Chunky Chain Inspiration

by Judy Larson
With a larger project, I start with a sketch. As work progresses, the design often will change somewhat. When making a necklace with three center focals to connect, I was stumped on the neck-chain and connecting rings. In my sketch, the necklace links were all the same size, and I wanted to use similar size rings to connect the focals.
Instructions
By the time I got the bezels made, the sketch chain seemed not quite "right" for the focals. A chain that would pull the eyes away from the focals for too long would not work-so nothing fancy. Since the focal stones were not of great quality, the chain still had to keep the eye from resting on them alone-so nothing too plain.
Judy Larson's Chunky Chain Inspiration - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, sketching the necklace
Judy Larson's Chunky Chain Inspiration - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, focal pieces
I always look for pre-made chain before I consider making it because making chain is one of those projects I would really like to avoid. This hammered chain from wirejewelry, which I love, was just not as heavy as I would like but alone would make a fabulous necklace. I was also on the fence about the hammered texture paired with the focals.
8-292U Sterling Silver Hammered Round Link Chain (13.8mm Large) (11.2mm Small) - 10 Feet
Judy Larson's Chunky Chain Inspiration - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, chain
Making two similar chains in bracelet lengths in a heavier gauge wire, one texture and one smooth, was my solution.
Judy Larson's Chunky Chain Inspiration - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, handmade chain

Materials

Sterling Silver Hammered Round Link Chain (13.8mm Large) (11.2mm Small) - 10 Feet
C8-292U
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $296.97
  • Gold Club Price: $222.73
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Design