Making your own chain means your jewelry design will be as handmade as you can possibly manage. Using jump rings is probably the easiest way.  But there are others.  Check out Keirsten's wonderful post on 4 different ways to use some basic metal work techniques and convert wire into awesome chains without soldering.



I love how she balled the ends of the figure 8s shown above. But if you cannot use a torch, she also has a wonderful bracelet example which shows unballed figure 8s used as links.

Her approach is simple - loop or curve thick wire with your tools and hammer flat. I recommend using bail forming pliers for loop consistency.

My favorite has to be the last one - flattened wire links with holes punched at both ends.

She made me chuckle too with her comment, "It's not perfect, but I like my jewelry like I like my men. Primitive."

Also worth a look is this wire wrapped oval link bracelet tutorial over on the Craftsy blog. Clever idea to use  2 small marker pens to form the oval!


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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips