Jewelry can be frustrating for people with arthritis or limited mobility in their hands and fingers. As a result, putting on a bracelet, earrings or watch can become very difficult, if not impossible. A few simple changes can make it easier, so that wearing jewelry is enjoyable once again. All the jewelry components pictured below are available online through FireMountainGems.com.

Toggle Clasps

When selecting necklaces or bracelets, look for toggle clasps. A toggle clasp is larger and easier to manipulate than a spring ring or lobster claw clasp. Another advantage of toggle clasps is that they are easy to use and typically can be secured without the help of another person.

Lobster Claw Clasps

Many spring ring and lobster claw clasps are quite small, making them more difficult to secure. If a lobster claw clasp is the only option, ask for a larger size clasp and a larger jump ring on the other end. Regardless of the type of clasp, many people try to secure the clasp behind the neck, which can be very frustrating. You can always secure the clasp of a necklace in the front and then slide the clasp around to the back of your neck.

Extender Chains

For necklaces, it is helpful to choose a length that you can put on over your head. If you don’t know what size you need, go into any store and try on several until you find the length that works best for you. Make note of that size so that you can be sure to buy that length in the future. Another option is an extender chain. This short length of chain, in gold or silver, can be added to a necklace to give you a few extra inches of length.

Stretch Watch & Stretch Bracelet

If a bracelet clasp is too difficult, you may be able to slip it on without opening the clasp. Another option is stretch bracelets and watches, which are easy to slide on and off over your hand.

Memory Wire Bracelets

Memory wire bracelets are quite easy to wear. Simply wrap it around your wrist and it will resume its shape, which resembles stacked bracelets.

Fishhook Earwire & Leverback Earrings

Earrings come in several types. Pierced earrings are available with earwires, earstuds (also known as posts), and leverbacks. Earwires are available in many shapes, sizes, and vary in thickness. The aptly named leverback earring can be easily opened and closed with the simple flip of a hinged lever. Both the earwires and the leverbacks offer ease of handling and there are no small parts to secure.

Butterfly Clutch & Earnut with Comfort Clutch

Most post style pierced earrings come with butterfly clutches like the one shown above on the left. These are quite small and difficult to secure. How often have you dropped one and they’re impossible to find on thick carpet! A nice alternative is an earnut with a comfort clutch, which is a plastic disc that provides support from the back to prevent the earring from drooping and also gives you a larger piece to hold onto when securing the earring.

Flat Pad Clip-on Earrings & Slip-on Comfort Pads

Clip-on earrings can be uncomfortable to wear. Choose flat pad clip earrings or add slip-on comfort pads to make clips more comfortable. If you have allergies, be sure to ask if nickel free earring posts or clips are available.

Ring Guards

Do you have rings that you can no longer wear? If they are too large, a ring guard can be added to make it a smaller size. A jeweler can resize precious gold and sterling silver rings.

Rings on a Necklace

Another option is to wear the ring on a chain or necklace. A custom beaded necklace can incorporate your favorite rings into the design. As a side note, if you lose a dangle earring, don’t throw away its mate. Many dangle earrings can become pendants on new necklaces.

Jewelry is such a wonderful expression of our personalities and everyone should be able to wear it. With a few simple adjustments, jewelry can be given new life in your wardrobe and more importantly, restore a little piece of your independence. If you lack the skills to make these changes, you probably know someone who makes beaded jewelry. I’m sure they would be glad to help.

Wear your jewelry in good health!  Happy Crafting!