The chapter where I learned that metal has rules — and I learned how to bend them
This necklace comes from the season when I was just beginning to understand that chainmaille isn’t only about weaving rings — it’s about learning the language of metal. I ordered rings that were far larger than I expected, long before I knew anything about wire gauge, aspect ratio, or inside diameter. And yet, with those oversized rings in hand, I taught myself the Byzantine weave for the very first time.
The 14mm gunmetal glass pearls were another early surprise — purchased on sale before I had any sense of scale. Today I think in millimeters; back then, I thought in “that looks pretty.” When the beads arrived, they were enormous, glossy, and unexpectedly dramatic. I couldn’t find a clasp strong or large enough to balance the weight, so I made one myself.
This piece isn’t what I originally envisioned, but it became something better: a reminder that experimentation, miscalculations, and improvisation are all part of becoming an artist. It’s bold, shiny, and a little bit stubborn — just like I was when I made it.
Materials & Details
• Byzantine chainmaille weave
• Aluminum rings (lightweight, tarnish‑resistant)
• 14mm gunmetal glass pearls
• Handmade “S” clasp
• Length: 20 inches
The chapter where I learned that metal has rules — and I learned how to bend them
This necklace comes from the season when I was just beginning to understand that chainmaille isn’t only about weaving rings — it’s about learning the language of metal. I ordered rings that were far larger than I expected, long before I knew anything about wire gauge, aspect ratio, or inside diameter. And yet, with those oversized rings in hand, I taught myself the Byzantine weave for the very first time.
The 14mm gunmetal glass pearls were another early surprise — purchased on sale before I had any sense of scale. Today I think in millimeters; back then, I thought in “that looks pretty.” When the beads arrived, they were enormous, glossy, and unexpectedly dramatic. I couldn’t find a clasp strong or large enough to balance the weight, so I made one myself.
This piece isn’t what I originally envisioned, but it became something better: a reminder that experimentation, miscalculations, and improvisation are all part of becoming an artist. It’s bold, shiny, and a little bit stubborn — just like I was when I made it.
Materials & Details
• Byzantine chainmaille weave
• Aluminum rings (lightweight, tarnish‑resistant)
• 14mm gunmetal glass pearls
• Handmade “S” clasp
• Length: 20 inches
