Large Unisex Molten Chain Mail Pendant - Katherine James

A 100% Sterling silver chain mail necklace from Katherine James' 'Molten' collection. This striking pendant hangs off a chain constructed with the same chain mail techniques - both have been Oxidised to give the darkened appearance to the silver. Katherine's Jewellery is handmade and individually crafted, treated and distressed to create a completely unique appearance with each item. Due to this, the product you receive may differ slightly from the images shown, but the concept and process remains the same.

This is the large pendant variant, we also stock the small option of this item. 

Katherine James is an artist based in Leeds and best known for her subversive chainmail techniques. Through exploration of the this typically gendered material, Katherine creates contemporary jewellery.

Katherine James’ “Molten” Collection was inspired by the disintegrated chainmail armour she came across at the Royal Armouries. These artefacts inspired her to question concepts of protection, resilience and strength through her work. To craft the pieces in this collection, Katherine first creates a chainmail pendant or earring which she then subjects to an intense flame to liquify the silver, creating this partly-melted effect. Although the original flexible and fabric-like chainmail is changed from this damaging process, arguably it is also strengthened as the liquified form hardens into a solid structure. For Katherine, this process symbolises the challenging experiences we go through in life which can positively shape us in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Mail is often referred to in the modern day as 'chain mail' despite this being superfluous as both words have the same definition. Mail is believed to have been invented before the 5 ^th century and is the earliest form of metal armour known to man as it was used by the Etruscans and Romans. It is made using a range of materials, but most commonly steel or iron. It starts as wire which is wrapped around a rod to produce each metal link before being expertly assembled to produce the wearable garment.