface or your wrist to prevent the other beads from shifting.
  5. 5

    Snap the ends together to close the bead. Push your fingers together. The sides of the bead will come together without the need for much force. Continue pushing until you hear the bead click closed.[13]

    • If the bead doesn't seem to close correctly, avoid forcing it. Open it up and check its alignment. The bracelet may not be firm inside the bead's groove.
  6. Advertisem*nt

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I put the bracelet on and close the barrel clasp? It keeps falling off my wrist.

    How to Open and Close a Pandora Bracelet: Beginner's Guide (23)

    Community Answer

    Tape one end of the bracelet (the part with the clasp) onto your wrist with some scotch tape. Then you can easily put on your bracelet. Remove the scotch tape once it's clasped.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 4Helpful 9

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisem*nt

      Tips

      • Avoid rolling the bracelet off your hand. Open the clasps to avoid stretching and damaging it.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful0

      • Always make sure the stopper bead is in place before you close the bracelet clasp.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful0

      • Be careful when opening the bracelet and stopper bead. Nothing will be holding the other beads in place, so they can fall off the bracelet.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful0

      Show More Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Advertisem*nt

      You Might Also Like

      How toPut a Bracelet on by YourselfHow toMake a Shamballa Bracelet
      What Does an Evil Eye Bracelet Mean?How toShrink a Silicone BraceletHow toAdjust a Deployment ClaspHow toMeasure a Pandora BraceletHow toKeep Bangle Bracelet from Moving Around on Your WristHow toWear a Lucky Charm Bracelet

      Advertisem*nt

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about making jewelry, check out our in-depth interview with Cory Schifter.

      More References (4)

      About This Article

      How to Open and Close a Pandora Bracelet: Beginner's Guide (31)

      Co-authored by:

      Cory Schifter

      Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

      This article was co-authored by Cory Schifter. Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation. This article has been viewed 276,819 times.

      33 votes - 48%

      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: January 22, 2024

      Views:276,819

      Categories: Bracelets and Bangles

      Article SummaryX

      To open a Pandora bracelet with your fingers, start by rotating the clasp until the groove on it faces upwards. Next, insert your fingernails into the groove and pry the sides apart until the clasp opens. Finally, lift the rod out of the clasp to free the ends of the bracelet. When you’re ready to close the bracelet, place the rod into the open clasp. Then, grasp the clasp firmly between your fingers and squeeze the ends together to snap it shut. To learn how to open your Pandora bracelet with a clasp opener, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?

      In other languages

      Español:abrir una pulsera Pandora

      Nederlands:Een Pandora‐armband openmaken

      Português:Abrir um Bracelete Pandora

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 276,819 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisem*nt

      How to Open and Close a Pandora Bracelet: Beginner's Guide (2024)
      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Article information

      Author: Delena Feil

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6379

      Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

      Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Delena Feil

      Birthday: 1998-08-29

      Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

      Phone: +99513241752844

      Job: Design Supervisor

      Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

      Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.