I was just browsing through Artbeads.com and they had a list of differnt types of sterling chain to use for necklaces and earings.  I was just wondering, what would be the ideal size or type of sterling chain to use for necklaces and earings?

I personally prefer a larger link size...over 10 mm or so.  This way, you can dangle beads from the links, or place beads running from one side of the link to the other as well.  Also, you can use a link from the chain in the earrings, and dangle beads from that.

What do you use to cut the chain to the length of the necklace you are using?  DO you know if there is any information or tutorials online on how to use bead chains?

Thanks!

I don't think there's such a thing as an "ideal" size - it just depends on your design, what looks best with it (ie thick, thin, circles, etc). Once I had a design that didn't look right with thin chain but all I had was 1mm sterling curb... So I cut each length between the bead components 6 times to make it thick! Looked great but what a pain getting all those little tiny chains cut the exact same size! LOL It also depends on how you're connecting components - if you're say, using a jumpring that won't go thru the chain link, then no matter how good it looks, you have to redesign it somehow. Good luck hunting and have fun! Angela