Making a Hand Forged Chain Necklace
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/1_480x480.png?v=1693517084)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/2_480x480.jpg?v=1693518036)
Using a jump-ring maker, I form a lot of jump rings, for this necklace, 14 gauge Argentium silver wire.
![Jump Ring making process](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/3_480x480.jpg?v=1693518264)
I use argentium, which is a type of sterling silver because it can be fused and also is somewhat more resistant to tarnish. It is, however, about 10% more expensive than regular sterling silver wire.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/4_480x480.jpg?v=1693518326)
About 2/3rds of the jump rings are fused closed.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/5_480x480.jpg?v=1693518360)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/6_480x480.jpg?v=1693518375)
Using pliers, I stretch the fused round rings into oval shape
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/7_480x480.jpg?v=1693520162)
The oval links are hammered on a steel bench block with a small ball peen hammer. This both strengthens the links and makes them reflect more light after they are polished.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/8_480x480.jpg?v=1693520355)
Two hammered oval links are connected with open jump ring. This round ring is then stretched into an oval and hammered.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/9_480x480.jpg?v=1693520371)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0110/6103/5072/files/10_480x480.jpg?v=1693520386)
Additional links are added 2 at a time….one oval link and one open round link….to the previous oval link, and the round link is soldered closed, stretched and hammered. I use solder when attaching the links to avoid melting previous links by heating them to fusing temperature, I continue adding links until the chain is of the desired length. A hook clasp is soldered to an end link.
The chain is placed in an acid “pickle” to remove flux and oxidation.
Finally the chain is polished using a rotary tumbler with stainless steel shot.