What is Chainmaille?
Most of my jewelry and accessory designs are achieved through a technique called "chainmaille". The making of maille dates back thousands of years, throughout Asia and Northern Europe.
History
Chainmaille (chain maille, chain mail) is the relatively modern name for linking or weaving small, metal rings together to form a mesh pattern. “Maille” is from the French word for knitting, derived from the Latin macula, meaning "mesh of a net". Historically maille was created as armour, with separate pieces to cover and protect the head, torso and limbs from being injured in battle. Recently, maille has been used mainly for decorative purposes on clothing, for theatrical or medieval re-enactments, and in jewelry. Now chainmaille mesh designs incorporated into clothing are seen on runways and Red Carpets. Handmade chainmaille jewelry is increasingly popular, and the variety of materials and weave patterns provide something for everyone’s tastes.
Materials
All of my jewelry is made by me. Each piece of chainmaille is created by hand, by opening, linking, and closing hundreds of metal rings. I also incorporate other materials with the metal, such as Swarovski crystal, non-latex, rubber rings, recycled glass, handmade lampwork glass, and electrical and hardware components.
Care
All of the pieces can be washed with a mild detergent and dried thoroughly if you need to clean them. Some metals, such as copper, bronze, or brass, "oxidize", or develop a patina. Patina is the slight darkening in color that occurs when the metal reacts to the oxygen in the air. While many people prefer the look of patina, If you don't you can bring the oxidized metal back to the shiny original look by letting it sit for a few hours in a mild, acidic environment, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and even ketchup! Once the metal is as "bright" looking as you like, wash and dry completely.
Most of my jewelry and accessory designs are achieved through a technique called "chainmaille". The making of maille dates back thousands of years, throughout Asia and Northern Europe.
History
Chainmaille (chain maille, chain mail) is the relatively modern name for linking or weaving small, metal rings together to form a mesh pattern. “Maille” is from the French word for knitting, derived from the Latin macula, meaning "mesh of a net". Historically maille was created as armour, with separate pieces to cover and protect the head, torso and limbs from being injured in battle. Recently, maille has been used mainly for decorative purposes on clothing, for theatrical or medieval re-enactments, and in jewelry. Now chainmaille mesh designs incorporated into clothing are seen on runways and Red Carpets. Handmade chainmaille jewelry is increasingly popular, and the variety of materials and weave patterns provide something for everyone’s tastes.
Materials
All of my jewelry is made by me. Each piece of chainmaille is created by hand, by opening, linking, and closing hundreds of metal rings. I also incorporate other materials with the metal, such as Swarovski crystal, non-latex, rubber rings, recycled glass, handmade lampwork glass, and electrical and hardware components.
Care
All of the pieces can be washed with a mild detergent and dried thoroughly if you need to clean them. Some metals, such as copper, bronze, or brass, "oxidize", or develop a patina. Patina is the slight darkening in color that occurs when the metal reacts to the oxygen in the air. While many people prefer the look of patina, If you don't you can bring the oxidized metal back to the shiny original look by letting it sit for a few hours in a mild, acidic environment, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and even ketchup! Once the metal is as "bright" looking as you like, wash and dry completely.