Using Niobium Rings in Chain Maille

by Kylie Jones
Niobium has its own interesting characteristics as a metal. Here are some tips for working with it.
Instructions
Color Spectrum
The anodized colors on the rings range in shades and when you buy a particular color you will get rings that vary in color, even on a single ring there can be changes in color. This can be a great feature of your pattern but if you are after a precise color you will need to buy a larger quantity of rings so you have more to choose from to get the right color. Also the colors can vary from batch to batch so order what you need for a project in one go.

You can see the range of colors in these 2 color groups.
Kylie Jones's Using Niobium Rings in Chain Maille - Color Spectrum, Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , niobium tips
Tool Marks and Polishing
The color of anodised niobium rings is on a layer of oxidation which can be scratched, a bit like a liver of sulphur patina. Sandpaper will rub the color away. Plier marks will remove the color. A soft cotton polishing cloth won't rub away the color. I do tumble niobium rings, mainly because the niobium rings can get a bur where they have been cut into jump rings. I have read that the color can fade with tumbling, I have never had rings fade and actually I think after tumbling the colors can be a little more intense because of the polishing. I generally tumble them only for about 30 minutes with stainless steel shot and a burnishing compound. For any rings that you are unsure about tumbling, just make a short chain and try it before you test it on something you have invested time in.

The ring on the left has had some of the color removed by fine sandpaper. The ring on the right has a silver mark where the pliers marked the ring.
Kylie Jones's Using Niobium Rings in Chain Maille - Tool Marks and Polishing, Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , niobium tips

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Stainless Steel Shot - 1 lb Bag
G24-4
  • G24-4
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $43.95
  • Gold Club Price: $32.96
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WireJewelry Professional Single Barrel Rotary Rock Tumbler with 3 Pound Capacity Drum (2021 Version)
G24-1V2
  • G24-1V2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $106.60
  • Gold Club Price: $79.95
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90 Degree Bent Nose Pliers
G2-66
  • G2-66
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.98
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Flat Nose Nylon Flat Jaw With Spring
PLR-831.00
  • PLR-831.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.80
  • Gold Club Price: $10.35
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  • Category: Chain Maille
  • Technique(s): Chain Making