New Bel Chain & Bead LLC
E-mail: gen@new-bel.com
Chainmail or Chainmaille was the earliest form of metal armour and was probably invented before the 5th century by the ancient Celts. The name mail
comes from the French word "maille" which is derived from the Latin "macula" meaning "mesh of a net". The armour itself involved the linking of iron or
steel rings, the ends of which were either pressed together, welded or riveted. Sometimes the rings were stamped out of a sheet of iron and these
were then used in alternate rows with riveted links. The most common form of chainmaille is the "four-in-one" pattern in which each link has four others
linked through it.
(Courtesy of: http://www.medievaltymes.com/courtyard/chainmaille_history.htm)\
In modern times chainmaille is not for armor any longer although there is are medieval groups that still use it as part of their gear.  There are many
beautiful weaves that make magnificent jewelry.  On this page you'll find my collection.  I take pride in cutting my own jump rings and then weaving
them into a pleasing pattern!
Copyright New Bel Chain & Bead LLC
2007  All right reserved
This page is currently under
construction.  Most pieces on this
page can be found in other areas
of this web site.