The process-making a chain


General, Necklace, Technique / Friday, October 3rd, 2014

I have just finished a custom order where she wanted a smaller version than this necklace I have for sale over at Storeenvy. I have also written about it on my blog before. She wanted the link to be smaller in width, so I tried with another mandrel. The shape still needed to be big enough for me to work with. This was a good opportunity for me to show the process in making this necklace, so I took pictures of most of the steps needed.

Bronze wire on spool
Bronze wire on spool – always the starting point
prosess-1
First I need to measure and cut the wire needed.
After the wire is cut each end is filed usin a cup bur
After the wire is cut each end is filed using a cup bur
Pile of wire cut, filed and ready
Pile of wire cut, filed and ready

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pile of links
Pile of links
Then each end of the link is shaped, using pliers
Each end of the links are shaped, using round nose pliers
For this job I have to use my daylight lamp with magnifying glass
For this job I have to use my daylight lamp with magnifying glass. I can`t live without it.
The each wire is shaped on the mandrel.
Then each wire is shaped on the mandrel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time for some hammering. First only on the top using a rubber hammer - to flatten it.
Time for some hammering. First only on the top using a rubber hammer – to flatten it.
Then I need to use the chasing hammer on the sides to give each link a shine.
Then I need to use the chasing hammer on the sides to give each link a shine.
Then each link is inspected and joined with a jump ring.
Each link is inspected and joined with a jump ring until desired length.
Pile of links formed and shaped
Pile of links formed and shaped

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The finished necklace then needs a few hours in the  tumbler. The result is a lovely finish, and smooth links. It also removes most of the tool marks I have left on the bronze.

Detail of the links
Detail of the links
The finished necklace
The finished necklace

She wanted the necklace to be 95 cm, so it was quite a few links I needed to make. The bronze gives such a luxury look, without being too expensive.