The Ancient Art Of Making Loop-In-Loop Chains

Рет қаралды 60,754

7 жыл бұрын

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Safety Glasses;
14 Gauge Copper Wire;
Clasp & Jump Ring Collection;
Pliers Set;
Solder Assortment;
Solder Cutting Pliers;
Solder Pick;
Small Storage Containers;
Butane Torch;
Charcoal Block;
Kiln Shelf;
Lazy Susan Base;
Flux;
Paint Brushes;
Copper Tongs;
Saw Frame & Blades;
Brass Brush;
Plastic Tray; and,
Forming Pliers
Purchases made using the Amazon links on the OJA website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com, help to financially support the OJA. On our website you'll also find links to products from Durston Tools that we have reviewed. Or, you can access Durston's website at durston.com/oja.
In this video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy demonstrates how to make a loop-in-loop chain.
Loop-in-loop chains have been around for millennia. There are a variety of styles. The chain made in this video is a basic style that even beginning jewelers can make.
If you like this video, we've got plenty more. You can find the OJA's videos organized by category on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com
Subscribers to the OJA's KZfaq channel have the option to receive regular notification of new OJA video releases. So, why not subscribe now? Be sure to click on the bell next to the subscribe button to turn on notifications.
The OJA offers complete courses on Udemy.com.
1. Beginners course "Colorful Silver Jewelry"
www.udemy.com/makingjewelry/?...
2. Intermediate course "Making Beautiful Articulated Hinged Jewelry"
www.udemy.com/articulatedhing...
3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"
www.udemy.com/stonesetting/?c...
Follow us on:
Instagram - / onlinejewelryacademy
And, you can support the production of future OJA videos by making a monthly contribution at: / onlinejewelryacademy .

Пікірлер: 117

@joyceeberner 6 жыл бұрын

I just Love this project... This is my most favorite Video to date!! Your style of teaching is by far the best online. Your detail & clear instructions (both visual & audio) are like being there with you. You inspire me to take the ball & run with it. Thanks!!! For Mothers Day, I made a large necklace in copper & Rhodum plated. Also made 2 sets of Infinity earrings in Argentium silver, using this technique; one large ring in figure "8", one small ring (bent like in video) over top, for earring loop to attach & texture entire earring with cross peen hammer. What I love most, is when I'm sitting watching TV, riding in a car & even relaxing on my boat.. I make lots of rings, and if soldered, I take with me to form & assemble. The next thing I'm going to use links for is A wide Infinity Bracelet connected with small jump rings. I immediately got this idea when seeing the 3 figure "8" laying on the tray in video. I will try to upload picks later. Thanks again & keep those videos coming.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Joyce, I'm so glad that you were inspired by the video. You might want further investigate loop-in-loop chains online or in books. There is a huge variety of linkages that you can make from elements made much the same way. These chains have been around for millennia. So the technology required to make them is very minimal. By the way, thanks for the compliment on my teaching style. Thanks for your support! : )

@gonnermleggies4813 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing this!! I cant wait until I have enough wire to try this. I have been wanting to learn to make my own chains for my pieces and I love the look of this one. :) the history in it is super cool too.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 4 жыл бұрын

Once you get the hang of making this simple version of a loop-in-loop chain, you might want to investigate books and videos that give directions for variations on this type of chain. Glad you enjoyed the video. : )

@pilycebrian 7 жыл бұрын

Que bonito proyecto para trabajar!!! Muchísimas gracias!!! Saludos desde Venezuela.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hola Pilar, Estoy muy contento de que te haya gustado el proyecto. Diviértete haciendo lazos. ¡Gracias por su apoyo! : )

@victoriaharrison-sewell6717 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such a informative, clear & concise video. Such a nice chain, will give it a try..

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you liked the project. Thanks for watching! 😀

@camillalaursen6651 7 жыл бұрын

Dear John, thanks you for a great video 👍🏻

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Camilla, Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you liked the video. Happy looping. Thanks for your support! : )

@beadybead12 7 жыл бұрын

I love your videos and I learn so much from you! Thank you, Professor!

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad that you like the videos. Thanks for your support! : )

@101mosioatunya 7 жыл бұрын

Such a clear instructional video! A colleague of mine is making a loop-in-loop chain and it looked so difficult but now I see that it isn't so hard :-) I must try making one now. Thank you so much for showing me how!

