Garnet Chain Maille Earrings

by Kylie Jones

Category: Chain Maille
Technique(s): Chain Making
Skill Level: Beginner

Beautiful garnet beads are suspended within the rings of this chain maille weave. This pattern allows the light to shine through the beads and it is perfect for translucent gems and crystals. The beads used in this pattern are faceted but round smooth beads will also work.

Materials

sterling 18 gauge 11/64" ID jump rings

Lesson Quantity: 28.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 28.00 each

20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire

H8-20H

Lesson Quantity: 5.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $2.93
Gold Club Price: $2.19

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4mm faceted garnet beads

Lesson Quantity: 6.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 6.00 each

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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers

G2-508

G2-508
Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Round Nose Wire Pliers

G2-507

G2-507
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

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12mm mandrel or pen

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

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Instructions

Step 1

Cut the 20g wire into two 2.4" pieces. (6cm) Make a loop like the letter P at one end of one of the silver wire pieces. This loop needs to be big enough to hold 2x 1mm thick jump rings. An easy way to do this is to measure the thickness of one jaw of your round nose pliers and mark off a spot that is slightly wider than 2mm. I found the spot that was 2.3mm to make the loop. Holding this loop against the mandrel form the wire around the mandrel to create the curve of the ear wire. Bend the tail of the wire and trim. Make 2.

Kylie Jones's Garnet Chain Maille Earrings - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , garnet chain maille earrings

Step 2

With an open jump ring go through the loop of the ear wire and close the ring. Add another in the same place. Take an open jump ring and go through the 2 rings you just added and close the ring. Add another in the same place.

Step 3

The last 2 rings added have to be folded back towards the ear wire. The back ring folds back under the ear wire and the front ring folds back on top of the ear wire. Place the bead inside the 2 rings attached to the ear wire, and now bring the folded back rings forward into their original position to hold the bead in place.

Pro Tip: If substituting round beads into the pattern you may need to increase the size of the inner diameter of the jump ring. See my tool tip Ring and bead sizes for captured bead chain maille.

Step 4

Add 2 rings to the last 2 rings, and again add 2 rings to the last 2 rings. Fold back the 2 rings just added, place the bead inside the first 2 rings and reposition the folded back rings.

Step 5

Repeat step 4 to add another bead and then add 2 rings to the bottom 2 rings to hold those rings in place and secure the bead. Make 2 earrings.

Reviews

Kylie Jones

I am a jewelry designer living on the Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia. I love the challenge of designing jewelry, the mix of creative energy and problem solving. I love chain maille because it is low tech, it makes gorgeous ornamental patterns and textures, and it has a strong link to the past. You can see more of my work at: www.ringsandstones.com.au