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The Byzantine chain is a great project that has many variations. Change jump ring size or metal (Sterling Silver, Argentium Silver; 14kt Gold Filled; Copper; Merlin's Gold (Brass); Silver Plate and Bronze.) and create many different looks. See our FREE byzantine chain instructions below. You will need a flat nose plier, chain nose plier and Awl to complete this project.

BIG/LITTLE BYZANTINE

Big/Little Byzantine
enlarged photo - actual diameter of chain is 9mm.

 

BIG/LITTLE BYZANTINE

This project uses (6) 18ga 3.5mm ID and (12) 16ga 5.5mm ID jump rings per inch of chain.

HEAVY WEAVE BYZANTINE

Heavy Byzantine Chainenlarged photo - actual diameter of chain is 7.5mm.

HEAVY WEAVE BYZANTINE

This project requires (18) 16ga 4.5mm ID Jump Rings per inch of chain.

STANDARD WEAVE BYZANTINE

Heavy Byzantine Chainenlarged photo - actual diameter of chain is 6.5mm.

STANDARD WEAVE BYZANTINE

This project requires (20) 18ga 4.0mm ID Jump Rings per inch of chain.

TIGHT WEAVE BYZANTINE

Tight Weave Byzantineenlarged photo - actual diameter of chain is 6.0mm.

TIGHT WEAVE BYZANTINE

This project requires (24) 18ga 3.5mm ID Jump Rings per inch of chain.

MINI WEAVE BYZANTINE

Heavy Byzantine Chainenlarged photo - actual diameter of chain is 5mm.

MINI WEAVE BYZANTINE

This project requires (26) 20ga 3.0mm ID Jump Rings per inch of chain.

MICRO WEAVE BYZANTINE

Micro Weave Byze3nlarged photo - actual diameter of chain is 4mm.

MICRO WEAVE BYZANTINE

This project requires (34) 22ga 2.5mm ID Jump Rings per inch of chain

Available kits include jump rings, clasp and instruction sheet. If you already know this project (or want to make a necklace length), go directly to the Jump Rings page: Sterling Silver, Argentium Silver; 14kt Gold Filled; Copper; Merlin's Gold (Brass); Silver Plate and Bronze.
Click Here to Look at the Byzantine Kits we Offer!

How to Make A Byzantine Chain

The Byzantine chain pattern repeats every 6 jump rings (or 3 pair). To help you stay in pattern, open six jump rings and place them in a small pile. Prepare several sets and keep them separate. When you run out of jump rings you will be reminded that the pattern starts again.

STEP 1: The Starter
Close 2 jump rings, (pair A) attach 2 jump rings (Pair B), then two more (Pair C). Attach a small piece of wire to the end pair to create a handle. [For faster chain making, open jump rings and organize in piles of six rings.]

Step 1 Byzantine Chaine
STEP 2: The Grip
Hold the starter by the wire and let the jump rings hang. Use your thumb and finger so that you pinch Pair A & B. This isolation technique will make it easier to build your chain. If you move your hand, only pair C should move back and forth.
Step 2 Byzantine Chain
STEP 3: The Flip
Turn you hand so that you are pointing the starter at the ceiling. (C is now on top). Flip pair C open like the petals of a flower.
Step 3 Byzantine Chain
STEP 4: The Separation
Using an Awl or pointed tool, separate the rings of pair B. If you lose your place start over (step 2: the grip) and focus on pinching pair A/B to keep the rings from moving too much.
Step 4 Byzantine Chain
STEP 5: The Invert
Insert the awl inside ring C; splitting pair B; and up through the other ring C. It is a slight scoop motion. Keep the angle of the awl shallow. Pair A never comes in to play in this step.
Step 5 Byzantine Chain
STEP 6: The Push
Push the awl into the chain. The link should appear like the photo. You have used all 6 rings and the pattern now repeats. Are your six rings open and ready?
Step 6 Byzantine Chain
STEP 7: The Hold
Grasp the chain firmly, then remove the awl. A firm pressure will keep the chain from collapsing while you pickup and add your next set of jump rings. You have completed one set.
Step 7 Byzantine Chain
STEP 8: Insert New A
Insert a jump ring (new Pair A) onto the spot that was occupied by the awl. This may feel awkward at first, but you will quickly become proficient. I use a sweeping motion like setting a hook.
Step 8 Byzantine Chain

STEP 9:
Close the jump ring with a second plier. Work it back and forth with a slight inward pressure so there is no opening on the ring.

Step 9 Byzantine Chain
STEP 10:
Don’t put down the chain just yet. Reinsert the awl to hold your spot open. Whenever I need to put down my chain I always put the awl back in.
Step 10 Byzantine Chain

STEP 11: Pair B, C
Pick up another jump ring and place it next to the first.

Pair A is now complete. Add pair B and Pair C as you did to make the starter and repeat the entire process. (Step 2)

Note: Photo to the right shows one ring of two required.

Step 11 Byzantine Chain
   
Byzantine Chain Full Kit -rings, clasp, instructions
Skill Level
 

20 gauge 3.0mm ID

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 20ga 3.0ID Sterling Silver
$ 22.30

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 20ga 3.0ID 14kt Gold Filled
$ 22.66
 
This is an excellent choice for making a necklace. Buy Jump Rings Only

18 gauge 3.5mm ID

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 18ga 3.5ID Sterling Silver
$ 37.34

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 18ga 3.5ID 14kt Gold Filled
$ 55.00
 
More challenging than the 4.0ID. Buy Jump Rings Only

18 gauge 4.0mm ID

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 18ga 4.0ID Sterling Silver
$ 40.42

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 18ga 4.0ID 14kt Gold Filled
$ 59.84
 
A great place to start! Buy Jump Rings Only

16 gauge 4.5mm ID

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 16ga 4.5ID Sterling Silver
$ 62.60

Byzantine Bracelet Kit; 16ga 4.5ID 14kt Gold Filled
$ 104.30
 
This is a excellent heavy weight choice Buy Jump Rings Only
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