How to Make the Byzantine Poppy Jump Ring Chain

STEP 1: The Starter A

Close 2 jump rings, (pair A). Attach a small piece of wire to the end pair to create a handle. [For faster chain making, open jump rings and organize them in piles of six rings.] Size Selection: The following sizes can be used for Byzantine. 14ga 5.0mm ID (Extra Large) 16ga 4.5mm ID (Large) 18ga 4.0mm ID (First time making chains) 18ga 3.5mm ID (Standard) 20ga 3.0mm ID (Fine) 22ga 2.5mm ID (Micro Chain) -not for the faint of heart.

STEP 2: The Starter B

Attach 2 new jump rings to pair A.

STEP 3: The Starter C

Attach 2 new jump rings to pair B.

STEP 4: 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 5: The Flip

Turn your 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 6: The Separatio

Using an Awl or pointed tool, separate the rings of pair B. If you lose your place start over (step 4: the grip) and focus on pinching pair A/B to keep the rings from moving too much.

STEP 7: 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 8: The Push - Reviewed

Should look like this.

STEP 9: The Hold

Grasp the chain firmly. Prepare to remove the awl.

STEP 10: The Hold - Review

As you remove the Awl, maintain a firm pressure. This will keep the chain from collapsing while you pickup and add your next set of jump rings.

The Red shows the placement of the next ring

STEP 11: 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 12: Insert New A - Review

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 13: Close A and Add Another

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.

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.

Pick up another jump ring and place it next to the first

STEP 14: The New A

The pair of jump rings that you inserted in step 13 is now the new pair A (step 1)

STEP 15: The New B

Add two new jump rings to pair A.

STEP 16: The New C

Add two new rings to pair B.

STEP 17: The Nut

REPEAT Steps 4 thru 13
The nut is a small byzantine chain made up of 14 jump rings. You will need to make 16-20 of these to build a bracelet.

STEP 18: Go Nuts

Start creating a supply of byzantine segments (nuts) in preparation.

STEP 19: Make A Bead Link

Place a 6mm Round Bead (faceted crystal shown) on to a eye pin. Cut to proper length and create a loop at the end.

Note: We are assuming you know how to make a loop using round nose pliers. Look here for a future link for that instruction.

STEP 20: Make A Poppy

Open a Large Ring (16ga 5.0mm ID) and attach a nut.

STEP 21: Add A Bead

Open up the Large Ring and Attach the prepared 6mm Bead

STEP 22: Add a second Nut

Open the Large Ring and Add a second Nut.

Note steps 21, 22 and 23 can be performed in a single step.

STEP 23: Tie up the Ends

Open up a new Large ring (16ga 5.0mm ID) and link it to the bottom of the:

First Nut
Loop at the End of the Bead
Second Nut

The chain should encircle the bead.

STEP 24: Keep Adding Segments

You can link together the byzantine flowers to one another. For a necklace, separate the poppy links with additional jump rings.

STEP 25: Add a Clasp

When you reach your desired length. Simply connect a clasp to the last large Jump Ring.