Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs [Paperback]

Chantal L. Saunders (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 2009

This is an informative book with an extensively illustrated introduction that explains all the basics, from link formation to soldering and polishing. It features 20 exquisite projects such as the Geometric Chain and the Spine design. It features a gallery of beautiful contemporary chains to provide inspiration. Silver chains are the backbone of any jewellery collection and these distinctive designs have special handmade touches that machine-made jewellery just can't match. The best part is that anyone can craft them, thanks to the extensively illustrated introduction that explains all the basics, from link formation to soldering and polishing. Try one or all of the 20 exquisite projects like the Geometric Chain, comprised of varied wire forms that rest in the crooks of their neighbouring links, or the Spine design, which utilises flattened wire and unique pivoting joinery. A gallery of contemporary chains provides inspiration.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chantal Saunders studied sculpture before becoming a certified welder and pipe fitter in 1994. After a two-year stint as an apprentice with two professional jewellers, she is currently a member of the Mountain Metalsmiths' Association, teaches chain-making workshops and maintains a website at www.metalsplendor.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (October 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600595448
• ISBN-13: 978-1600595448
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #503,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative Silver Chains, January 24, 2006

By 

Terry Ogden (Colorado United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs (Hardcover)

A really outstanding book for the beginner, and designs that will inspire and delight those who are not. Very good descriptions and use of photos to enhance the text. The projects use standard materials and easily obtainable tools and the reader is shown all techniques required to produce a quality product. Very good safety tips and considerations.

The only thing I would suggest if Ms. Saunders decides to write another book like this would be to show use of a propane torch, it will still do the job and is a lot less expensive than Oxygen/Acetylene bottles, gauges and torch kit. Oxy/Acet is more of a advanced level tool and safety considerations with this equipment are paramout and can be devistating if not followed to the letter. The photo on page 17 shows her setup, but she does not have flash arrestors at the gauge end of the supply hoses.

Do not let this 1 item keep you from a really outstanding book though.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars boring chains, great artist's gallery samples, January 4, 2007

By 

Jewelry Artist (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs (Hardcover)

Some of the chains presented as "Artist's gallery samples" are fantastic. Lots of inspirational designs and great techniques. I got several very good ideas for projects.
On the other hand, the book's actual project chains are mostly generic and uninteresting. I saw this book befor I bought it, and bought it for the non-project samples. I've seen several of the book's chains made up by friends, and they were not more interesting than they looked in the book.
There are tons of free chain instructions available on the internet. It is worth the time to seek them out instead.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars mostly soldering, January 18, 2007

By 

Betty Brown (Largo, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs (Hardcover)

I do not solder so this book was not very helpful. If you can solder this book is excellent. I do wirework but with soldering required for most of the chains I have to return the book.