Comments on: Please Share Your Experience with Chain

By: Nicole Green

Nicole Green — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:31:28 +0000

I recently started looking into a good silver chain. I asked customer service at Rio Grande, and she pointed me to Argentium silver. It is more expensive than sterling silver chain, but doesn’t tarnish so quickly. I read that it is 7 times more resistant to tarnish than sterling silver.
Another jeweler told me she uses electro-plated silver. Since I carry medium to higher priced jewelry, these should work.

By: Brenda Nishimoto

Brenda Nishimoto — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:14:34 +0000

I am with Becky, we are no longer selling any chain (by the foot or in finished necklaces) which does not have soldered links. In addition to snagging, unless the links are soldered you run the risk of having your wire wrapped pieces falling through the opening (small though it may be). Our favorite sterling silver chain is made in Italy. Our Gold Fill comes from the US.

By: Valarie Lewis

Valarie Lewis — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 15:18:31 +0000

I make pendants in gold filled and sterling (sometimes I use copper, but I include a chain with those) I find that if I display pendants on chain, the customers expect one, so I display them on ribbons, and if the customer wants a chain I upcharge them $5 for silver or $8 gold-filled. I keep spools of chain, pliers and findings so that I can make them to the length they need. I do keep a stash of 18” chains(the most popular size in my area) for when it gets too busy to make them individually.

By: Dianne Jacques

Dianne Jacques — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 14:04:44 +0000

My favorite chain is the 2mm Alternating Cylinder and Round Bead Chain, By the Foot at Rio. If I’m doing a design in copper I usually oxidize then tumble. It’s a nice looking chain, a step above the ball chains but still moderate in price.
Another thing I do is take 49 strand silver AccuFlex and crimp ends and cut 3, 5 or 7 in lengths of whatever I need. It’s an inexpensive alternative and because it is nylon coated even folks with metal sensitivities can use it. super fast, easy, no soldering for those who don’t like to solder, and it is actually my customers favorite. It gives a mre rounded look though so not good for long pieces.

By: Mimi A

Mimi A — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 13:47:34 +0000

I use pre-made stainless steel chain for my pendants and for some pieces. Since I do chain mail if I made every single necklace to go with every single pendant they would be priced out of everyone’s range. I buy the chain on spools and only use 304 or higher alloy for the pendants. I would love to use solid copper chain but I have a hard time finding it. And when I do find it it is very pricey. Most of the copper chain on Etsy and Amazon and eBay are plated.

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 13:26:17 +0000

In reply to Becky. Becky, thanks for sharing that great tip about snagging chain links! :)

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 13:18:56 +0000

I use a variety of chain. Copper, Sterling, Gold filled and repurposed. Customers love to see Copper I’ve noticed, either I buy in bulk at a show or at a chain store on sale or with coupons. Generally add my own hand made hook. Whenever you buy a pre made chain, run your fingers over it, if it snags, do not buy it. I wasted too much time yesterday, tightening up links on a chain I was using as extenders for 8 necklaces. When in doubt, don’t use it. Should have followed my own advice. Re-purposed chain is awesome to use and its OK to mix things. You are the designer! Enjoy, Becky

By: Kristin Moore

Kristin Moore — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 22:25:07 +0000

I only use sterling silver chain in a variety of sizes. I buy it in bulk on the spool so I can cut to size and add my own clasp. Since sterling does tarnish over time, I recommend to my customers that they store their sterling pieces in airtight bags or containers. I haven’t used anything else yet, so can’t really speak to my customer’s preferences, although I have had very few if any requests for other materials so far. Hope that helps!

By: Justice

Justice — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 08:23:54 +0000

I am making necklaces that are completely made of drops/pendants, if that is the right term. This means that chains are essential because only with them can I keep the space between drops symmetrically spaced on either side of the center drop/pendant. At the top of each drop/pendant string (which is made of wire loops through 8-10 beads), I attach the drop to the chain with a jump ring.
I am using gold-filled chains that will not twist up and take a long time to straighten out. I am not meticulous about quality of individual parts because each of my pieces is a demo model at this point. I will moderate the quality if a piece attracts interest. Teenage girls and boys cannot afford solid gold or even gold-filled chains (at $36 USD for 18 inches), while grown professional women will insist on solid gold.

By: irina

irina — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 06:53:09 +0000

I also work a lot with bits from other jewelry objects and copper, brass and base metals.
for colored chain I only use chain from shop-bought necklaces: I found a store network that sales really good quality fashion accessories, at very reasonable prices and I buy large quantities when they have sales (and since in Israel we have holidays nearly every 2 months, we have a lot of sales too 😉
For bulk is pretty the same choosing process: either on-line or off it, I first buy a bit of chain for one design, wear it myself for about an year, and then, if the piece wore nicely, I trust the source for all its products.
I am a beadweaver and I only use chain sparingly. Also, I only use very fine chain, so quality doesn’t only mean color changes, it also means sturdiness and fluidity: I won’t want chains that break easy, or gets mangled in the jewelry box, or get caught in the wearer’s clothing or other accessories…
As for jumprings and findings: as the mood takes me. Sometimes the design allows for bought store ones, other times is screams for custom work! If I were to really think about it, it’s pretty much half-and-half: only ear-wires I use 100% store-bought.
Good Luck!!
and don’t forget that the best solution is the one true to your creativity 🙂

By: darlene

darlene — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 05:36:33 +0000

I dislike silver plate and sterling because of the tarnish factor so I switched to rhodium plated chain and findings. Stainless steel petite ball chains are nice for my casual pieces. I have sterling silver ear wires on hand in case someone has to have them though.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:16:38 +0000

With my bigger mid priced pendants I like to add a few big funky hand made links made by wrapping heavier gauge wire around large markers or “faceted” mascara tubes or such towards the front of the piece interspersed with commercial links and then finish it off with somewhat finer commercial chain. The handmade links can have beads wired into or dangled from them or maybe a bit of wrapping or weaving added to really customize a piece.
I use recyled copper wire for all my work and oxidize everything so I scout yard sales and thrift shops for old jewelry to repurpose chain as well as buying assorted “bulk” lengths of different styles on ebay or etsy.
You can also use a few custom chain links in the front with nice silk or leather cord and ribbon too. It’s worth learning how to make and use simple wire
cord ends and with practice there are handmade clasps that take just minutes to make that give your work real handmade appeal.
I can really vary my price points this way which gives me more options when looking for new shops and galleries to approach.

By: Cindi

Cindi — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:04:02 +0000

I am a BIG fan of chain in my designs. I developed a more vintage style so I have stayed with antique copper, brass, pewter, gunmetal. These colors don’t tarnish so I don’t have to worry and I like the darker feel with pearls or gemstones.
I also like to mix up chain sizes and link styles in a piece so it’s easier for me to buy my chain in bulk at gem shows. I also re-purpose chain from old necklaces I can find at garage sales or antique malls.

By: Ellen

Ellen — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 05:59:46 +0000

I usually just make my own chain with wire and absolutely make my own jump rings. However the rare times I buy chain I buy plated and I make sure my customers know it’s plated chain. I don’t really use plated chains on pieces that will be very expensive.

I’m just now starting to consider using re-purposed chain from vintage pieces, and even old accessories like handbags and shoes , inspired by some of Rena’s recent tutorials.