How Do I Choose the Right Jewelry? - Chain Types

The use of chain in jewelry design has always been an important element.  One of the most common uses of chain is as a foundation for holding a pendant.  From the single diamond to an intricately woven wire pendant, chain has graced the necks of many women and men throughout the ages.  In more recent years, chain has become more popular and has, as a result, taken on new dimensions.  Here are some samples of the types of chain available on the market.


Cable chain:  also known as link chain, this chain consists of the same size round or oval links. This is one of the most popular styles for displaying a pendant or gemstone.

Ball chain:  also known as bead chain, resembles round beads evenly spaced along a piece of chain with a small space in between each bead.


Rolo chain:  this chain consists of round links usually the same size and connected together.

Figaro chain:  this chain has flattened links of several sizes, laid out in a repeating pattern.  Usually the pattern is 2 or 3 short links then a longer link.

Curb chain:  also known as gourmette chain, this chain closely resembles cable chain, but the links are usually lying flat.

Chain comes in many metal finishes and colors.  Fine silver, sterling silver, gold and silver plate are the standbys. But newer types of metals and finishes are being used too.  As the price of silver and gold increased,  additional types of chain were created for use in jewelry making: silver filled, gold filled, nickel, aluminum, steel and rhodium.

The chain category also includes more elaborate chain types, often combining forms of chain with other elements. For example, cup chain  includes a crystal or pearl in a setting that has been attached to chain in the form of a link.
Silver silk capture chain consists of fine wire knitted around tiny ball chain, capturing the light that reflects off the ball chain and adding strength to the knitted wire.

iKandies Unique Custom Jewelry incorporates many different chain styles and colors into their custom jewelry pieces.  Below are two examples of how we do this.

 Hundreds of tiny copper plated leaves dangling from antique copper plated chain serve as the backdrop for pearls and Swarovski crystals in our Copper Pearly Waterfall Necklace.  


 In our Copper Leaf Necklace, large copper oval links joined together with smaller round links provide the chain base for a copper leaf and boro glass.

To see more ways that iKandies Unique Custom Jewelry uses chain in their necklaces, bracelets and earring designs, please visit our shop at Etsy or our website at www.ikandies.com.

iKandies Plays With Patinas

According to Merriam Webster's online dictionary, a patina is defined as "a thin usually green layer that forms naturally on the metals copper and bronze when they are exposed to the air for a long time".  iKandies LOVES that look, especially on copper.  But, who wants to wait for a result that may take "a long time" to develop?  And what if we want a surface color other than green? So, iKandies has found other ways to color our metal that do not involve the use of chemicals.

In this experiment, iKandies applied a micro torch to copper washers. In just a few minutes the washers glowed various colors of red and orange, and a few washers reached the purple stage.

 In this experiment, iKandies used a heat gun to apply steady heat to a piece of copper.  Light shades of orange and red began to appear.  But in order to achieve these colors, the torch had to be held steady, concentrating on one spot and for 5- 7 minutes.

In our final experiment, we buried copper, nickle and brass leaf shapes in crushed salt and vinegar potato chips to which a few tablespoons of white vinegar had been added.  After waiting about 1 hour shades of blue and green began to appear on the metals.  This picture shows the results of leaving the metal buried in the chips over night.



iKandies was very happy with the test results.  Here's the jewelry piece we created using the copper washers.  What do you think?

Finished Stamping Project

The stamping project referred to in iKandies last blog post has been finished!   We had just finished stamping the diamond shaped copper pendant and was preparing it for oxidation.  After dipping it into a bath of liver of sulfur, the pendant was polished  front and back to remove most of the oxidized affect.  The black coloring that was left enhanced the stamping design on the pendant.  For the next step  fine copper wire was laced through holes that were punched along the sides of the pendant.  The wire was woven in a random pattern back and forth along each edge, and Swarovski crystals, small Czech glass beads and copper disks were added to the wire during the weaving process. Several layers of wire and beads were added to fill in the design.




Finally, the neck of the pendant was rolled towards the back to form a bail so that it could be attached to an antique copper chain.  Here's the final result.  Not too bad for the first stamping project!

This was fun although we have to admit, it takes some practice to get the stamped design straight.  Our next project will tackle letter stamping.

iKandies Joins the Wedding Scene!

