Much of the jewelry you see on this website is called "chain mail" (or, more simply, "mail") and is made of small interlocking sterling silver, copper or brass rings of various sizes woven together. The word "mail" derives from the French "maille" which means "mesh".  

Armor made from this material was used as early as 300 B.C. and was made of iron, steel or bronze.   Butchers and scuba divers sometimes use clothing made of mail today. Many of the patterns I have adapted for jewelry were used in traditional mail clothing.

I start with straight wire and coil and cut the rings using a jewelers' saw.  It is a tedious process but the results are worth the effort!

.