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Combine Chainmail with Link

By on December 9, 2016
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by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Tip for December 9th 2016

Combine Chainmail with Links

by Marilyn Gardiner

Another fun and useful tip from our good friend Marilyn. Enjoy!

Marilyn Says:

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If you browse the findings section of your local bead store you will likely find a variety of links different shapes, sizes, and materials.

The first photo shows metal ones. The first two rows are sterling silver, the third has silver plated examples and the fourth has antiqued copper, black, gold plated, and pewter.

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The second photo has examples of stone (Sardonyx) and crystals. You’ll also find links made from mother-of-pearl, plastic, and resin.

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Notice that some have holes for jump rings, some don’t, some are textured, some are antiqued, and some have decorative details. Notice also the varied shapes: round, oval, square, and twisted.

For size, the largest sterling silver one is 33mm diameter, the Sardonyx one is 38mm, and the small black one is 13mm.

Once you have some links you like, choose a chainmail weave, make some pieces, and start joining them with links to make a necklace. I prefer to use weaves that lay flat with the thin links, while the thinker links can handle round weaves.

Here’s an example that combines Jens Pind Linkage, twisted links, and a beaded section on flexible beading wire.

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Here’s a pair of funky chains that I wear together—often over a white blouse. The weave with the oval grey links is Orchid weave, while the other is just 2 rings-into-2 rings.

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If you love this tip and would like to read more of Marilyn’s contributions – CLICK HERE!

Happy Wrapping!

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