The classic book, covering a wide range of ancient and modern chains, all made using fused fine silver or high-karat gold links. Excellent diagrams and instructions!

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Product Description

Since its publication in 1997, "Classical Chains" has become a classic in it's own right. Clear step-by-step instructions will lead you through a total of 38 chain styles, all derived from the elegant loop-in-loop process.

With 350 drawings and 45 photographs, this is clearly the definitive work on this topic. Ms. Stark brings years of teaching and experimentation to this popular book. In straightforward language she discusses not only the making of chains, but clasps and terminals too. The Brynmorgen edition includes two dozen additions to the original text by the author. This new deluxe edition features a lay-flat spiral binding and a hard covera practical binding for a book heralded widely as the ultimate guide to these versatile chains.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53632 in Books
• Published on: 1999-12-15
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• 190 pages

About the Author
Jean Reist Stark has been a goldsmith and teacher for 29 years and has been a major force in the recent popularity of ancient goldsmithing techniques. She co-founded the Kulicke-Stark Academy of Jewelry Art in New York City and taught at Parsons School of Design. Ms. Stark currently teaches workshops around the country and makes jewelry for contemporaries using ancient techniques. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States. Josephine Reist Smith is a retired Professor of Biological Sciences at Montgomery County College in Bluebell, Pennsylvania.

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Customer Reviews

Excellent rescource!
This is the best chain making book available. Chain making is an art form that was in danger of becoming lost. The authors have packed a wealth of knowledge about chain making... methods, materials and techniques and then lead you on an inspiring journey of loop in loop chains. Starting out simply and working up to a some very complicated chains. The instructions are clear and precise, the illustrations are very helpful and the pictures of the chains themselves make you want to continue on your chain making journey.

If you are comfortable soldering or fusing metal, this is a great book to begin making chains. If you aren't comfortable with soldering or fusing then this isn't a book for you. Although the chains included will inspire you to learn fusing/soldering, none of these chains can be made without those skills. Irene From Peterson's books will give you a great introduction to chain making via butted chainmaille with open jump rings.

Otherwise, get out the torch, or kiln (they explain how to fuse the rings with a kiln), the fine silver or 22kt gold rings and get ready for a wonderous journey into chain making.

Thank you to the authors for sharing their vast knowledge of loop in loop chain making. This is one of those classic texts that perserves the knowledge of the Masters and passes it down to those yet to come.

An exellent resource
Jean's book saves time! If you are a craftsman working in gold or silver just the ability to make a quick reference to wire guage and number of links per inch makes this book one of the most useful in the workshop. For the more experienced worker the basic instructions can easily lead on to more complex chain making. It really is one of the most stained, abused and distressed volumes on my shelf.

A must for hobbyists in chain making.
This book is so well-written, techniques so clearly illustrated, that a really great piece of jewelry can be turned out with little previous experience. It one of the best how-to books of its kind I have seen. For silversmithing beginners, it shows chains that can be made in your living room on a tray from fine silver wire, with a mini-torch, and requires no sophisticated soldering.