What is SilverSilk?
Silversilk is a very versatile, super fun, fetchingly fresh, knitted jewelry revolution! Simply put, SilverSilk is a knitted wire jewelry chain. But, it’s like no other jewelry chain out in the craft market. SilverSilk is made by many tiny latch-hook needles that spin around with wire, intricately machine-stitching the wire into an elegant yet strong and supple knitted wire chain. This knitted wire stitchwork offers the crafter new and unusual ways to use it. You can string large-hole beads on it, sew through it, wire-wrap it, glue it, put it in resin or just leave it as a draped jewelry chain. And best of all, you can do it yourself with the easy-to-follow tutorials on my channel, where I cover all the different product lines. Lucky for you, all the tutorials are available for free so you can just browse through the different playlists on the SilverSilk & More YouTube channel to learn how to best use each type of knitted wire lines I carry. It's fairly simple, and great both for beginner jewelry designers as well as those looking to expand on their use of materials. Just pick a knitted wire chain, explore and get creating. You can also head on over to Amazon to get my books on jewelry making that spell out everything you need to embark on your jewelry-making spree.
The knitted wires are made from 32-gauge, 99.9% pure enameled copper that is nearly as thin as human hair. Once the chains are knitted, they are really lightweight, incredibly durable, and supple to the touch, and they don’t fray. So, you can cut it up as you please and even sew right through it without worrying about your work fraying. My most popular line of SilverSilk is known as Capture Chain. Capture Chain is made by six needles that revolve and stitch wire simultaneously to create a woven mesh. At the same time, a ball chain is fed through the knit to create a finely knit jewelry chain. The unique elasticity of the knit lends a luxurious free-flowing feel to the knitted wire jewelry chain. Not to mention the long-lasting beautiful finish courtesy of the permanently enameled non-tarnish coating on the wire before it is knit. Hence, the strength and beauty of metal combined with the intricacy of the finely woven knit presents a remarkably flexible and resistant knitted wire jewelry chain – Silversilk & More!
These machine-knitted wire chains eliminate tedious production time, allowing designers to get right to arranging their jewelry piece. Imagine having to take the time to research and perfect your own handmade knitted wire jewelry chain, or finding the patience required to make a Viking Knit Weave chain from craft wire, or figuring out how to attach jump rings together to form a box chain. These techniques demand a lot of time and patience if you want a design with a jewelry chain. SilverSilk allows designers to skip past this laborious work and instead enjoy the feeling of instant gratification. Thanks to my knitted wire, you can now focus solely on designing jewelry and leave the rest to me! We knit; you create.
Currently, SilverSilk has four different product lines: Capture Chain, Pearlesque Chain, Hollow Mesh, and Pearlesque Hollow Mesh. Additionally, each knitted wire jewelry chain is one-of-a-kind and has its own distinct features and use. This is where my tutorials come in handy as well as my store products that support SilverSilk creativity. And there’s so much more - the color variety is almost too good to be true! I have selected the most stunning spools of assorted wire colors and sparkly tinsels that are ready to be knitted and are sure to awaken the aesthete within you.
Capture Chain
Capture Chain is made by knitting a 32-gauge, permanently enameled wire over a 2mm silver-plated ball chain to create an exquisite 3mm round knitted wire cord that is second to none. The ball chain confers structure and weight, while the knitted wire lends beauty and intricacy to the jewelry. This knitted wire Capture Chain is super soft and super flexible when you work with it, and it comes in twenty-seven vibrant colors with an unparalleled exuberance- talk about range! The color variants in the Capture Chain knitted wire include Lotus, Green, Antique White, Olive, Red, Hematite, Sea Foam, Shoreline, Urban, Storm, Metallic Copper, Fall, Dark Rose, Amethyst, Silver Style, Solid Antique Copper, Golden, Chocolate, River, Shimmering Copper, Forest, Fern, Solid Antique Brass, Rock Star, Black, Solid Gold and Starry Night.
SilverSilk’s custom assortment of single-, double- and triple-strand end caps in the findings section is ideal for professionally crimping the ends of this knitted wire chain, ensuring a flawless finish every single time.
Pearlesque Chain
The SilverSilk Pearlesque Chain is made using a two-step process. First, a colorful rainbow tinsel is knitted over a 2mm silver-plated ball chain, and then a 32-gauge wire is knitted into a tubular mesh which basically surrounds both the rainbow tinsel and the ball chain. This combination of textures and colors creates a really stunning, multi-layer 3.4mm knitted wire chain. Plus, the knitted wire has this dazzling, iridescent look to it and is available in thirteen gorgeous shades that you don't want to miss using in your jewelry. The color variations in the Pearlesque knitted wire chain include Red, Shimmering Rose, Lotus, Fuschia, Silver Style, Golden, Shimmering Copper, Peridot, Sea Foam, Purple, Fern, Green Envy, and sometimes I make limited edition chains that combine colored tinsel with the enameled wire, such as the Teal Pearlesque Chain.
