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What Chain Sizes Are Best
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

Dale is it possible to have you tell me, when making pendants or working with beaded necklaces, what chain sizes are the best sizes? Do you go by the size of the bead or just sort of match up what you think is best for the styles
Instructions
Answer:

Seriously, 'been there, done that' fully describes my experiences with having chains for my pieces, either providing them as an 'add on' sale or including them with a purchase. There are so many different styles of links and clasps, lengths, and metals available that even if you were to have a monster supply, you probably would not have what some customers would prefer. In my opinion, we are wire jewelry artists who create and sell wired pieces, not manufactured chains and with the exceptions to follow, neither my personal students nor I sell anything we do not make ourselves (which BTW is the focus of many juried shows). The few exceptions are offering an organza ribbon or silk, suede or rayon cord (either offered with a pendant or sold separately) to provide instant gratification to the customer; to whom the versatility of a piece is mentioned, as an item can also be worn on their favorite chain, causing the piece to become more affordable because it can be worn either casually or more formal.

Of course the best (and most affordable) way to offer your work or to add a sale is to make your own necklace options such as a Finished Ribbon or Cord, or a Simple Wire Collar and sell your work 'with/on your work'.


Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Note: For manufactured chains, either finished or un-finished, WireJewelry had many different options you might want to consider. Unfinished would allow you to make the chain any length that works for your piece or your customer.
Dale Armstrong's What Chain Sizes Are Best - , General Education, Selling, , Ribbon necklace
Dale Armstrong's What Chain Sizes Are Best - , General Education, Selling, , Suede Cord

Materials

Unfinished Chains
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Finished Chains
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Clasps
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15 Inch Green Single Finished Ribbon - Pack of 1
R1-9
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $1.47
  • Gold Club Price: $1.10
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15 Inch Green Single Finished Ribbon - Pack of 12
R1-4
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.27
  • Gold Club Price: $5.45
Add to Bag
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Tools

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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Selling, General Education

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