WITH A NECKLACE THIS SLEEK AND CHIC, there is no need for additional adornment. Inspired by chain mail and metal mesh, these metal links are substantial and no-nonsense, perfect for protecting you in a modern-day battle (think first dates and job interviews). We love it with a summery sailor shirt or peeking out from under a blazer.
At least 38 large gold jump rings
At least 53 gold double-bar connectors, 13 mm long × 5 mm wide (preferably ones that have two distinct loops, one on each end)
1 gold lobster clasp
2 small gold jump rings
1 medium gold jump ring
2 pairs of chain-nose pliers
Ruler
Make a grid out of gold rings
1 Think of this piece as a grid of rings and connectors. To visualize the grid, on the work surface, lay out the bib section before you begin. There are 7 rings on the top 3 rows of the bib and 5 rings on the bottom row.
2 Connect the top row of rings with a bar connector between each ring. It’s best to use connectors with loops on each end to ensure that the rings are held at an even distance in a grid-like formation. Slide a ring in a loop on either end of the bar connector and press the loops down with chain-nose pliers to secure.
3 Repeat step 2 until you have 3 individual rows of 7 rings and 1 row of 5 rings.
4 Lay out each row of rings so that the connectors all sit horizontally, creating a chain, and the 4 rows are atop each other in the sequence shown in the photo.
5 Connect each row vertically with additional connectors. You have completed the bib section of the necklace.
Add chain for the neck
6 Measure where you’d like the bib to fall on your neck and how long the chain to the back should be on each side. Subtract about 1 in/2.5 cm from the total length to account for added length from the clasp. For example, if you need a total of 10 in/25 cm of chain for the back of the necklace, make each chain side about 41/2 in/11 cm long. Make the 2 side chains for the neck by using the same method of connecting rings with bar connectors.
7 Attach the 2 side chains to the top corner ring on each side of the bib.
8 Add the clasp to one side of the chain with a small jump ring.
9 Add the medium jump ring to the opposite side chain with a small jump ring.
