BYZANTINE CHAINS

The gold Byzantine chain is perhaps one of the most interesting chains to look at. It is not a simple chain, but more of a cluster of chains, making it look more like a rope or Celtic puzzle than anything else.

This chain has been called many different names throughout it's time, including: the King's Braid, the Birdcage, and Idiot's Delight. It's most common name comes from its origin during the Byzantine Empire.

Because of its intricate design, this chain is most often made from softer metals such as gold. Gold is the easiest to make the Byzantine chain from because it is flexible, allowing easy closure of each jump ring used in the pattern.

The assembly of this chain means using one link and placing four others inside it. The Byzantine chain is generally seen as a variation of the Box chain. The Box chain and the Byzantine chain are almost the same except for the difference in direction of the links.

Because of the Byzantine chain's integration of many links, the result is a very flexible rope-like piece of jewellery.

This particular chain is often chosen as a male jewellery item because of the bulk in width from all the links and the weight that it has. The rope-like chain is bold in texture and appearance, making it a conversation piece unlike some of the more simple chains.

The Byzantine chain can be made from a lesser gauge of gold or other soft metals, making it a beautiful piece of jewellery for women as well.