Assembling a Functional Surfboard Pendant. Designing and manufacturing the Finkey surfboard necklace was only part of the journey. Once the front and back components were perfected and reliable suppliers were secured, it was time for the most hands-on stage of all: assembling the surfboard pendant. This is where precision, patience, and attention to detail come together, transforming individual parts into a fully functional piece of surf jewelry.
Preparing the Components
Before assembly begins, every part goes through a thorough cleaning process. Any residue from production or handling can affect long-term durability, especially in a marine environment.
Each component is:
- Carefully cleaned with alcohol
- Gently brushed to remove micro-particles
This step ensures optimal bonding and a flawless finish.
Perfect Alignment Matters
Next comes the alignment of the pendant itself. The front and back parts of the surfboard necklace are matched with extreme precision, maintaining a 0.1 mm gap on the inside. This tiny tolerance is essential, as it allows smooth movement of the concealed mechanism while preserving the solid, seamless look of the pendant from the outside. It’s a small detail, but one that directly affects both function and feel.
Securing the Functional Core
With alignment set, the functional elements are permanently installed:
- The pin is glued into place using super-strength epoxy
- The hex key, the heart of the fin key necklace, is secured using the same high-performance epoxy adhesive
This adhesive was chosen specifically for Finkey Jewelry for its strength, durability, and resistance to saltwater, heat, and time. Once glued, the pendant is left to cure for a full day, ensuring maximum bond strength before any further handling.
Final Assembly: Ready to Wear
After curing, the final steps bring the surfboard necklace to life as wearable jewelry:
- A lobster clasp is attached
- The D-ring is carefully closed using pliers, ensuring a secure and long-lasting connection
At this point, the Finkey pendant is fully assembled, functional, durable, and ready for real-world use.
Built for the Ocean: Materials That Matter
Every single component of the Finkey surfboard necklace, including the pendant, hardware, and chain, is made from marine-grade stainless steel.
This material was chosen for a reason:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Strength under stress
- Longevity in saltwater environments
The chain design was also carefully selected. Its specific link structure provides both strength and freedom of movement, reflecting the innovation and style highlighted in The Rise of Modern Surfing, allowing the necklace to sit comfortably around the neck while standing up to daily wear, surf trips, and ocean exposure.
From Parts to Purpose
Part Three of the Finkey journey is about craftsmanship. It’s about respecting the details that turn a concept into a trusted piece of surf equipment, one you can wear every day and rely on when it counts. In the final part of this series, we’ll dive into real-world testing, surfer feedback, and what it takes to launch a piece of surf jewelry built for adventure. Stay tuned, the story comes full circle soon.
