Monday, June 1, 2009

Cool Blue Jump Rings

There is something very cool about these turquoise 3/16" jump rings! The color in anodized aluminum is so bright and fun, it reminds me of comics! This is the kind of color that makes you smile every time you look at it.

I used a few of these very simply linked together in the crystal extravaganza bracelet I made Saturday, but I'm anxious to work on some more complex chainmaille designs.
There are 300 in the tube I bought, but I'm not sure how many are typically needed in chainmaille. I also recently found a jump ring tool that you place on a finger (below), hold a jump ring with pliers in the other hand, slip the ring in a metal slot on the tool and open or close the jump ring. Pretty cool! Saturday was the first time I used the tool and I can see how helpful it would be for working on larger designs. It does require a bit of caution not to scratch the color.

The local bead shop also had these in purple, gold, copper, silver, black, blue, red and orange in this size and lots more in a larger size. I am guessing that buying in bulk is probably your best bet if you are planning to become an experienced chainmailler. For now, I'm hoping I can finish a piece with this one tube.

9 comments:

ohdawno said...

Wonderful color! How neat that your bead shop has them in tubes like that! I definitely live in the wrong city...

Check out the Blue Buddha Boutique site (start here w/ FAQ & index http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/faq/index.php) for info on how many of what gauge etc - I love them, they're so helpful!

Anonymous said...

Oh, wow! What fun those will be to work with!!
I'm heading to KY this week & I know we're exploring beading shops. Maybe I'll find some & get to play! :o)

alexkeller said...

what a great color!
and thx for your vote of confidence :) i meet with the other partner of the shop this weekend - the one I met with today loved my work and thought it would be a great fit for the store - yeah!

Just A Tish said...

*SQUEEEEEEEEE*
I
Must
HAVE
these!!!!!!

Azure Accessories said...

Very interesting...love the color. I've never used aluminum jump rings before, may I ask, how are they for staying closed, in the past I've found most of the jump rings I've purchased aren't strong enough...I've resorted to buying 18gauge rings to ensure they stay closed. I've also bought stainless steel jump rings but I'm almost not strong enough to open and close them...:0)

Cheers

Cheers

Bead Up said...

Thanks for your post on my blog :) Where do you get most of the beads you blog about -- all over?

Anne said...

Beautiful colour! This amount will be enough for a bracelet and earrings. For a necklace calculate as from 500 rings minimum for chainmaille. Good luck and lets see the finished product!

The Beading Gem said...

I find one has to work so carefully with anodized aluminium but the bright colors are the reward!

Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor said...

I just love the look of chainmaille. With all those cool colored aluminum and niobium jump rings available, the design potential is unlimited! Chainmaille is also a cool way to show off your handmade polymer clay beads. So I'm all for that! Have fun with your new blue rings!