Chains have recently become very popular in not only traditional gold, silver and copper but also in polymers and other materials.  There is a short history of loop in loop chains and their origins can be traced back at least 5,000 years ago.

There is a general information section with instructions about the chains, suitable metals and wire gauges, tools and equipment, fusing and soldering, torches and associated information, kilns and charcoal blocks.  Next are some basic how to instructions including annealing, wrapping, cutting, butting, fusing and shaping.   Weaving the links and common problems and how to avoid them and repair of broken links are next.  All this information on tools and troubleshooting probably sounds like way too much work and expense for equipment.  You can actually make several of the chains with only a few rudimentary tools, the complete list of supplies is for a more professional approach and investment.  I used a long nail, vice, jeweler's saw, pliers and 18 gauge silver wire to make several chains like those in this book and they look professional.  You can check with a lapidary/gem store about soldering the links together if you want a more professional looking piece.  I did not solder any of mine and they have lasted for over 25 years as is without any chain link loss.

The next chapter covers basic chains, has step by step instructions and illustrations for making the chain links and working them into chained pieces.   There are projects included for making specific chain bracelets, necklaces, adding a bead in between the chained links and sectioned bracelets and necklaces.  Materials are listed for each of these projects.

There are 35 different type loop in loop chains with complete instructions.  They are broke down into groups, beginning with the simple and working to the more complex.  Some are grouped together because they are multiple weavings or multidirectional and each chain has a different appearance but is associated with one of the groups.

There is a chapter on clasps and there is great diversity with basic hook shapes to three hook closures and looped closures.  There are complex pieces that can be formed and soldered as closures also with complete instructions.

There is an appendix with recommended dowel diameters and wire gauges for basic chain types.   Listings are 18 through 26 gauge.  For those who really want to get into making  precise professional chains, there is dowel diameter relationships, troy weights, weight per foot of round wire, alloy composition and other information included.  There is also a glossary with explanations of each term.

Some of these chains are the same type chains made of gold by Egyptians ages ago and found in some of the Egyptian pyramids.  The workmanship was so fine and in such excellent shape, they would look like new today.

Most of the chains in this book can be replicated in polymer clays.   In the last two years, I have seen some of these polymer chains in bead magazines and instructions were provided on how to make them.  Some of the more recent polymer books also include making chains.  Once you know the basics of working with polymers, you can make the chains in this book with polymers.

You can also make chains with other materials such as fibers.   I have made chains with bead crochet and linked them together creating a larger sculpture, over six foot long, that is a replica of what is called an Egyptian and Etruscan chain.  I have this same chain worked in silver, much smaller of course.   Chains could be made of yarns or heavy fibers with crochet, braiding, knitting and other fiber crafts.

Classical Loop-in-Loop Chains is a very comprehensive book, full of how to chains which can be used with a variety of materials besides metals.