JOE’S Garage Class: May 19, 2026 5:30PM
In many ways this is the purest form of linked chain. A pure silver, or sterling silver, chain is a jewelry staple that will be handed down through generations. I love passing on this craft for all the ways it can be completed.
We begin with round links. Every link must be fused closed while holding onto its neighbors. If the joins are quality it can be stretched to elongate the links a little, or a lot.
BRIGHT LINKS CLASS, offered as a Community Ed class, is devoted to fusing Argentium Sterling Silver. It may be soldered, but one of the attributes of Argentium Sterling is its ability to fuse to itself. Before it was a jewelry metal option only fine silver could achieve that nifty property—however, without the strength needed for a wearable bracelet. Argentium has all the strength of traditional sterling silver.
The other notable feature of Argentium is its inability to oxidize—it does not tarnish. Sweet! The stuff is currently more dear than fine silver, but when you need it, it is so worth it.
This is not a lightweight class. You will need to selectively torch individual links while not melting down the others. On testing the final strand you will learn the original meaning of “the weakest link.” And, there will likely be replaced links before you cross the finish line.
The final result will be a major notch in your silversmithing journey.