Recently, iKandies discovered that Etsy.com, THE place to sell and buy things handmade by artists from around the world, added a wedding section to their online site.  This section is a one-stop destination to assist shoppers through the maze of wedding planning.  From wedding trends, to advice, to real wedding stores, Etsy Weddings is sure to spark your wedding creativity.  For instance, in the Wedding Trends section you'll find examples of wedding decorations like these Pomaders.  You'll also find these unusual Alternative bouquets.
Of course, we can't forget the jewelry!  Etsy has beautiful Wedding jewelry selections for the entire bridal party.  In addition, Etsy has also introduced a Wedding Registry.  According to a recent Etsy blog, the registry "makes it easy for couples to choose gifts that match their distinct taste and lifestyle."
iKandies is not going to be left out of all the wedding hubbub! Although we've added an iKandies' wedding section to our shop where you will find jewelry pieces appropriate for any wedding, many of our other jewelry items could be worn by members of the bridal party, including mother of the bride and mother of the bride groom. Here's an example of our newest addition to our wedding section:

Our jewelry designs are unique so we do not mass produce them.  But if you see an item that would be perfect for your wedding or special occasion and you want several of the same thing, please convo us and we'd be happy to duplicate it for you.  We want your wedding to be as unique and perfect as you are!

Pop Beads and Pearls

Pop Beads

While setting up a recent jewelry piece on iKandies Etsy site, our Pearl Clasp Necklace, I was reminded of a necklace I had as a little girl.  Maybe you remember them - pop bead necklaces? These plastic beads fit together in such a way that when you pulled them apart, they made a small "pop" sound and thus the name.  These pop beads made wonderful "pearl" necklaces and bracelets any girl would love to have!


Today, what girl wouldn't love to have a strand of genuine Mikimoto pearls! But most of us have to settle for something a little less. Pearls used in many of today's jewelry designs may not be Mikimoto class, but they're just as pretty.


For example, several online stores are now selling shell pearls. The materials used in order to make shell pearls are the same materials from which cultured pearls are made. The core is made from carved seashell, usually formed into a round shape.  This is coated with a shell finish, containing mother of pearl that has been ground down to a fine powder.  Although man made, these pearls are of high quality so they are very durable and maintain their original shine.  Their color is not affected by perfume, detergent or skin oils.

Another example are glass pearls.  Swarovski Company is known for producing some of the highest quality glass pearls.Swarovski pearls have a core of the finest Austrian crystal and are coated with several layers of highly luminous pearlescense. The surface of the pearl is smooth and they are similar to natural pearls in weight and the way they feel against the skin.  Swarovski Crystal pearls are resistant to damage caused by sunlight and skin oils.

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner.  As you shop for pearl accessories for this year's wardrobe, iKandies hopes this information will assist you in making the perfect jewelry selection.

iKandies Pearl Clasp Necklace and Matching Earrings

Out of the Lab and onto the Jewelry Designer's Bench

 Those new to Jewelry design usually begin with simple components - Czech glass and plated metal beads, stringing wire, crimp beads and a clasp.  But as they soon discover, beading includes a wide array of options that often surprise and inspire the designer to attempt new techniques and materials.  Often, they are surprised to learn the background of some of the materials commonly used.  For instance, iKandies often uses boro glass in its designs.  Boro glass teardrops were used in our Copper Leaf and Glass Autumn Necklace and boro glass cubes were used in our Raspberry Seed Bead and Boro Glass Necklace.  What is boro glass?  


Boro glass is borosilicate glass, a type of glass that consists of about 10% boric oxide. The boric oxide makes the glass resistant to extreme temperatures, and also improves its resistance to chemical corrosion. This glass is very popular in the manufacture of scientific instruments and in the scientific lab. This glass is also used for reflecting telescope glass mirror components because the optical surfaces change very little with temperature fluctuations, resulting in very precise measurements.


Borosilicate glass is thought to have been created by a German glassmaker in the 19th century. In 1915 a famous line of borosilicate kitchen products was released under the Pyrex label.  Borosilicate glass is usually without color, but colored borosilicate was introduced into the market in 1986 and is used by jewelry design artists today.

Fireline is Not Just for Fishing

In the description for the most recent necklace I posted to our Etsy site, I included the product "Fireline" in connection with the spiral stitch used to create the necklace.  If you are a fisherman, you might wonder why in the world we would use Fireline?  If you're not a fisherman, here's a little info on this wonderful product that is a plus to have in your beadbox, especially if you like to do something more elaborate than bead stringing.

Berkley Fireline is part of their "superline" family of polyethylene microfibered fishing line.  Its known for it strength and the fact that there is little stretch.  Colors such as "Crystal" and "Smoke" make the line nearly invisible not only to fish but also when woven into beaded designs.

I discovered the product several years ago when it was suggested in a project I decided to try and I haven't used anything else for my weaving and stitching projects since.  It's thin enough to thread on a needle and can be tied off and hidden anywhere in your project.  It won't break and beads won't wear it down or cause it to fray.  

Some bead supply houses have been stocking it in recent years, but you can also find it a sports shops such as Cabela's or a local bait and tackle shop. (When the girl behind the counter asked me if I knew how to use Fireline the first time I purchased a spool at my local bait shop, was she surprised when I explained I wasn't fishing but beading!)

Give it a try on you next project; you won't be disappointed!