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Hilary, I'm glad that the video has motivated you to try something that you didn't think you could do. There are tons of variations on loop-in-loop chains. Maybe you might want to try one that's a little more challenging in the future. Thanks for your support! : )

@101mosioatunya 7 жыл бұрын

Keep those lovely, clear, uncluttered instructions coming and who knows what I will be encouraged to try :-)

@msackettcna78 Жыл бұрын

Great instructions. Thanks

@OnlineJewelryAcademy Жыл бұрын

I’m glad that you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

@stlounsbury 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, I'm going to try that. Thank you Professor!

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you liked the video Susan. If you follow the OJA on Instagram, you can see what the chain looks like if it's plated and given a coating of antiquing material that is wiped from the outer surface. It really makes the piece look rich. Just giving the chain a dip in liver of sulfur and wiping the outer surface with 0000 steel wool will produce a similar effect. I hope you'll check it out. Thanks for your support! : )

@deby7821 5 жыл бұрын

And Viola !!!!!!! You create magic yet once again. Wishing you a very safe and Happy New Year John.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 5 жыл бұрын

Happy New Year Deby. Glad you enjoyed the video. By the way, there are a lot of variations on the loop-in-loop chain. If you get into making them, you might want to get a book on how to make the variations. Thanks for your support! : )

@deby7821 5 жыл бұрын

You are amazing !!!!!

@nevajuzo4051 7 жыл бұрын

bello bello John!!!👍👍 Abrazos

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Gracias Neva.

@francinedeneault9913 7 жыл бұрын

wouaw! I definitely try that! very beautiful chain! ty Mr John! :o)

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Francine, Glad you liked the video. I hope you enjoy making a loop-in-loop chain. Thanks for your support! : )

@WalkNancy 6 жыл бұрын

Great informative video, John. You're awesome!!

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Nancy, I like that video too. If I say so myself, I think I presented the topic well. And, the task results in a beautiful piece of jewelry. I encourage you to play with scale in all ways (size of unit, gauge of wire, lengths, etc.). This simple form has a ton of possibilities to offer. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support! : )

@melissab4710 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for always uploading such great content. For over 20 years I've wanted to be in the jewelry industry and I figure it's better late than never. It's really hard to find someone who wants to share their expertise, contacts etc so I really appreciate all your content. I literally just threw in my career in law enforcement to make my dream come true. Daunting. Eeek!

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Bee Bea, Congratulations on taking the leap into the jewelry field. I'm glad that you are finding the OJA's videos helpful in your development as a jewelry designer. I would highly recommend that you join your local chapter of the Women's Jewelry Association. They offer grants and scholarships to aspiring designers. Plus, you'll find the members to be very friendly and helpful. It's a great way to build new contacts in the industry. Best of luck. Thanks for your support! : )

@melissab4710 6 жыл бұрын

OnlineJewelryAcademy THANK YOU. I will definitely look to see if we have one here in Australia. I appreciate it, thanks again.

@BIGBUDDY291 7 жыл бұрын

Love the chain, thanks Jonn

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hey Buddy, Glad you like the loop-in-loop chain. Thanks for your continued support! : )

@joycejoy7651 7 жыл бұрын

Jon , you are perfection...thank you for sharing a great chain..xx🍸

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Awe Joyce, you are too kind. I'm glad that you liked the video. Happy looping. Thanks for your support! : )

@joycejoy7651 7 жыл бұрын

@jude1515 2 жыл бұрын

You explained this well. The necklace links look perfect.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the compliments. And, thanks for watching! 😀

@angelamando9390 4 жыл бұрын

Ty love this

@rondaleblanc2374 3 жыл бұрын

Great job! Thank you!

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video. 😀

@gbabybaby6523 3 жыл бұрын

Yes thanks so much

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

@shiki8356 3 жыл бұрын

i reeeaally love ur videos thanks u helped a lot for me to make jewelleries😍

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad that you’re enjoying the videos. Thanks for watching! 😀

@hollyclark8093 7 жыл бұрын

great video,thanks

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Holly, Glad you liked the video. If you like this project, you should investigate other loop-in-loop patterns. Good luck with your projects. Thanks for your support! : )

@mary-annkieckhaben5026 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for shering is Fan.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws 7 жыл бұрын

I have bail making pliers on order...I use my Dremel to make coils and jump rings and I even used it (with an attachment of my own making (hehe...an oval crochet hook lol) to make the chain I'm wearing at the moment. .I just love your videos as I have been wondering how they get that kind of 'twist' in the loops...I believe you are about to tell me so I am off to listen (bet you're glad you don't have me in a classroom lol!)

