Egyptian Coil Bracelet
This is a simple chain that requires very few tools. Bonus points for recycling wire!
Tools and Materials
At the very least, you will need a pair of pliers with a set of cutters. It this demonstration I am using a pair of snips, round nose- and flat nose pliers. I also use a jeweler's ring mandrel in the end, but anything round will work.
You will also need wire. I'm using 12 guage aluminum wire that I dug out of my scrap bin. You could use any type or size, however.
You will also need wire. I'm using 12 guage aluminum wire that I dug out of my scrap bin. You could use any type or size, however.
Cut Wire to Size
Before beginning production, read this entire demo and do some experimentation to find the style you'd like and the length of wire to use. My measurements might not work for the guage wire you are using.
I've cut wire to 6 inch sections. To speed the process, I marked a line on my bench and held wire against it to snip to length.
The version I'm making here is kind of speedy and gritty, so I'm not going to worry about the ends of the wire. You, of course, will file the ends flat or use a cutoff tool to get flat ends.
I've cut wire to 6 inch sections. To speed the process, I marked a line on my bench and held wire against it to snip to length.
The version I'm making here is kind of speedy and gritty, so I'm not going to worry about the ends of the wire. You, of course, will file the ends flat or use a cutoff tool to get flat ends.
Form Links
Use round nose pliers to roll a small curl on each wire.
If you want you can file a taper at each end of the wire to get tighter/nicer looking coils.
Squish the curl closed using your flat nose pliers, then continue rolling the curl 'round. I've turned these approximately 2 1/2 times. Again, experimentation is key to finding the proper proportions.
After you have the wire ends curled up to your liking, pinch the link with your round nose pliers and bring the curled ends together. See the pics if this part is confusing.
Next, with your flat nose pliers, grip the coils and bend the loop over. See pics.
If you want you can file a taper at each end of the wire to get tighter/nicer looking coils.
Squish the curl closed using your flat nose pliers, then continue rolling the curl 'round. I've turned these approximately 2 1/2 times. Again, experimentation is key to finding the proper proportions.
After you have the wire ends curled up to your liking, pinch the link with your round nose pliers and bring the curled ends together. See the pics if this part is confusing.
Next, with your flat nose pliers, grip the coils and bend the loop over. See pics.
Repeat and Assemble
This process goes a lot faster if you do each step throughout each piece: rather than forming each link completely, do one step to all the links at once, then move to the next step.
After you have all your pieces formed, begin assembling the chain. Take one link and thread the loop through the loop of another link. Continue this until you have enough chain. See the pics if this is confusing. Once you have the links threaded through, bend the coils down to seal the next link in place, but not so tight as to restrict its movement. Do this to all the links EXCEPT the ones on each end, we will need those for the clasp assembly in the next step.
After you have all your pieces formed, begin assembling the chain. Take one link and thread the loop through the loop of another link. Continue this until you have enough chain. See the pics if this is confusing. Once you have the links threaded through, bend the coils down to seal the next link in place, but not so tight as to restrict its movement. Do this to all the links EXCEPT the ones on each end, we will need those for the clasp assembly in the next step.
The Clasp
Cut a piece of wire that is longer than your links. In this case I cut it at about 8 inches.
Form as any other link, but pinch the loop a little tighter that the links. Fold the very end of the loop over on itself, and attach this to the chain. Fold the loop over again at about halfway. Pinch down the coils on that end. See pics if this is confusing.
Take a bit of leftover wire and bend it around something of suitable diameter. Where the loop crosses itself, grip with your flat nose pliers. Fold the ends of each wire over the other side and wrap around, Snip off any excess and wrap tightly around the link.
Thread this ring onto the opposite end of the chain, and pinch down the loops over the section where the ring closes.
See pics for illustration.
Form as any other link, but pinch the loop a little tighter that the links. Fold the very end of the loop over on itself, and attach this to the chain. Fold the loop over again at about halfway. Pinch down the coils on that end. See pics if this is confusing.
Take a bit of leftover wire and bend it around something of suitable diameter. Where the loop crosses itself, grip with your flat nose pliers. Fold the ends of each wire over the other side and wrap around, Snip off any excess and wrap tightly around the link.
Thread this ring onto the opposite end of the chain, and pinch down the loops over the section where the ring closes.
See pics for illustration.
Ta Daa!
Show off your new fanciness, or give it to your beloved.
This project took less than an hour to complete, including taking photos, so if you're running late for Valentine's Day, skip the flowers and grab some pliers!
This project took less than an hour to complete, including taking photos, so if you're running late for Valentine's Day, skip the flowers and grab some pliers!