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New Mexico, USA

Desert Chains

Award-winning artisan jewelry

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Model Gallery Eight

Byz-Helm Bracelet with Lapis (2018 Blue Ribbon) (View in shop)

Dragonscale/Mermaid in Silver and 14K Gold Fill (2017 Blue Ribbon)

Rondo a la Byzantine Bracelet (2016 Blue Ribbon) (View in shop)

Viperscale (2015 Blue Ribbon) (View in shop)

3-Strand Byzantine Cuff Bracelet (View in shop)

Box Chain Heavy Silver Bracelet (View in shop)

Box Chain Petite Bracelet (View in shop)

Byzantine Bracelet with Gold Lovers’ Knots (View in shop)

Candy Cane Cord Bracelet (View in shop)

Dragonscale / Mermaid Bracelet (View in shop)

Half Persian Weave Bracelet (View in shop)

JPL Petite Bracelet, 14K Gold-fill (View in shop)

JPL Standard Silver Bracelet (View in shop)

Rondo a la Byzantine Choker with Turquoise and Garnets (View in shop)

Turkish Round Bracelet (View in shop)

Byzantine-Carnelian Bracelet

Featured Jewelry: Byzantine Choker

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New Mexico, USA

Theme: Vogue by Kaira

What is gold-fill wire?

Gold-filled wire has a heavy layer of gold bonded over a brass core. This is NOT gold plating!

14/20 gold fill: I use “14/20” gold-fill wire: 14 karat gold that is at least 1/20th the total weight. The only thing you will ever see is the gold layer, and it will remain beautiful for years! Unlike gold plating, it won’t wear off and the pieces can be polished.

Price advantage: Gold-filled wire is less expensive than solid karat gold while giving you the exact same gold appearance and durability.

About the Versions

Standard Version

Semi-welded chain: Rings near the clasp are welded closed.
For most designs, welding all the rings is not necessary. The rings are strong enough and closed carefully enough that they won’t open under normal use. However, if the jewelry gets rough wear, some rings may loosen over time. I always weld the rings closed near the clasp where the chain gets the most stress.

Heirloom Version

Fully welded chain: All rings are welded closed.
Welded rings ensures that the jewelry will last for years and years. For a few designs with larger rings and a more open weave, welding is necessary and will be the only option offered. Heirloom version jewelry is priced higher because it takes many more hours to make than standard version jewelry.

Shop Policies

Shipping / Delivery Time

Most pieces take 1 – 2 weeks to create once you order. (Add an extra week for jewelry with gold fill wire—I have to order it from out of town.) Shipping is by USPS, first class with tracking, which can take up to a week.

Repairs

Treat your jewelry with care, and it should last for years. Within 6 months of your purchase, I will repair the jewelry once at no charge. You pay only shipping. After that period, or for multiple repair needs, there may be a fee, plus shipping, depending on the nature of the damage. Contact me first.

Re-sizing

Doesn’t fit like it should? I can resize it for you. If you need it shortened, there will be no charge for resizing, but you will pay a small fee to cover re-shipping. If you need it lengthened, I may charge a small fee for time and materials, plus shipping. Contact me by email to discuss.

Returns

Not what you expected? Buyer’s regret? She didn’t like it? If you want to return the jewelry, notify me within 2 weeks. You will pay for return shipping. If the jewelry is returned in original condition, I will issue you a 100% refund, no questions asked.

Welding (Fusing)

Chainmaille Welding

Welding rings closed produces the strongest possible closure, ensuring that rings will not open due to normal wear and tear. With welding, the cut edges are actually fused together into a continuous ring. This is stronger and cleaner than soldering.

Welding is super-rare for chainmaille, but it takes the jewelry to the highest professional level.

Clasp Types

Toggle Clasp: A “bar and hoop” type clasp. They don’t accidentally open (just in case you’re worried). My bracelet has one of these, and it has never opened on its own. Toggle clasps offer a variety of styles not available from other types of clasps.
Lobster Claw Clasp: A “pinch and lock” type clasp. These are generally smaller and less noticeable than other types of clasps. They lock shut and are very secure.
Tube Clasp: A “slider” type of clasp. The small tube on one side slides into the larger tube on the other side. These are great for wider, cuff-type bracelets.

Getting the Right Length

Toggle Clasp: Add at least 1/2 inch to your wrist size to allow the toggle clasp to open and close. This will give you a slightly loose fit (which I really like).

Lobster Claw Clasp: Add at least 1/4 inch to your wrist size for opening/closing the clasp.

Tube Clasp: Add at least 1/4 inch to your wrist size for opening/closing the clasp.

Add more length for a looser fit, if you prefer

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