T3 WeeK 1 - Chain Making

And we are back into the routine of the diploma. I am going to miss this once I am finished.

I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed my day today. Watching the videos, they showed us 3 different projects for chain making. This time round I decided to practice one of the projects in copper instead of jumping straight in with the silver like I usually do.

I am really liking the style and colour combination of the silver and gold chain bracelet. Due to the amount of gold (over 1g) that is in the bracelet it will require Hallmarking, from the London Assay office where I am registered with my makers mark. I think I will have to make a similar style bracelet but use gold filled (better quality than gold plated) instead of solid gold. At the moment most of the pieces I make are under the weight threshold that is required by law to be Hallmarked by one of the assay offices. I will have to store up these pieces as it works out cheaper to hallmark more pieces in bulk then sending in one piece at a time.

How it starts.

Make a coil of rings.

Practice in copper first.

We got to make different style clasps and also different shapes to form the chain. As you can see from my pictures below the heart bracelet consists of triangle, heart and square links to make the bracelet. Being able to make your own chain be that for a bracelet or a necklace gives you more freedom for design.

I will most definitly be making more chain in the future both as necklaces and bracelets.

Let me know in the comments if you like handmade chain.

Soldering finished

Finished chain bracelets