Byzantine Chain Tutorial

The Byzantine chain is a sequential chain design with ancient origins, known throughout time and geography by many different names, such as the Birdcage, King's Braid, Idiot's Delight, and Byzantine. This brief tutorial will help to illustrate the assemble sequence of this age-old chain, paying special attention to the folding back of the knot formation, which trips up most beginning students.

The example image at left is an 8-inch Byzantine chain bracelet, crafted by assembling 170 jump rings composed of 18-gauge copper wire, finished with a forged s-clasp and three 14-gauge catch rings.