Getting Started with Assembly/ Chain Maille…

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If you are brand new to the art of jewelry, jump rings are the round link of wire that is commonly used to assemble parts.

These jump rings can also be assembled together in a series to create chain.  The reason this is an ideal place to begin your journey is because this technique is used throughout our craft from a beginner to a goldsmith, and it only requires a pair of chain-nose pliers, a pair of flat-nose pliers, a bead mat, and some magnification if you can’t see the joins really well.  (Please note that the tools are highlighted in red.  You can click on each tool name to take a look at the description of the tool.)

Here’s a video to get you started…

Does this look like fun?

When you are ready to purchase tools, you can look up jewelry supply stores in your area.  My local supply shop is also happy to take good care of your needs, so feel free to contact C&D Silver and be sure to let them know that Jen from Jewelry Classes with Jen sent you.  (They offer my students a discount on tools.)  And remember that you can click on the red links above to view a description of each of the tools or you can just go to the Tool Reference.

You can purchase some jump rings here to get you started…  I am using 16ga 7/32″ inner diameter rings in this video.  It’s a good idea to practice with copper rings, so you don’t have much to lose while you get used to opening and closing your rings.

Next step: Troubleshooting…

Now that you have learned how to open and close jump rings, you’ll need to learn how to fix any issues that may arise when you work with them.  Here’s a video that shows you the three most common mishaps and my tips and tricks on how to correct them.

Let’s get started with your first project…

Now that you know how to open and close jump rings, you are ready to make something you will love to wear!  Here’s a video showing you how to create a 1 x 1 chain bracelet adorned with glass beads:

Please note that even though our videos are filmed for right-handed people, we offer left-handed versions of our instructions where all of the images are from the left-hand dominant perspective where you open your rings so the left side is towards the back, and primarily use your left hand for scooping, which can be very helpful!

Do you want to make your own bracelet?  You can purchase a kit here…

If you are thinking about making a variation of this project, take a look at this article explaining the reasons behind the materials we chose.  You could save yourself both time and money by avoiding common pitfalls.

Now you can take the next step and improve your skills and efficiency making this coordinating necklace…

In this next lesson I show how you can improve the efficiency of building chain by not having to put it down over and over again, plus there are great tips about keeping track of your starting point and which end to add the clasp.  All of these great skills to build on your foundation while making a cute necklace to match your bracelet:

Please note that even though our videos are filmed for right-handed people, we offer left-handed versions of our instructions where all of the images are from the left-hand dominant perspective where you open your rings so the left side is towards the back, and primarily use your left hand for scooping, which can be very helpful!

Ready to make a necklace?  Kits are available here for purchase…

Please take note… if you are thinking about making a variation of this project, take a look at this article explaining the reasons behind the materials we chose.  You could save yourself both time and money by avoiding common pitfalls.