ChainThe main strand that goes round the neck. Its style is set by the shape of its links.
PendantThe centrepiece that hangs from the chain.
BailThe small loop or cap at the top of a pendant. The chain runs through it.
LinkOne of the loops that join to make the chain.
Jump ringA small metal ring that joins parts. Here it joins the clasp to the end of the chain.
ClaspThe fastener that joins the two ends. This is a lobster clasp, with a spring gate.
The fastening, enlarged 2
ExtenderA short extra chain at the end. It lets the necklace be worn longer or shorter.
TagThe small metal plate at the end of the extender. Often stamped with the maker's mark.
How this list was compiled: Read 2026-09-26. (1) Faruzo, Parts of a necklace, https://www.faruzo.com/blog/parts-of-a-necklace/ : chain and its links (cable, box, paperclip, Figaro, ball), pendant, clasp (lobster claw, spring ring, toggle, magnetic, box, hook), jump ring connecting the clasp to the chain, extender, bail attaching the pendant to the chain, end caps. (2) Golden Age Beads, Guide to jewelry findings, https://www.goldenagebeads.com/blog/guide-to-jewelry-findings.html : bails hang a focal component on a chain as a pendant; clasps join the two ends; jump rings, open or closed, are connectors; the extender and the tag at its end; chain tabs used with a clasp. Licence: own work
The drawing: Drawn for this site by script, 2026-09-26. Own work, nothing traced. Licence: own work
How it works
These are the parts of a chain necklace: a pendant necklace laid out, then its fastening enlarged so the small pieces a jeweler joins with pliers are big enough to see.
Read the full guide
Chain and pendant
The chain is made of links; their shape gives chains names like cable, box or Figaro. The pendant hangs on a bail, a small loop the chain runs through.
The fastening
At one end a jump ring joins the chain to the clasp, here a lobster clasp with a spring gate. At the other end an extender, a short extra chain, lets the clasp hook in nearer or further, and a tag finishes it.
A lobster clasp is strong enough for a heavy pendant; a spring ring suits a light chain.
Questions and answers
What is the loop on a pendant called?
The bail. It is the small loop or cap at the top of the pendant that the chain passes through, so the pendant can hang and slide.
What is the chain at the end of a necklace called?
The extender. The clasp hooks into one of its links, so the necklace can be worn a little longer or shorter. The small plate at its end is the tag.
What is a jump ring?
A small metal ring used to join parts of a necklace, such as the clasp to the end of the chain. Open jump rings can be opened with pliers; closed ones are soldered shut.