Click here to download your free Byzantine Instruction Set.

Along with our new shopping cart, we are now offering downloadable instructions to compliment our online step-by-step instructions. Now you can purchase a download of your favorite patterns to take with you for as little as 99¢ per project. You can still view the online version for free on your computer or mobile device.

If you purchase one of our materials kit, a downloadable version is included at no charge.

Instructions Download +

What is Aspect Ratio?

We get frequent emails from customers looking to make a chain from our site using jump rings larger or smaller than those in the instructions. Aspect Ratio is the Ratio (value) between a jump rings wire thickness or gauge (GA) and its Inside Diameter (I.D). Aspect Ratio is sometimes shared by chain maille artists. They take their favorite chain and attempt to make it in different I.D. jump ring sizes until they get, what they consider the perfect chain. Instead of stating that the chain works in 16ga 4.5, they notate the A.R. allowing for the chain to be constructed using different size jump rings. This allows the next artist to build a lighter version using thinner gauge jump rings or a bolder version using thicker gauge jump rings and still maintain the structure of the chain.

The most popular request for aspect ratio is the Byzantine Chain (A.R. 3.5). Here is a quick chart for alternative sizes in jump rings. For those who have a thirst for knowledge, continue down to calculating Aspect Ratio.

Here are 5 formulas for basic byzantine:

22ga (0.6mm) x AR (3.5) = ID 2.1 (22ga 2.0mm ID)
20ga (0.8mm) x AR (3.5) = ID 2.8 (20ga 3.0mm ID)
18ga (1.0mm) x AR (3.5) = ID 3.5 (18ga 3.5mm ID)
16ga (1.3mm) x AR (3.5) = ID 4.5 (16ga 4.5mm ID)
14ga (1.6mm) x AR (3.5) = ID 5.6 (14ga 5.5mm ID)

How to manually calculate the correct jump ring size using A.R.

Let say you see an A.R. in a set of instruction that reads 3.2 A.R.

1. Convert your prefered wire gauge into decimal millimeters. Tons of charts out there, here is a link to one of wikipedia - AWG SWG
    Example: 16ga AWG is 1.3mm thick

2. Multiply the A.R value as reported in your instructions and mulitply it by the decimal gauge thickness
    Example:  AR (3.2) x gauge (1.3) = 4.2mm Inside Diameter

NOTE: Just because you get 4.2 mm ID, don't worry when we don't have that size. There is some leeway, generally I round up to the nearest quarter or half millimeter and try a 4.25mm ID. But I am just as willing to try 4.5mm ID if I think the results will give me a superior outcome.

If you make the chain and you feel it is too heavy, reduce the gauge.

1. Convert your prefered wire gauge into decimal millimeters.
    Example: 20ga AWG is 0.8mm thick

2. Multiply the A.R value as reported in your instructions and mulitply it by the decimal gauge thickness
    Example:  AR (3.2) x gauge (0.8) = 2.6mm Inside Diameter

3. Find a 20ga jump ring with a I.D of 2.6 or greater.  Aspect Ratio numbers are not law, some artists prefer a tight weave while others prefer a loose weave and create the A.R. that fits their style.

Note: You cannot calculate AR using gauge values, especially since there is no one wire measurement standard. At thebeadman.com use the A.W.G. American Wire Gauge. Be sure to pay attention between A.W.G and British S.W.G as the values are different.

About Us

The Bead Man has been in business since 1997.  We started out as a small chain of bead stores, selling beads, supplies and classes.  Eventually finding our place as an education source specializing in chain jewelry.  We started our jump ring production business in 2000.  As our online business has grew, we decided to devote our efforts full time to manufacturing and publishing.  So for those who are confused about thebeadman.com not selling beads, now you know the story behind the name.

Sincerely,

James Drew Wilkens
owner

Made in USA

Our metals are made in the U.S.A., and the mill houses we do business with adhere to best mining practices and have an earth friendly attitude when it comes to metal processing. We do import our Sterling Silver Plate from Germany as they make an excellent product that we have not found locally. Our artisans make each batch of jump rings to order, they are inspected, cleaned, deburred and tumble polished to a bright shine. The polishing process also adds an increase in wire hardness for greater chain strength.

Saw Cut Jump Rings

All of our jump rings are saw cut and open (meaning not soldered closed. Saw cut jump rings have clean edges and can when properly closed, it is difficult to see the seam where the ends meet (especially for me without magnification). Machine cut leaves a clipping mark on one end of the ring.  This is more common with stainless steel used in chain mail.

We offer saw-cut jump rings from gauges 22 to 14 Jump ring metals include Argentium Silver, Sterling Silver Sterling Silver Filled, 14kt Gold Filled, Silver Plate, Copper, Brass, Bronze and a self-soldering product we call Quick•Fire. 

Materials Kits

The kits we sell on the website are "Material Kits". They include a number of jump rings and a clasp (some include additional items if necessary) to make an 8" bracelet. Your order will include a link to the downloadable instructions for your to save on your computer or mobile device and/or print.  The instruction links are good for five days before they expire.  If you loose or forget to download the instruction before the expiration period, please contact us and we can reauthorize the link.

Order Processing and Discounts

We receive orders electronically 24 hours a day.  Orders take up to 48 hours to produce as our jump rings are made to order.  Most orders are shipped the next weekday, however larger orders may take longer due to product time or low stock. Customers will be contacted when this ocurs.  Discounts are available by size, material and quantity.  Our base metals are generally packed per 100 pcs.  Some precous metals are packaged in 25 pcs or 50 pcs, please consult the product description.  We offer a price for quantity 1 bag, quantity 5-9 and quantity 10+.  Discounts are based on production and do not include mixed sizes or metals.

Shipping

Orders over $35.00 ship FREE via USPS First Class Mail. You can Upgrade to Priority Mail for $4.00

We rely on the US postal service for all our shipping. For the type of product we ship and the tracking capability it is the best value. Excellent packaging, great prices and delivery 6 days a week in 2-3 days. We do our best to keep shipping costs low by using flat rate packaging. Overnight shipping is not standard, there are so many production issues that guaranteeing next day can cause disappointing results, but that does not mean that we do not want to offer any the best service possible. When a product is shipped, you will receive an email with tracking data.

CANADIAN FLAT RATE $14.95 (Sorry)

We use Air Mail Parcel Post for shipments to Canada. The process can take 6-10 days, delays are usually caused by random custom holds.

Payment Methods

All major credit cards are accepted along with Paypal.

When you make a purchase online with a credit card, your online statement will show two appearances of the same charge. The first one is called a reserve and holds the amount spent. When your items are verified "in stock" and shipped, your card is officially charged. You will not be charged twice, it has always been a standard procedure that is now visible to the cardholder due to online card management.

Product Returns

All products are warrantied against defect for 30 days and will be replaced by the manufacturer. Returns of precious metal products are subject to a 15% restocking fee and may be subject to further fees based on drops in precious metal prices. Please contact us prior to return. Send your returns to:

Bead Man
Returns Dept. [Order Num]
4749 Pleasant Glade Rd NE
Olympia, WA 98516

Please write your 4-digit customer order number (found on the top left corner of your shipping invoice) somewhere on the package. This will ensure that your account is credited properly.

Contact Information

It is important to us that you know we are available to answer your questions.

EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is our 24-hour contact point

Broken Link?

We appreciate when you tell us about a missing link, incorrect information, or even a misspelled word. Drop a link to our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know.