Niobium Zigzag Earrings

by Kylie Jones

Category: Chain Maille
Technique(s): Chain Making
Skill Level: Beginner

Anodized niobium rings come in beautiful bright colors. The colors are made using an electrical charge and they run through the whole spectrum of the rainbow. These earrings were designed to make a feature of these adorable colors.

Materials

20g AWG (0.8mm) Inner diameter 5/32” (4.1mm) anodized niobium jump rings.

Lesson Quantity: 32.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 32.00 each

21 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire

H8-21H

Lesson Quantity: 3.50 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $2.82
Gold Club Price: $2.12

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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers

G2-508

G2-508
Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

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Round Nose Wire Pliers

G2-507

G2-507
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Instructions

Step 1

Using color A close 6 rings. With an open ring go through 2 closed rings, and close the ring. Thread a piece of scrap wire through the first ring, this will keep the first ring in the correct position and stop it from flipping around.

Kylie Jones's Niobium Zigzag Earrings - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , niobium zigzag earrings

Step 2

Take an open ring and go through the last ring on the chain, add a closed ring, and close the ring. Repeat this step 3 times. You will have a one in one chain 11 links long. Note that all of the even numbered rings sit one way and all of the odd numbered rings sit the other way, make sure the chain doesn't twist. This chain is easier to make if you suspend the chain rather than laying it flat.

Step 3

Using color B take an open ring, and working on the right hand side of the chain, go down into the center of ring 3 and also down into the center of ring 1, close the ring.

Step 4

Take an open ring, and working on the left hand side of the chain, go down into the center of ring 5 and also down into the center of ring 3, close the ring.

Step 5

Continue adding rings in this way, on the right hand side down through rings 7 and 5, then the left side down through rings 9 and 7, and lastly on the right side down through rings 11 and 9.

For the ear wire I have used 21g wire which is slightly finer than I normally use. I've chosen this gauge so the ear wire is small and not a feature. If I was using colored niobium wire I would make the ear wire a feature and use 20g wire.

Step 6

Make another earring in exactly the same way and just turn it over to get a mirror image. (6)

Step 7

Cut the wire in half. Straighten the wire. Using round nose pliers make a loop in one end of the wire. Shape the curve around a pen or piece of dowel or mandrel. Trim the wire and shape as you like.

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Kylie Jones

I am a jewelry designer living on the Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia. I love the challenge of designing jewelry, the mix of creative energy and problem solving. I love chain maille because it is low tech, it makes gorgeous ornamental patterns and textures, and it has a strong link to the past. You can see more of my work at: www.ringsandstones.com.au