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Oh Foxipaws, I have at least 3 of you in each of my actual classes. That's why I make the videos. If I can refer a student back to an OJA video, I don't have to talk or type as much. Thanks for your support! : )

@cleverkimscurios3783 7 жыл бұрын

I just made a chain like this for the first time a couple of weeks ago! It's kind of tedious but turns out so nice.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the good ol' loop-in-loop chain is a true labor of love. But, they are really nice once they are done. I had the one I made for the video gold plated. It's beautiful (if I say so myself). Thanks for your continued support Kim! : )

@TheOrion1891 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Glad you like the video. Thanks for your support! : )

@sarahmarie1391 7 жыл бұрын

How long does a can of butane last when making one of these chains?

@FS-mc3cs 6 жыл бұрын

Interesting how this video gets made "after" the email I sent you about this technique.... to which no reply came. Glad to have inspired you and this video

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

Dear F!L, The OJA prides itself of being very responsive to its viewers. As you can see from the comments section of any of our videos, anyone who has commented on a video has received a response. We also respond to every email that we receive through our website. We've check our records and could not find an email or comment from you. (There is a flaw with KZfaq. When someone responds to an older comment left by another viewer, KZfaq does not put that comment at the top of our inbox.) The video was filmed on 1/31/17. But, this technique has been around for centuries: as the title implies. Furthermore, the video demonstrates how to make a graduated loop-in-loop chain. And, we did not encountered another source for this inspiration. Sorry that we didn't see your message. We always appreciate messages that inspire us to create videos. And, we always mention when a video has been inspired by a viewer's comment. Thanks for your comment.

@texasgigi3684 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Please make some dainty chain videos!

@OnlineJewelryAcademy Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! Any type of chain can be made from small links. But most jewelers today buy machine made fine, “dainty” chains. Check out our field trip videos on our website at: www.online jewelry academy.com.

@joycelucht2510 7 жыл бұрын

As with all your videos, you break the process into logical steps. It's so easy to follow. You mentioned using 16g. wire. What size dowels did you use?

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Joyce. I used 14 gauge wire in he video. And the coiling mandrels were 3/4", 1", and 1 1/4" in diameter. I suggest that you make a few samples before you decide how big to make your loops and out of which gauge of wire. Have fun with this project. Thanks for your support! : )

@wendyannh 5 жыл бұрын

OnlineJewelryAcademy Where do you get such huge dowels, John? I don’t think I’ve ever seen them that big anywhere.

@AnotherSpecialEdMom 6 жыл бұрын

How big are your mandrels? Also, do you think this pattern would work with 18g wire? How big (small) do you think the mandrels would need to be for that gauge wire to work? Thanks for all your videos. You are an excellent teacher.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

You can use 18 ga wire to make a loop-in-loop chain. You just don't want to make the individual rings too large. Bigger loops made from 18 ga wire could loose their shape easily. As far as the size of the mandrel goes, I suggest that you make a few experiments to determine what size suits your design goals. Glad you like the videos. Thanks for your support! : )

@liveoakart483 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Would you do anything at the end of the project to work harden the wire? Can you place it in a tumbler or is that a big no no when it comes to chains?

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Christie, Work hardening your loop-in-loop chain in a tumbler will help it maintain it's shape and shine it up nicely. You can always safely tumble a chain. But, be forewarned, the shot will get caught in the loops. Plan on spending some quality time with your chain as you carefully use your pliers to get the shot out of it. Thanks for your support! : )

@freewaybaby 7 жыл бұрын

A tumbler couldn't ever do the damage that a polishing wheel CAN, if it gets away from you, huh? LOL.... It's only funny in retrospect of many years! In the case of your handmade chain, wouldn't all the bending to form the links be enough work hardening?

@diego9886 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks to your video I made one amd I’n very happy with it , that’s a shame that I can’t upload a photo ... thanks anyway 👍🏾

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

@ebenkeel 6 жыл бұрын

I really want to try this, but I'm not up to the point of soldering yet, would there be hoops I could buy to try this out?

