If you don’t know which weave to choose for a chain, but at the same time prefer bulky and expensive options, “Python” or “Italian” weave is an excellent choice. To understand what Python weaving in gold looks like, look at the photo below.
Python weaving
Features of Bismarck weaving
There is no exact historical data about the origin of the technology. There is only a legend according to which one jeweler was impressed by the image of Otto von Bismarck. The master was delighted with the unbending will of the “iron chancellor” and against this background he developed a special chain of silver and gold chains.
The first wave of popularity awaited such products almost immediately after their invention. The jewelry was worn by the entire high society of the united Germany. Later, chains went out of fashion for almost a century, giving way to thin, elegant and fragile products.
In our country, women's and men's neck chains with Bismarck weave were especially popular in the 90s. The famous “finger-thick” products became a real symbol of the era. Now they are relevant again, largely due to their strength, reliability and long service life.
In the classical sense, jewelry is not a connection of rings, but an interweaving of pre-prepared spirals. Making a Bismarck chain begins with winding the wire and cutting it into fragments of the required length. The resulting elements are combined into a ligature and then sealed. Next, the product is cleaned, polished and decorated (blackened, diamond edges formed, etc.).
It may seem that jewelry produced using this technology is monotonous, but this is not so. Bismarck weaving is used for chains made of gold and silver; fragments and gaps can be of different sizes. In addition, there are more than 10 ways to use this technology.
How to do it
The technology for weaving a chain in this style is as follows.
The gold spiral needs to be separated and cut into links so that one link is shaped like a spiral of three curls. Then the links need to be woven perpendicular to each other, while compressing them. After this, turn the product and weave another link. Assemble the links in this way until the product reaches the desired length. Then the process of soldering the links begins. There are several ways to do this:
1. The first is to solder each link separately. Solder is prepared separately into thin plates and then cut into squares. 2. In the second method, chopped solder is laid out and dipped in flux, and then melted with a torch. 3. The third method is mainly used by professionals, since specific skills are required. Solder is prepared in the form of wire. It is brought to the soldering site and parts of the product are soldered.
Advantages and disadvantages of weaving
If we talk about the positive features of jewelry of this type, it is necessary to note the following:
- Appearance. A silver or gold Bismarck weave chain is quite massive, so it looks very expensive.
- Reliability. During the production of high-quality products, the links are woven and soldered, making the jewelry durable.
- A wide range of. For production, circles, ovals, rectangles made of flat or cylindrical wire are used. In addition, there are many weaving techniques, as well as the possibility of inlaying the finished product with precious stones and pearls.
- Good hold. Massive ligature requires a strong lock. In the production of such chains, high-strength carbines and springels are used.
- Duration of operation. Provided that high-quality materials are used and technology is followed, the finished product will last up to 50 years.
- Can be used with other accessories. Pendants, Orthodox and Catholic crosses, and medallions are hung on the decoration itself. It can also be combined with massive rings in your look.
- It is important to note that Bismarck gold and silver chains are made from high-grade precious metals, so they do not oxidize, do not leave green marks, etc.
Now it would be fair to note the disadvantages of such accessories. Firstly, weaving is not used in the manufacture of budget products. If the purchase amount is limited, it is better to look for other models. In addition, massive jewelry can overload the image, especially for young girls and boys.
View all “Double Bismarck” weaving chains in the SUNLIGHT catalog
What is so special about this chain?
This type of weaving has many other names. The most common of them are “American”, “Caprice”, “Italian”, “Pharaoh” and others. This chain got its name due to its similarity to the scaly texture on the skin of the animal of the same name. The snakeskin trend has always been in fashion.
This weaving attracts not only men, but also women, who often order it in the form of bracelets. Whereas men prefer this weaving in chains as an indicator of status and courage, because it is not without reason that its appearance resembles military chain mail. Children can also choose a chain of this type.
Despite such delicate and complex weaving, the chains do not cling to clothing and are comfortable to wear. They also do not twist or break. Diamond processing is also used for this type of weaving, which makes the chain especially beautiful, making it shine in the sun. The Python chain is suitable for absolutely any age and gender and is one of the most magnificent types of chain weaving.
How to choose a Bismarck chain
First of all, it is recommended to consider fragments of the product. They must be the same size. Also check out the edge finishing. A high-quality accessory will shine and shimmer beautifully.
Next you need to check the clasp. The service life of the chain and its safety largely depend on the quality of the part. Firstly, the lock must be as massive as the links. Secondly, you should try how easily it opens. If any difficulties arise during the process, it is better to choose another accessory. The most commonly used types of fasteners are:
- Springel. Thin and elegant retainer, which is more suitable for women's products. If the spring installed inside breaks, the entire lock will have to be replaced.
- Carbine. The clasp is large and durable, can be repaired and is more often used in men's products.
Is the Bismarck weaving chain suitable for everyone?
For each individual look, you should select your own accessory. For example, for a young girl, a small elegant silver item made using the Brook technique is well suited. An openwork bracelet would also look nice. But if we are talking about women, then it is better to pay attention to gold jewelry. But you shouldn’t hang on yourself a bracelet, rings, a brooch, and the entire family’s gold reserves. A Bismarck chain on your neck or wrist, earrings and 1-2 rings are enough.
