| Jewelry fashions change often. Trendy styles come | | | | Larger commercially made necklaces and bracelets |
| and go, as with any other fashion accessory. Some | | | | may be made with thick wire links that are not |
| designs lend themselves to a certain style dress or | | | | soldered. |
| can be seasonal. Obviously toe rings and belly rings | | | | Chainmaille artisans usually handcraft jewelry without |
| are mostly seen during the summer months. | | | | soldering the links. These pieces are made in a way |
| Then there are the classic styles every jewelry owner | | | | that does not require the links to be permanently |
| should have. This is the kind of jewelry that can be | | | | closed; they will not come apart. Leaving the links |
| worn with just about any style clothing, all year round. | | | | unsoldered makes it easier to add onto or shorten |
| One of the most popular and versatile jewelry items is | | | | bracelets, anklets or other items when making custom |
| the rope chain. A long necklace is ideal for most | | | | length jewelry. |
| lockets; a shorter length can be very attractive with a | | | | A less expensive look-alike style is actually hollow. This |
| gemstone or birthstone pendant. Wide sizes make nice | | | | design is made with fine metal tube shaped links. The |
| bracelets. Many jewelers use it as a component in | | | | result is a very light piece that looks similar; but isn't the |
| other pieces. For example, this design is also fabulous | | | | same as solid jewelry made with wire links. The hollow |
| used in a nameplate or anklet. | | | | links cannot be soldered closed; they break easily and |
| This jewelry can be made with any metal, but a | | | | often as a result. Many 14k gold bracelets and |
| sterling silver rope chain is a popular choice for a | | | | necklaces are made this way to limit their weight and |
| variety of reasons. An attractive, fabulous fashion | | | | keep the cost low. |
| accent that can be worn over a lifetime, they give high | | | | Sterling silver rope chain is available in many size |
| value for a very low cost. | | | | widths, from very fine to designs thicker than a man's |
| This type of jewelry is made with round, ring shaped | | | | thumb. This style is very strong; even fairly thin pieces |
| links. There are different styles; the design varies | | | | are very tough because of the way this design is |
| depending on the way it is made. Traditional double | | | | made. This means it is a great choice for holding your |
| rope necklaces and bracelets are made by passing | | | | favorite pendant; but they also look great worn alone. |
| each link through the two previous links. Adding links in | | | | Sterling jewelry can be made with smooth or twisted |
| this manner allows the maker to produce jewelry that | | | | wire links. Different textured links can be arranged to |
| shows the spiral structure of this pattern. Standard | | | | form patterns in the jewelry, like stripes. Other metals |
| sizes are made on machines that automate the | | | | can be mixed in to create striking effects; jewelry |
| process, but larger sizes are still made by hand, making | | | | made with copper and silver links is very attractive. |
| and adding one link at a time. | | | | A silver rope chain is a great fashion choice - for any |
| Most commercially made pieces have soldered links. | | | | occasion! |