Chain Style 50 Contemporary Jewelry Designs

by Jane Dickerson

Incorporating chain as a key element in jewelry design is becoming increasingly popular, and this handy instructional assists jewelry artists in discovering the ease and affordability of manipulating the medium to produce stunning and fashionable pieces. Using commonly found chain metals, such as brass, copper, sterling silver, gunmetal, aluminum, base metal, and goldtone, this extensive and accessible reference presents 50 fun and creative methods for showcasing chain styles to make even the most inexperienced designer look like a pro. Covering basic essential techniques--including opening and closing jump rings, cutting, oxidizing, and hammering--this informative and engaging manual focuses on simple chain styles that can be constructed to form clean, modern, wearable art.

Genres: Nonfiction, Jewellery Making, Crafts, Jewellery, How To

127 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shows a wide range of styles one can do with the simple chain, other bits and bobs (lol - often the thing that defines the piece of jewelry), and your creativity. Each project sources the small components, which is really helpful, more to know where the creators go for their raw materials rather than trying to replicate the featured piece itself. I was, though, disappointed in how lop-sided the very first simple loop was!!! And that was the first technique shown!!! Nonetheless, good for inspiration.

[Punk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crafts. I picked this up because I wanted to learn some basic techniques for working with chain and beads, and it pretty much answered all my questions in the first fifteen pages. The section at the front explains the tools you need and how to use them, as well as how to make wrapped loops, jump rings, spirals, hooks, etc.

The fifty project ideas are necklaces and bracelets in a variety of styles with an emphasis on mixing different types of chain with the occasional bead or charm for accent. Each design has a picture of the finished product, a list of the materials and tools required, and detailed instructions. There are no smaller pictures of the piece in progress, which might have been a nice addition for some of the more complicated designs that have ten or more steps.

Four stars. A full color book with index and resource guide. Good for step by step instructions, or simple inspiration.

[Amy Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is OK. I didn't really see anything new. It does have some cool project ideas for beginners. There's a small section in the front that teaches you basic techniques for patina, making jump rings, making loops, making your own hook clasps, and a few other basics. I probably wouldn't buy this one for myself, but I enjoyed checking it out from the library. If you're new to jewelry and you're interested in working with chains and a very small amount of beads and wire, this would be the book for you!

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so contemporary chain style jewelleries are just not my thing! I think there was about only 2 projects that I liked! However there were a few useful techniques about how to work metal wire which I appreciated.