What Chain Sizes Are Best

by Dale Armstrong
Question:

Dale is it possible to have you tell me, when making pendants or working with beaded necklaces, what chain sizes are the best sizes? Do you go by the size of the bead or just sort of match up what you think is best for the styles
Instructions
Answer:

Been there, done that" perfectly sums up my experience with offering chains for my pieces whether as an add-on sale or included with a purchase.

There are so many styles, lengths, metals, and clasp types available that even with a massive supply, you still might not have what a customer prefers.

In my opinion, we are wire jewelry artists. We create and sell handcrafted wire pieces not manufactured chains.

With a few exceptions, neither my students nor I sell anything we haven't made ourselves.
(This is also a common expectation at many juried shows.)

The exceptions include offering an organza ribbon or a silk, suede, or rayon cord. These can be included with a pendant or sold separately to provide instant gratification.

When offering these, highlight the versatility:
The customer can also wear the piece on their favorite chain, making it feel more affordable and wearable both casually and formally.

The best and most cost-effective way to present or upsell your jewelry is to make your own necklace options

Try a finished ribbon or cord, or create a simple wire collar, so you can sell your piece "with" your work.


Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Note: For manufactured chains, either finished or un-finished, WireJewelry had many different options you might want to consider. Unfinished would allow you to make the chain any length that works for your piece or your customer.
Dale Armstrong's What Chain Sizes Are Best - , General Education, Selling, , Ribbon necklace
Dale Armstrong's What Chain Sizes Are Best - , General Education, Selling, , Suede Cord

Materials

Unfinished Chains
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Finished Chains
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Clasps
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15 Inch Green Single Finished Ribbon - Pack of 1
R1-9
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $1.47
  • Gold Club Price: $1.10
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15 Inch Green Single Finished Ribbon - Pack of 12
R1-4
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.27
  • Gold Club Price: $5.45
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Selling, General Education