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

Honestly, I've never looked into purchasing closed rings for loop-in-loop chains. So I don't know if they are available or not. You might want to check out the OJA's soldering videos at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com I think that you'll find that soldering isn't really all that difficult or scary. Good luck with your creative pursuits. Thanks for your support! : )

@nevajuzo4051 7 жыл бұрын

profe John, el cobre es muy duro para manipular como consigo q se ablande?😀 gracias por responder 👍

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hola Neva, creo que quiso decir que el cobre es demasiado caliente para manejarlo. Siempre tome las precauciones de seguridad adecuadas. Utilice pinzas cuando se recoja para manejar el metal. Por cierto, tengo que usar google translate para responder a usted en español. ¡Gracias por su apoyo!

@nevajuzo4051 7 жыл бұрын

OnlineJewelryAcademy Ok teacher John, thank you so much for answer to me and I'm so sorry, and promisse You write You english 😀, I'll translate on Google all my comments and questions before send You😁 sorry 4 my bad english 😳. Hugs🙋

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Gracias por el esfuerzo extra. Hace mi trabajo un poco más fácil. ¡Gracias por su apoyo!

@prizebondtech1427 4 жыл бұрын

sr is there any machine or dye availabe to make this kind of chain

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 4 жыл бұрын

I am unaware of any machine or die designed specifically to make loop-in-loop chains. A pair of bicycle chain pliers might help to uniformly stretch the jump rings. This is truly a chain style that is to be handmade. : )

@MichellesHandmadeCreations 7 жыл бұрын

Love the look of the 14 gauge, but I'm not so sure my arthritic hands will manage making the ovals. I struggle with 18 gauge at times. Any suggestions for another method to make the soldered links into ovals? Maybe bending 1 side at a time on my bail pliers?

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Michelle, I think that the solution to your problem is to use a vise to push the loops into ovals. Just close the vise so that the jaws hold the loop parallel to the top surface of the vise. Then close the jaws of the vise until you compress the loop into an oval. You can then pinch the middle of the oval to create the infinity symbol shape. Good luck with your loop-in-loop chain project. Thanks for your support! : )

@MichellesHandmadeCreations 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your quick reply. I read your above idea and said to myself, "oh, that sounds a lot easier". As always, you've been a great help. Thanks again!

@joyceeberner 6 жыл бұрын

Make or buy a oval step mandrel to eliminate one step. I have an inexpensive plastic mandrel set that includes a oval; you can purchase at Joanne's, Michaels or online.

@normarobinson2531 2 жыл бұрын

Hi can you tell me where you get your copper wire from please.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 2 жыл бұрын

There is a link in the video description. Thanks for watching! 😀

@mjremy2605 2 жыл бұрын

The water left on that tray bothered me during the whole video. I must have OCD. 😂 Anyone else? This was amazing to watch. I never thought a chain could be made with closed loops. Wow! I wonder if I could wind the coils around an oval dowel instead of round one. This would save some time over stretching and reshaping. I will be trying this out using square copper wire. This is a fabulous chain link, easy to make and feels chunky but not too thick. I have two questions: 1. Does it make sense to solder each link shut after creating the chain so they don't pop out? 2. Can you harden the chain after making it, with some tumbling with metal shot? Thank you for a great video, enjoyed watching it and learning! Greetings from sunny California. Subscribed.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. The closed loops are soldered shut. So there is no need to solder after the chain is formed. 2. The best way to harden and shine the chain is to tumble it using stainless steel shot. 😀

@YayaRosesRam 5 жыл бұрын

Any tips on purchasing a mini torch similar to his but economic 😬

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Yadee Roses, We are in the process of providing links in the descriptions of our videos to help everyone purchase tools comparable to the ones that I use in the videos. Here's a link to a butane torch like the one I use in the videos: amzn.to/2Tr1FzE. Thanks for your support! : )

@geofflotton5292 7 жыл бұрын

Is a charcoal block better than a fire brick to work on?

