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Miscellaneous Chain Mail Jewelry: Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques by Terry Taylor & Dylon Whyte $14.95 / Lark Books / 2006 Once used as the armor of the fiercest warriors, the surprising beauty and strength of chainmail has long entranced both medieval enthusiasts and the casual observer. So both will find something to enjoy in Chain Mail Jewelry, an exceptional guide to adapting this age-old art to modern jewelry-making. The book demystifies every aspect of the craft, from the simple tools required to join the rings to making one’s own rings. It also includes such essentials as understanding gauge sizes, what each size is appropriate for, and how to connect sections to create larger pieces. From this well-presented background springs the projects themselves, including basic weaves, from European 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 to openwork Japanese patterns. All are illustrated with a profusion of color photographs and color-coded drawings, clarifying each step and making the construction of every piece a breeze. There is something for everyone here, from delicate earrings and filigree anklets to cuff-style bracelets and substantial spiral chains. With the superb instructions, it is easy for even a novice to create stunning designs while more experienced jewelers will enjoy the more intricate patterns and the novel uses for these ancient techniques. A gallery of extraordinary examples of jewelry made of chainmail finishes off the volume. Over thousands of years, chainmail has shifted from the height of military technology to an unparalleled form of craftsmanship. Deceptively simple and addictive, it is also the preservation of an ancient skill largely lost in our world of mass production. Equally useful for beginners—as well as for more advanced mailworkers who may want a reference volume to use as inspiration for new projects—Chain Mail Jewelry deserves an honored place in the library of every medieval-inspired crafter. — Richard Mackenzie

Click here to order:Chain Mail Jewelry: Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques             To order Renaissance Magazine, click here. To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.