Making Chain Maille Jewelry

About Chain Maille

Chain maille is made of small metal rings linked together in a mesh pattern. Throughout the High Middle Ages, it was used to create body armor for soldiers. In the 14th century, chain maille began to be gradually replaced by plate armor.

Today, chain maille is most often used to create protective clothing for butchers, scuba divers, and animal control officers. It is also popular among historical reenactment groups.

Chain maille is sometimes referred to as chain mail, chainmail, or mail.

Chain Maille Jewelry

Although chain maille has many practical uses, it is also quite beautiful in appearance. This makes the material an excellent choice for jewelry making. Chain maille can be used to create necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and headpieces. Silver is the most common material, but gold filled rings can also be used.

Chain maille jewelry is popular among both men and women, although designs made for women tend to feature more delicate chains and patterns. A round chain, flat chain, or spiral chain are just some of the many possibilities available when making chain maille jewelry. Beads are often incorporated into chain maille jewelry designs to provide a unique look.

Chain maille jewelry is sometimes called jump ring jewelry.

Supplies for Making Chain Maille Jewelry

Simple chain maille projects can be made using only jump rings and needle nose pliers. Soldering is generally only necessary for more advanced pieces.

To purchase supplies for making chain maille jewelry online, check out the following websites:

• Urban Maille
• Golden Maille
• Precious Maille
• The Ring Lord
• Blue Buddha Boutique
• Chain Maille Jewelry Kits
• Chain Weavers
• The Chain Maille Guy

Many people who are interested in learning more about chain maille jewelry have concerns about the cost of this hobby. Generally, project kits are the most affordable way to begin making chain maille jewelry. These kits provide you with complete instructions and eliminate supply waste. Once you’ve gained experience in basic chain maille techniques, making your own jump rings will help keep the cost of your projects to a minimum.

Instructions for Chain Maille Jewelry

Instructions for chain maille jewelry can be difficult to find, since many artists create their designs freehand. However, for your first chain maille jewelry project, you may want to consider using one of the following free patterns:

• Classic European 4-in-1 weave chain maille bracelet
• Japanese chain maille necklace
• Queen’s chain bracelet
• Full Persian chain
• Roundmaille weave
• Twisted jump ring bracelet

For additional information about making chain maille jewelry, check out the following helpful resources:

• Learn more about working with chain maille from the Maille Artisans International League.
• Download free chain maille tutorials.
• Purchase a chain maille jewelry e-book with a variety of patterns from Culture Jewelry.
• Buy Chain Mail Jewelry: Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques by Terry Taylor and Dylon Whyte from Amazon.com.