Using pre-made rings is the quickest and easiest way to weave chain maille jewelry.
Commercially jump rings are cleanly cut,come in different materials, and the same size.
Sterling silver jump rings will have been polished in a rotary or vibrating tumbler.
Jump rings can be bought loose or in kit form with complete instructions for an immediate start all you will need are two pairs of pliers.
Pre-made rings are available in a number of different materials.
It is most important to check the ring inner diameter and wire gauge before making your purchase to ensure that the finished piece will not be too loose or the weave so tight that it loses flexibility or can’t be completed.
Ring Sizes
Set out below is a table of weaves and the sterling silver ring sizes required to make them.
It pays to buy some extra rings in case some rings are marked by the pliers or are lost.
| Weave Style |
Ring Size |
Wire Gauge |
| European 4-in-1 |
5 mm 4 mm 3mm |
14 16 18 |
| Byzantine |
5.5 mm 4.5 mm 3.5 mm |
14 16 18 |
| European 6-in-1 |
6 mm 4 mm 3 mm |
16 19 21 |
| Half Persian 4-in-1 |
7.5 mm 6 mm 5 mm |
14 16 18 |
| Jens Pind |
4.5 mm 3.75 mm 2.25 mm |
14 16 20 |
| 2-in-2 Chain |
4.5 mm 3.5 mm 2.75 mm 2.25 mm |
14 16 18 20 |
| 3-in-1 Chain |
6 mm 5 mm 3.75 mm 3 mm |
14 16 18 20 |
| Flower Chain |
6 mm 5 mm 4 mm 3 mm |
14 16 18 20 |