How to Attach a Cord to a Medal Step by Step
Quick Summary
To attach cord medal pieces, open the medal's jump ring gently with two pairs of pliers, thread the cord through the ring and the medal's loop, then close the ring until the ends meet. Give the medal a gentle tug to confirm it holds, which takes about 10 minutes.
Use two pairs of small flat-nosed or chain-nose pliers to open and close the jump ring.
Open the jump ring only a small gap, because wide gaps are hard to close neatly.
Never pull the jump ring apart sideways with your fingers, since this bends it out of shape.
Measure the cord around your neck before attaching the medal, leaving room for the clasp.
Remove the medal before swimming or showering to protect its finish.
Table of Contents
What You Need Before You Start
Attaching a cord to a medal takes about 10 minutes and needs only a few simple items, so you can attach cord medal pieces without any fuss. Getting these ready first saves you from stopping halfway through. Miraculous Medals offers the option to include a black cord with medals.
Here is what most people need:
The medal itself. A religious medal with a loop or jump ring at the top.
A cord or chain. Choose a cord long enough to sit comfortably at the neck. Cord length is covered later in this guide.
Two pairs of small pliers. Use flat-nosed or chain-nose pliers to open and close the jump ring.
A clean, flat surface. A tea towel on a table keeps small parts from rolling away.
Good lighting. Small rings are easy to lose when you cannot see them clearly.
Watch out: Do not pull the jump ring apart sideways with your fingers. This bends the ring out of shape, and a weak ring can snap later.
If you are buying the cord yourself, pick one that matches how often you plan to wear the medal. Heavier cords suit daily wear, while lighter ones suit occasional use.
How to Attach a Cord to a Medal Step by Step
Attaching a cord to a medal is simple once you know the order. You open the jump ring, thread the cord through, and close the ring again. Each step takes only a minute or two, and the method is the same whether you attach cord medal pieces for yourself or as a gift.
Opening the Jump Ring Safely
Hold the jump ring with one pair of pliers and grip the other side with the second pair. Gently twist one side forward, away from the medal, so the gap opens slightly. Do not pull the ring wide open. A small gap is enough to slide the cord through.
A common mistake is opening the ring too far. Wide gaps make the ring harder to close neatly, and the ring may not hold its shape.
Threading the Cord Through the Loop
Slide the end of the cord through the open gap of the jump ring. Pass it right through the loop at the top of the medal. Next, check that the medal hangs freely and is not twisted.
Once the cord sits in place, close the jump ring by twisting it back into its original round shape. Make sure the ends meet with no gap. Then give the medal a gentle tug to confirm it will not come loose.
The steps below summarise the main actions for attaching a cord to a medal.
Step | What to do | Time or frequency |
Open the jump ring | Twist one side forward with pliers to open a small gap | Not specified |
Thread the cord | Slide the cord through the gap and the medal's loop | Not specified |
Close the jump ring | Twist it back into shape until the ends meet | Not specified |
Test the hold | Give the medal a gentle tug to confirm it stays secure | Not specified |
Attach cord medal overall | Complete the whole process | About 10 minutes |
How to String a Religious Medal Without Damaging It
Stringing a medal is gentle work, and the medal itself is more delicate than it looks. Keep the medal flat in your fingers and avoid bending the bail or loop. Pressing hard with pliers on the medal face can mark or crack the finish.
Hold the medal by its edges, not its face. This keeps fingerprints and scratches off the front, where the image is.
Work slowly. Rushing is the usual cause of bent loops and scratched surfaces.
Choosing the Right Religious Medal Cord Length
Cord length decides how the medal sits on the body, so it is worth getting right. Most people wear a medal at the neck, and the cord should sit comfortably without being too tight or too loose.
Measure your cord before you cut or attach the medal. Lay the cord around your neck and check the length against where you want the medal to rest. Leave a little extra for the clasp and a comfortable fit.
Watch out: A cord that is too short can rub or pinch the neck. Measure with a little room to spare.
Which Cord Is Best for a Religious Medal
The best cord depends on how you plan to wear your medal. Black cord is a popular choice for daily wear because it is simple, sturdy and looks well with most clothing. Many people choose a cord that suits the medal's style and their own comfort.
A ball chain is another option, especially for a more presentable look. It is a good fit for some medals. Ball chain is sold separately from the medal, so check that the medal is included in your order.
How to Attach a Jump Ring to a Medal
Attaching a jump ring follows the same method as the cord steps above. Open the ring gently, slide it through the medal's loop, and close it again. The work is in the careful opening and closing.
Hold the ring with pliers and twist it apart sideways from its join. Thread the ring through the medal's loop, then close it by twisting the two ends back together until they meet. Check that the ring is round and closed before you wear the medal.
Wearing and Caring for Your Medal on Its New Cord
Once your medal is corded, wear it with care. Remove it before swimming or showering, since water and soap can dull the finish over time. Store it flat or hanging loosely, away from other jewellery that could scratch it.
Check the jump ring and cord every few weeks. A worn cord or a loose ring is easy to fix early and much harder to repair after a break.
If you are choosing a medal for everyday devotion, our guide to the best Catholic medals for daily wear covers which designs suit regular use. Medals can be ordered with an optional black cord. You can read more about why choose medals with black cord for daily devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you attach a cord to a medal?
Open a jump ring slightly by twisting it sideways with two pairs of pliers, never pulling it straight apart. Slide the ring through the medal's loop, thread the cord through the ring, then close the jump ring by twisting it back so the ends meet flush. Check that the ring is fully closed before wearing the medal, as an open gap can snag clothing and let the medal slip off.
How long should a cord be for a religious medal?
Most people choose a cord between 45 cm and 50 cm, which sits comfortably at the collarbone for adults. Children usually wear a shorter length, around 35 cm to 40 cm, to keep the medal from riding too low. Measure your own neck with a soft tape before cutting, and allow a little extra length for knotting the ends, since a cord cut too short cannot be easily lengthened.
Can you attach a cord to a medal without a jump ring?
Yes, you can thread the cord directly through the medal's loop if the opening is large enough to take the cord twice without strain. Fold the cord end back on itself, feed the folded end through the loop, and pull it through to form a small lark's head knot. Many medals have loops too tight for this, so a jump ring is the safer choice for most religious medals.
How do you stop a medal from sliding along its cord?
Add a small bead or cord stopper above the medal, or tie a secure overhand knot on either side of the loop so the medal cannot move freely. Sliding usually happens when the cord is much thinner than the medal's loop. Choosing a cord that fits the loop snugly, rather than loosely, keeps the medal in place during daily wear.
Attaching a cord to a medal is a small job, but doing it carefully keeps your medal safe for years. If you would rather have a medal ready to wear, browse our Latin Miraculous Medal with a cord already attached. Shop Miraculous Medals today for quality medals and same-day dispatch within Australia.
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