Land of Odds

Chains - Finished with Clasp and Loop Sterling Silver Gold Filled Costume Plated By the Foot Sterling Silver Oxidized Sterling Silver (darkened) Gold Filled Gold-Plated Nickel-Plated Silver-Plated Antique-Copper-Plated Gunmetal-Plated Brass Oxidized (dull finish) Other Chain Extender and Safety Chains Neck Wires   Read About... Finished Chains How to Antique Chains Typical Lengths of Bracelets, Anklets, Chokers, Necklaces "Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated" You will find jump rings, split rings, link lock rings, bails, end caps, bell caps and the like in our Findings section. Also, CORDS WITH CLASPS ATTACHED Standard lengths, attached clasps, leather, rubber.

Styles of Finished Chains CABLE LONG & SHORT CHARM (See our Link Lock jump rings) BOX CURB FIGARO ROPE BEAD BALL FIGURE 8 BAR AND LINK (Dangle beads or charms from each link) SNAKE (Slide Lampwork Bead over this chain)

Finished Chains Finished chains have a clasp and ring at each end.   The most popular chain styles are the box, figaro, curb and rope.   The most popular lengths are 18", 20", 24" and 30".

How To Antique Chains For some jewelry designs, a shiny metal surface isn't quite right.  Instead, a dulled surface with a slight patina and lustre is desirable -- especially if your goal is an antiqued or mysterious look. There are two ways to achieve this look. The first way is called "oxidation".  You can use chemicals to chemically color the metal. Some are called OXIDIZERS and some are called PATINAS.  Some oxidizers work on silver, others on copper, others on bronze, still others on brass and on gold.  Some oxidizers will turn the metal a grayish-black.  Others can turn the metal into blue, gold, purple or rainbow.  The effect is great.  The durability is not.  Often oxidized pieces lose their color when the pieces are worn.  Sweat and air pollutants dissolve the color.  Also, many silver cleaners dissolve the colorations. The most often used oxiders to turn the silver black are Liver of Sulpher and Black Max. The second way is to use an antiquing varnish.  Also, check our Findings Alcove to see what we have available.   Some hardware stores have what's called "antiquing varnish" in their paint and stain areas.  Basically, you apply a coat of varnish, and wipe the piece down.  Let the remaining coat dry.  If it is not dark enough, apply another coat of varnish, and wipe the piece down.  Keep repeating these steps until you've achieved the desired coloration.  This approach is very time-consuming, but leaves a durable finish that will withstand sweat, air pollution, silver cleaners and the passage of time. To get different colors (besides gray, black and blacker) with the varnish, use oil-based paints.  First coat the piece with varnish.  Then coat the piece with the oil-based paint.  Then wipe the piece down.  Let dry, and so forth.

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