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Weaves
Chain maille is described by its weave, which is simply a name for the process by which rings are interconnected. The weave, more than anything else, defines the characteristics of chain maille jewelry. Weaves can be flexible or rigid, tight or loose, thick or thin. When you look at a chain, we try to give you an idea of some of the characteristics of the weave so that you know what to expect. Not all weaves are used for all chains. For example, some weaves don't work as well for bracelets as they do for necklaces because they are very stiff, making them difficult to clasp. Other weaves might not make for good necklaces because their pattern doesn't allow them to drape gracefully around the neck although that same weave might make for an excellent choker for exactly the same reason.
Weaves are organized into families. A weave's family typically describes its origins and may tell you something about how the weave is structured. Often knowing the family of a weave provides little practical information in terms of how to actually construct that weave.
