Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

Chainmail Buyer's Guide, Part 1

General Hints & Guidelines

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Categories: Instruction and information; Messages and statements; Jewelry

Word count/read time: 473 words; 2 minutes

Here is some information to educate buyers and weavers alike. It also applies to high-end chains, chain link jewelry, and whatnot.

FACT: The biggest causes of poorly closed rings are laziness and junk rings (anything that's not saw-cut). Only a fool with cognitive defects would say or think otherwise since the math and science of a properly closed ring are indisputable.

NOTE: A small amount of chainmaille qualifies as jewelry and the remainder is a novelty or fashion accessory. A hand-assembled or handmade chain should be the best there is. Otherwise, what's the point?

HINT #1: Lots of so-called jewelry is only worth its scrap value

Being a close cousin to barbed wire is no fun! Finding something better will require a longer search.

HINT #2: Someone's overall skill is determined by their lowest quality piece

Those who value quality know there is no magic button to go from making low-quality to high-quality stuff so they always practice top-notch workmanship.

HINT #3: When experience becomes the main selling point, it's not a good sign

In any vocation, one group talks about their experience and how much they value quality. The other group shows it.

HINT #4: Commission only the absolute best

Locate a talented artist because quality is either there or it's not. No amount of money will change that.

HINT #5: Buy into quality and value, not hype and low prices

The elegance of a simple but well-made piece will always be in style.

HINT #6: Size does matter but bigger is only better when bigger is actually better

Price will be influenced by the number of rings, metal value, etc. If it is poorly made then more isn't better.

HINT #7: Higher prices should always mean higher quality

The truth is...whether $20,000 or $20, high-quality and low-quality workmanship are available at all price points.

HINT #8: Fine pieces will be alluring and entice a thorough inspection

Poor construction can be seen in the blink of an eye while the best pieces remain flawless after a lengthy staredown.

HINT #9: Base your opinion on the facts

Be wary of overused descriptors. Let a measuring device reveal the truth.

HINT #10: Saw-cut rings only

Science confirms it! Other rings have a vicious kaleidoscope of slicing points. They fail two important F-words: function and fashion. Wearing jewelry shouldn't endanger the other two F-words: flesh and fabric.

HINT #11: Jewelry is defined by quality workmanship, not what it's made of

Sterling silver and other precious metals are nice but they must be outstanding to justify their status and price.

BONUS HINT: If you don't have time to find your treasure then buy from a jeweler instead.

Simply, if you don't seek the absolute best you will most certainly end up with something less.

The next entry describes the dreaded and all too common ring incident.

Posted by M: July 8, 2016

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