Things are about the same with the opposite sex. Massive accessories in 3-4 rows are not suitable for young guys. Such products look harmonious on large and adult men. For slim and young people, it is better to choose a product in 1 row.
Bismarck chains are a luxurious accessory with a rich history. It can be used both for everyday wear and as a formal decoration. The main thing is to choose it correctly and not pay attention to low-cost products. Remember, chains of this type cannot be cheap by their nature.
17.02.21
Types of chain weaving
There are basic types of weaving that differ from each other in the fastening of the links.
1. Anchor - the first classic type of weaving. It does not require much imagination and is quite simple. Weaving method: the links are connected perpendicular to each other. There are several ways to make the finished chain more original: doubling the links, round and square links. 2. Armored - this type of weaving is very similar to anchor weaving, but slightly modified. Each link is bent and it turns out that the links are in the same plane, and not perpendicular to each other, as in anchor weaving. Here are just some of the types: “Love”, “Figaro”, “Double”, “Singapore”. 3. “Bismarck” is the most popular, beautiful and complex weaving. The links are held very close to each other, which gives the structure density. Python is a variety of "Bismarck". This is a relatively new design and is very popular. The method of execution is to interweave links from three rows. This type of weaving deserves special attention due to its beauty and complexity of execution.
How did the Python technique come about?
A popular weaving option that suits everyone is Bismarck. Initially, this weaving method was popular among men, but then it turned out that it harmonizes perfectly with a woman’s neck. The chain was named after Otto von Bismarck because the first Chancellor of the German Empire preferred to wear such a chain. Another name for such chains is “Kaiser” or “Cardinal”.
Bismarck has varieties:
- "Python" ("American", "Cardinal");
- semi-volumetric - the thickness of the link is slightly greater than the width;
- triple - three turns in a spiral, instead of two turns in the classical technique;
- flat - the chain link has a double spiral curl;
- "Arab Bismarck";
- "Royal Bismarck".
These subspecies are more elaborate and original than the Bismarck, and therefore deserve more attention and explanation of the execution technique. The Python weaving technique, for example, is considered the most durable of all types of weaving. This is the most popular weave of the Bismarck subspecies, but in fact there are more than twenty of them. They can be combined during the weaving process. It all depends on the imagination of the jeweler who makes the jewelry for you.
The technique for making such a chain is complex, so weaving is done by hand, which adds value to the decoration. It is impossible to produce such a chain using machine technology or stamping. Therefore, there are few chains in stores; they are often ordered individually from jewelers.
Bracelet with Python weave
The chain is assembled by hand by chain makers. When choosing a specialist, pay attention to his past work. Only if he performs the techniques meticulously, then you can entrust him with the production, since the Python technique is very painstaking, and the slightest mistake will lead to disruption of the integrity of the entire chain. The Python chain seems solid, but if you look closely, you realize that it consists of many intertwined rings.
First, gold is used in the form of wire. It is wound on a special apparatus and cut into identical parts - future links. The jeweler, using tools, gives the links the desired shape and ties them into a chain. These processes are called spiral winding and sawing. And then the links are sealed together and hold on for many years.
The main trick and uniqueness of knitting is that the links consist of several rings. The rings on the chain can be multidirectional and participate in fancy knitting. Therefore, a lot depends on the skill of the specialist. The minimum weight of a custom product is six grams. You won't be able to spend less gold on such a chain.
Python weave in silver
Origin and description of Python jewelry weaving
A unified classification of types of weaving jewelry chains has not yet been developed, however, several basic technologies are distinguished that differ in the methods of fastening the links:
- Anchor, the links in which are placed sequentially and perpendicular to each other. The links may have a crossbar inside, which makes products made using this weaving method extremely similar to anchor chains. Classic chains have oval links, but there are also decorations with round links (Rollo or Chopard), square and rectangular (Venetian weaving). The chain of anchor weaving can be made in several rows. Such products look more elegant.
Armored, during which the chain links are placed in the same plane. Jewelry made using this technology is characterized by increased strength and is not so easy to tear. Varieties of armor technology are Singapore weaving, Nonna, Figaro, Panther's Eye, Snail and some others.- Bismarck (also has the sonorous names Kaiser or Cardinal), named after the famous German chancellor, who preferred to wear jewelry made using just such a complex technique. The interweaving of the links goes in several rows, the probability of the links breaking is almost zero.
- Perlina (from the Italian name for pearl), which has balls connected by thread instead of links.
Some experts classify Venetian weaving, Rhombus and some other subspecies into a separate group because of their originality. The beautiful and quite complex Python weave, which is considered a variation of Bismarck, deserves special attention.
The chain with a complex pattern was appreciated by men, but later the Python (or American) chain won the hearts of beautiful ladies thanks to its elegant appearance. This species got its name because of the special interlacing of the links, which resembles patterned snakeskin. The jewelry seems solid, but in fact it consists of many interconnected rings that form the volume of the jewelry.
Despite the fact that the weaving is openwork, it does not cling to clothing (if the execution technique is followed).
Short, massive chains are more suitable for the stronger half of humanity, and for ladies, more elegant, elongated diamond-cut options would be an excellent solution. Python knitting is also suitable for making bracelets and looks extremely harmonious.
