Ask the Experts Jumprings Q&A

I am a chain mail artist considering making my own sterling silver jump rings. Is the cost saving to buy sterling wire and make the rings myself worth the effort? My preferences for wire are 16 and 18 gauge half-hard wire.

- Andrea

With the great number of jump rings you need for various chainmaille weaves, we recommend cost-savings options of buying pre-formed jump rings in bulk or buying sterling silver wire in bulk to shape and cut jump rings with a motorized tool. Which option is best will depend on your ability to make the investment in purchasing and learning to efficiently use a jump ring cutting system.

If you prefer silver wire in 16- and 18-gauge, in the same temper, you can buy sterling silver-filled wire in bulk and maximize your savings. Sterling silver-filled wire, findings and pre-formed jump rings are also great economical substitutes for sterling silver.

- Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor