Q: What is Chain Maille?
A: The earliest example of chain maille was found in a Celtic chieftain’s graves located in Ciumeşti, Romania and was carbon dated to be over 2,000 years old. Its invention is credited to the Celts or at that time the Gauls but, there are Etruscan specimens of maille predating the 4th century BC. First developed as a means to make impervious amour, the use of maille spread to North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, India, Tibet, Korea and Japan. The growth of chain maille knowledge across the world has led to many variations and weaves as well as the use of metal plate and scales, known as plate maille and scale maille, which were worn by Medieval Knights. The process which involves wrapping strands of wire around specific sized mandrels into coils, cutting the coils into rings and then weaving them into patterns has progressed into use in jewelry. All of our chain maille jewelry credits these beautiful patterns as best possible to their original source.
Q:What materials do you use?
A: In order to make our jewelry more affordable for our customers, we create most of our jewelry with “solid” Brass, Copper, Bright Aluminum and Stainless Steel. Occasionally we also build pieces with sterling silver and gold. Due to quality concerns, we avoid use of any plated or filled materials. All Leather and Semi-Precious Stones used are from natural sources with the exception of Czech Glass.
Q: What is the difference between ‘saw cut’ and ‘hand cut’ rings?
A: Once wire is wound into coils it is then cut making seems where each end of the circumference of a ring connects. The smoother the fit of each ring the smoother the overall feel and appearance each jewelry piece will be. Centuries ago we did not have the convenience of sharper tools or specific saws to make these cuts hence they were hand cut with a shearing pliers type of cutting tool. This is what is known as ‘hand cut’. To make a smoother seem transition between the two ends ‘saw cutting’ rings became popular. These rings when property closed almost look as if they have no seems. Although both techniques are still used today, it depends on the artisan’s desired appearance of the jewelry which method is decided to use. Both methods have also been soldered or welded shut to make stronger connections and create a seamless appearance, a technique generally used on high end work and larger size rings or heavier gauge wire.
Q: Do you make custom or consignment items?
A: Yes custom work is available by contacting us for a Custom Jewelry Quote. In most cases additional costs apply. Some examples are:
- If you like a particular chain pattern but, would like a larger piece than just an size alteration, we can create one for you at an additional expense.
- or perhaps you would prefer it built with Colored Copper or a precious metal such as Sterling Silver or Gold (additional expense).
- If you find an item that is “Out of Stock” just contact us, in many cases we may have one or we are building a replacement and we can accommodate you (please allow two weeks to three weeks for delivery).
Note: Items marked as “One of a Kind” generally are NOT reproduced due to availability of materials (natural stones, custom colored wires, etc.) Many are labor intensive limited original designs as well.
To avoid any confusion please also read the Terms of Service
Q:How do I find a comfortable size for my jewelry?
A: In most cases for the items we produce, a length is all that is required. Take a string and wrap it around your head, neck, wrist, or ankle and mark the loose comfortable length. (Understand that some necklaces are usually much longer depending on desire but, head bands and chokers would be a tighter fit ) Then measure the length of the string. That would be your size.
Q:How do I clean my jewelry?
A: In most cases all non-ferrous jewelry (copper,bronze,brass, and aluminum) can be cleaned by soaking in a one cup solution of equal parts citrus cleaner, white vinegar and 2 oz lemon juice. However, do keep in mind that if you have a piece of jewelry that has a special or antique finish this will possibly remove the tarnish and restore the metal to it’s bare finish. If you prefer to keep the antique appearance, soaking your jewelry in diluted citrus cleaner will remove most grime and dirt from the piece. Note: Never use harsh abrasives on your jewelry and be sure to rinse well with cold water once you have reached desired appearance.
Q: I like the appearance of copper jewelry but is there something that can be done to prevent it from turning my skin green when I wear it.
A:Yes. The human body benefits from copper assuring proper growth, efficient utilization of iron, proper enzymatic reactions, and strengthening of connective tissues, hair, and eyes. Copper (the third most prevalent mineral in the body) is also essential in prevention of premature aging and increasing energy production. Regulated heart rhythm, balanced thyroid glands, relieving symptoms of arthritis, the healing of wounds, red blood cell formation, and controlling cholesterol levels are all other health perks of copper. And to answer your question, yes it can be absorbed through your skin.
However, we realize some people have allegories and/or undesirable reactions to certain metals. You can obtain a sealer for your jewelry to retain the appearance and prevent the oxidation from being absorbed into your skin. Understand however, that by sealing tarnishing metals it will remain as it was before it was sealed. Please note however that by harsh cleaning some of the finish can also be removed and it could continue to tarnish.
Q: Do you accept returns ?
A: As stated on our Shipping & Returns page: We understand that sometimes fit and appearance of an item is not exactly as an internet image describes so we will adjust, or refund any piece that does not meet your expectations if returned WITHIN 3 days of DELIVERY. However, we do respect your input in regard to quality and only request a clear and definitive reason for your return. To do so, all you have to do is Contact us by email explaining the reason for your return and we will respond with the address to send it. Since we do assume the expense to get your item to you, we DO NOT for any reason pay or reimburse shipping expense on any returned item(s).
Q; What art is sold on this site?
A: In the near future this site is to display Silverpoint Drawings, Original Paintings, Miniature paintings, and Limited Addition Prints by Fine Artist Britt Garrison AKA, Maurice Garson. In the mean time we all (including the artist) must patiently wait.