# Handmade chains

> How a chain is made by hand: wound, cut and soldered links, assembly and the ancient loop-in-loop technique.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/handmade-chains/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-04
- Updated: 2026-08-04
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/cadenas-hechas-a-mano/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Making a chain by hand is one of the jeweler's tests of patience. Each link is prepared, closed and hooked into the previous one.

![Steps of the technique: Make the rings, Close, Link, Check, Polish, Add the clasp](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/cadenas-manuales-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Links

1. Wind the wire in a tight spiral on a mandrel.
2. Cut the spiral with the saw to get open rings.
3. Close each ring and [solder](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/) it so it does not open.
4. Join the rings following the chosen pattern.

## Patterns

From the simple link (cable) to braided ones such as Byzantine. See [types of chain](https://www.711grados.com/en/types-of-jewelry-chains/).

## Loop-in-loop

An ancient technique (Egyptian and Roman) in which wire loops are interlocked with each other, without soldering, to form a flexible chain.

## Finishing

Pickle, wash and polish. A clasp is added at the end.

## Step by step

1. **Make the rings.** Coil wire on a mandrel and cut it into rings.
2. **Close.** Solder or close each ring leaving no gap.
3. **Link.** Join each ring to the previous ones following the pattern.
4. **Check.** Verify that none opens.
5. **Polish.** Smooth the solder joints and tumble.
6. **Add the clasp.** Add the clasp and end ring.

## Tools and materials

- Wire of the chosen gauge
- Coiling mandrel and [pliers](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-pliers-and-tweezers/)
- [Torch](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-torches/) and solder
- Clasp ([clasps](https://www.711grados.com/en/types-of-jewelry-clasps-and-earring-backs/))

## Common mistakes

- Rings of different sizes.
- Unpolished solder joints that break.
- Choosing wire too fine for the use.
- Not checking the chain's flexibility.

## See also

- [Types of jewelry chains: links, thicknesses and clasps](https://www.711grados.com/en/types-of-jewelry-chains/)
- [Chainmaille (maille weaving)](https://www.711grados.com/en/chainmaille/)
- [Soldering for jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/)