Sanctuary Studio
Hello, I am Karen, owner, designer and creator here at Sanctuary Studio, making jewellery is my business and my passion.
At Sanctuary Studio, I specialize in crafting exquisite chainmaille jewellery, intertwining ethical sourcing with traditional armour techniques. I am committed to innovation and sustainability, often repurposing materials to create unique designs that resonate with my clientele's discerning tastes.
Education in art and design from Chichester College anchors my creative approach, while mastery in digital photography and social media amplifies my brand's reach. My dedication to this ancient craft is matched only by my passion for modern aesthetics and the joy of making art wearable.
Where I can all jump rings I use are hand coiled on various sized mandrels and cut with precision by myself, each weave is created one ring at a time with a great deal of time and patience. The finished piece is then tumbled clean and given a polished finish.
Chainmaille is one of the earliest forms of metal armour. The oldest piece of maille armour that can be accurately dated is more than 2,700 years old. It was discovered in the graves of Celtic warriors. Earlier evidence of chainmaille has been found in graves from the 5th century BC in Scythia (an area between Europe and Asia). Although most historical chainmaille is armour, jewellery techniques were also used by cultures as diverse as the Vikings and the ancient Egyptians.
Chainmaille can be made from virtually any material that can be formed into a circle. This includes most metals as well non-traditional jewellery materials such as rubber.
The number of known patterns is impressive: More than 1,000 weaves are documented on M.A.I.L. (Maille Artisans International League), Most of these modify basic patterns, but each weave is distinct. Today's weavers still create new patterns, from simple chains to intricate, fabric-like sheets
These are also catalogued at chainmaillers.com.
Handcrafted Jewellery as Unique as you are Individual