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Chainmaille Finger Rings
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My rings are handmade welded precious metal masterpieces designed just for you! Find the current ones here.

Rings are a status symbol: Superbowl rings, wedding bands, engagement rings, graduation or class rings. They are the most popular jewelry item due to these factors, the ease with which they are made, and being truly unisex. What better way to flash wealth than huge diamonds set in platinum?

To really qualify as jewelry they need to be a solid, continuous band, tension settings excluded. Slotted rings of the same construction and size are substantially weaker and enjoy snagging things. Unlike a necklace or earrings, rings see lots of use and abuse from daily activities.

 
These micromaille denizens are not the easiest to manufacture!
 
Chainmaille is composed of many rings. Finger rings should use micromaille-sized rings since larger ones don't conform to a small diameter finger while remaining comfortable, low-profile, and aesthetically pleasing. The fluid nature of chains makes them more susceptible to catching and being damaged as a result.

Sizing a chain is difficult because one row or link often adds more than a full ring size. That means playing with several jump ring sizes and wire diameters to get it just right or breaking up the weave for a sizing bar/section. It's challenging to make a seamless, continuous weave. Some weaves do not mate to themselves well; others are too thick, bulky, or intricate.

Responsible maillers use saw-cut rings. Unfortunately, ugly pinch- and shear-cut rings are quite common. Their sharp edges and host of other dangers are an invitation to trouble. Responsible maillers also close their rings fully and properly because gaps and misaligned edges exacerbate the problems immensely. Otherwise it shows how unskilled, lazy, and how little they value quality. Unfortunately, that describes most chainmaille.

Which brings us back to construction methods. Most chainmaille uses butted rings which are not welded, soldered, or riveted closed. Only the strength of the metal prevents the chain from falling apart, a dicey proposition at best. Welding becomes a necessity with micromaille. Make that doubly so for silver, gold, and the other precious metals.

All of my jump rings are saw-cut and closed properly before being welded or soldered because legitimate jewelry demands and deserves nothing less. These micromaille denizens are not the easiest to manufacture!

In summary, chainmaille rings are awesome but have way too shortcomings to leave things to chance. You get what you pay for so it all comes down to what compromises you're willing to accept. Inexpensive chainmaille rings are poorly made with substandard construction and materials. That leaves few choices if quality and durability matter. Luckily, you found the best place for high-quality goods.


Posted by M: October 14, 2020


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