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

A charcoal block will provide you with reflective heat from its combustion. Plus, it creates a reducing atmosphere that can help prevent oxidation of your metal. Thanks for your support! : )

@lynnebash2278 7 жыл бұрын

Dear John. My dad invented the wheel and my better half and I of 43 years played with dinosaurs so I guess we must be contemporaries

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

LOL! I think I remember you from caveman high school. Glad to know that I have a silly audience. Thanks for your support! : )

@suzettekath9860 6 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing one that looked like a four point version of this. You have a two point version.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

Loop-in-loop chains come in a huge variety of styles. Google some photos and you'll see what I mean. Hope you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

@suzettekath9860 6 жыл бұрын

This is the version I was referring to. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d65jpaapqKqcc3U.html

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

The video that you referenced is showing how to make a woven foxtail chain. But there are versions of the loop-in-loop chain that look similar. I'm sure if you research loop-in-loop chains you will find a version that you like. Good luck with your creative pursuits. Thanks for your support! : )

@geofflotton5292 7 жыл бұрын

circlip pliers would be good for stretching the loop.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

There are many ways to "skin a cat". I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. Thanks for your support! : )

@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws 7 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry (I'm the kid with her hand up all the time lol) I heard that borax was better than ordinary flux as it was easier to work with and left less marks?

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

I only use borax as a casting flux. Stick with the white paste flux for soldering.

@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws 7 жыл бұрын

OnlineJewelryAcademy Will do ..It was just that a British site "At the Bench" was going on about borax and I know that you would give me the answers I needed (I think some sites take it for granted that everyone has the same knowledge level if you know what I mean). Thanks again for taking the time xx

@lynettemckone918 6 жыл бұрын

Foxiepaws ACAnderson I watch At The Bench too and was also a bit confused about the same thing, using borax hasn't worked out for me, I've moved back to a commercial flux and am getting better results: sorry Andrew.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 6 жыл бұрын

The OJA has posted a video last week that covers the use of a primitive boric acid flux. Perhaps that is the material used in the video you are referencing.

@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws 6 жыл бұрын

OnlineJewelryAcademy thanks John, it looks like we'll be using your method! Sorry for taking so long to get back...we've all been getting really bad flu over here and I've not been doing much...but I am making a comeback as the finishing date for my workshop/cabin in Scotland is coming up so I will be busy collecting and buying everything I don't already have so I can hammer, smelt and generally work at any time that suits me without neighbours who are lovely really but how much hammering does it take lol..not to mention the smoke detectors...I've been working mostly wire wrapping (which is good practice anyway) but I really have some ideas I'm dying to get started on. I will upload a video of my workplace when its up and running. Thanks as always xx

@MonikaMundell Жыл бұрын

What exactly is in the pickle pot!? Is it vinegar and salt?

@OnlineJewelryAcademy Жыл бұрын

It could be filled with a solution of vinegar and salt. But I prefer to use Sodium Bisulfate and water. We have a few videos on pickle pots. 😀

@krodkrod8132 Жыл бұрын

You need to buy some expanding plyers.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy Жыл бұрын

👍 Already have some. But most beginners don’t. Thanks for your comment. 😀

@CRESVEN1 3 жыл бұрын

Please, what was the ID of the first 3 jump rings

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 3 жыл бұрын

The video was released in 2017. My best recollection or the interior diameters of the jump rings used is that the smallest was 1", the middle sized was 1.25", and the largest was 1.5". I recommend that you practice with some jump rings before you begin. Have fun! 😀

@CRESVEN1 3 жыл бұрын

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank You

@maquijoys.l7912 7 жыл бұрын

Muy interesante, también se puede hacer a maquina kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e7phg5mbyZipoHk.html

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 7 жыл бұрын

Estoy respondiendo a tu comentario usando Google translate. Me alegra que hayas disfrutado del video. Quisiera ver la máquina que puede hacer esta cadena cónica del lazo-en-lazo. No dudo que sea posible que una máquina haga una cadena similar. Simplemente nunca he visto la máquina. ¡Gracias por su apoyo!

@maquijoys.l7912 7 жыл бұрын

Hola, sí, puede hacerlo, con un recambio para cadena doble, pero no tengo video.

@urmo345 3 жыл бұрын

Fake! I call it modern art, as tech used is almost fully modern! Ancient goldsmith were masters doing amazing stuff without modern tools, blowtorch, jewellery saw, magnifying glass, soldering paste etc. etc.

@OnlineJewelryAcademy 3 жыл бұрын

I think that you took the title of the video too literally. The form of this style of chain is ancient. And, the OJA provides free instruction using contemporary techniques. Sorry for the confusion.