I thought these two books would be great to look at together because in addition to their overall quality, they both do something very specific very well. Their step-by-step photos of the chain mail process are very good. As someone who's tried to photograph this process myself, I know how difficult it is, and if you're someone who's tried to learn the chain mail process, you know how important it is.

In most things, I can learn through words or pictures (though I'm more visual by nature). In chain mail, however, I'm all about the pictures. The projects in "Complete Guide to Making Wire Jewelry" are all from past issues of Art Jewelry magazine. It goes without saying that they're well written and beautifully photographed, but I'm a fan of Art Jewelry, so I'll say it anyway. It has wire weaving, cold connections, coils and shapes, bezels and frames, and even a bit of soldering (something about which I know absolutely nothing). I'm a beady - rather than a wiry - person, but the instruction in "Wire Jewelry" make the projects very accessible. If you're looking to add some wire skills to your beading repertoire this book (or Art Jewelry) is worth a look.

I'm a little biased toward the creator of "Links" also. Jean Yates is a regular contributor to BeadStyle. She's as fun to work with as she is talented. The projects in Links focus on beads and wire with some chain mail and metal clay included. She talks about about ways to find creative inspiration in you life — something she clearly knows a lot about. Check out a full review of "Links" by BeadStyle senior editor Naomi Fujimoto on the book' s Amazon.com listing.