Chainmaille

I've been having an extremely frustrating time trying to get jump rings cut using the coil cutting pliers. I'm using 20 gauge, silver coated copper. The coil I'm cutting is 4mm OD and I'm using a 2/0 blade to cut (I've tried 1/0 as well because I...

Beeswax is definitely the missing element. Pass your blade over the beeswax two to three times before cutting the coil and it will glide through the...

My friends and I are renting a house on the beach this summer for a relaxing week. I like to relax with my beads. Do you have any suggestions for traveling with my favorite pastime?

For me the most important thing is light. Here in Oregon, sunshine on the coast is an iffy situation, so I would be sure to bring my portable...

Hi, I was just wondering what you would use the 12- and 14-gauge jump rings for. They seem really strong and are really thick and awkward, can they be used for chainmaillele or are they just for connecting things?

Large jump rings can be very handy once you start using them. This lovely necklace is a great example of how to make use of large jump rings in a...

How do you make jump rings with precious metal wire?

Traditionally, jump rings are formed from wire wound on a sized mandrel and cut with a jeweler's saw frame and blade. Jewelry makers can easily form...

How do I know what size split ring, jump ring and wire to use on a project?

You want the scale of your findings to balance well with your other components, as well as hold your design together. Reviewing the scale of the...

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.

With the great number of jumprings you need for various chainmaille patterns, you'll find buying formed jumprings in volume or buying sterling silver...

I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped...

There are a few factors that make for good hand-fabricated jumprings, especially those for use in chainmaille which requires uniformly measured and...

I was wondering what jumprings (size; gauge; soft; hard) etc. you would use to make a sterling silver chainmaille bracelet? Is there a standard and does that stand true for copper and bronze?

A variety of jumprings work for making chainmaille jewelry, but as a rule the heavier gauges (16, 18 and 20-gauges) of half-hard to hard wire work...

How do you measure a jumpring, so you know what to order, I'm using them on a toggle clasp for a spoon bracelet.

To measure the outside diameter (OD) of a jumpring, use a sliding gauge, or caliper. Slide the gauge so the tabs are separated enough to fit the...

How does chalk turquoise differ from "regular" turquoise? Is it manmade and if so, how? Is it less valuable than other types of turquoise?

Chalk turquoise is a form of natural turquoise that has a white chalk-like consistency. It has the same chemical composition as turquoise, only...

I have discovered the joys (and tribulations) of working with jumprings in making chainmaille jewelry. Besides soldering the rings closed, is there a special glue that can be used? I love working with jumprings of all sizes and would like to know...

Loctite® 454 Gel is the ideal glue to close a jumpring because it is made to adhere to smooth surfaces, dries clear and quick, and is in a gel form...

Could you please explain how to make jump rings? What do you use to cut them?

To make your own jump rings, tightly coil your wire around a jump ring mandrel at the desired width. Remove the coil. Use flush-cutters to cut away...