Hollow Mesh
Hollow Mesh is also produced by knitting a 32-gauge, permanently enameled, non-tarnish wire. It takes six needles to stitch this tubular knitted wire into a 5mm hollow chain- and the effort definitely shines through in the final product! Hollow Mesh can be filled with leather cord, chain, craft wire, seed beads, or virtually any materials you can get your hands on- so long as it fits the 3-4mm size limit. So, you may look in your bead stash and find a few items that you haven’t yet found a use for and try the Hollow Mesh with it – the possibilities are truly endless!
Packaged with the crafter in mind, Hollow Mesh comes as a 3ft. spool in ten uniquely magnificent colors- Silver, Gold, Copper, Antique Copper, Black, Antique White, Rose, Purple, Green, and Deep Rose. Some of the colors pair well with natural materials, such as leather cord. Try a combination of Deep Rose Hollow Mesh with natural tan leather cord to make fabulous on-the-go bracelets.
Pearlesque Hollow Mesh
Much like the Hollow Mesh, this 5mm hollow knitted wire mesh is a striking jewelry component and an art-piece in its own right! This knitted wire variant is co-knitted with rainbow tinsel that gives a singular shimmer to each knit. Let your creativity run wild and stuff the mesh with anything you fancy, and don't be afraid to experiment. Available in eleven super sparkly, rainbowy, glistening shades, this knitted wire mesh glows as much as your creative spirit does! Various shades of the Pearlesque Hollow Mesh knitted wire collection includes Silver, Sea Foam, Gold, Peridot, Lotus, Green, Red, Fuchsia, Amber, Amethyst, and Copper.
SilverSilk & More Custom Findings
Can’t get that super professional finish for your knitted wire jewelry?
Well, now you can with our custom-designed selection of single-, double- and triple strand end caps that ensure zero hassle crimping in no time! They really complement the Capture and Pearlesque knitted wire chains and guarantee a professional-feeling finish for your knitted wire jewelry designs. So, no more fussing over findings or re-doing finishes over and over because the day is saved by Silversilk end caps, the best way to finish your jewelry designs.
These end caps are custom-cast and have a brass core with superior quality plating, which essentially ensures a very secure crimp. The SilverSilk logo is then stamped on top, and the finding is polished to perfection. Additionally, each end cap channel is aligned with special grooves that help to crimp the chain by grabbing the ball chain core inside Capture chain or Pearlesque knitted wire chain. Just simply press the end cap over the knitted wire with a pair of wide nose pliers for a secure and professional finish.
These SilverSilk end caps are packaged as a pair and are available in six metallic finishes- silver, dark rhodium, copper, antique copper, gold, and antique gold. The plating finishes coordinate with the vast selection of chain colors, so you can mix and match very easily when you are deciding on a color scheme for your jewelry design.
In addition to the end caps, SilverSilk & More offers a wide range of other findings like lobster claw clasps that are sold with two SilverSilk jump rings to complete the set, 6mm cord caps that can literally be glued on the cord or wire, and 20-gauge earring wires that come with a plastic earring back. SilverSilk 20-gauge headpins are sold as packs of ten pins and are great for making wire-wrapped drops, bauble, or even joining components to create beautiful knitted wire jewelry designs. 20-gauge 6mm SilverSilk jump rings are perfect as connectors, and terminators sold in two sizes of 4mm and 9mm are basically just end caps without an attached ring and are ideal for finishing raw ends of Capture and Pearlesque chains. There’s also the two-hole sliders that are custom-cast for the Capture and Pearlesque chains. And the best part is that they all come with their own special color collection to choose from. There’s a little something for everyone, so no matter your design- you’re covered.
Meet the Owner
My name is Nealay. I am the designer, educator, and owner of SilverSilk & More. You may recognize me from my appearances on Beads, Baubles and Jewels, and Jewel School on the Jewelry Television Network. I actually started my career in the craft industry as a designer for various jewelry magazines. Eventually, I landed my first publication deal with Kalmbach Publishing and released my first of many how-to jewelry books. The inspiration behind the book somewhat emerged from my passion for teaching. I don't really want to sell a bunch of products; I want people to be able to get the materials and just create for themselves- I want them to feel empowered, to gain confidence, to be able to make whatever designs they fancy, and just feel really good about themselves doing that. I initially had a portfolio of my sketches which, for some reason, posed a certain similarity to the Victorian, Edwardian era. And it really just took off from there- I wanted to add a futuristic edge to the designs by using Soft Flex beading wire. Moreover, I try to target all levels of expertise in my books, such that it kind of flows from beginner to advanced, and hopefully, the transition would encourage the reader to try their hand at all the designs.
During this time, I met Sara Oehler, the marketing manager for Soft Flex Company. Sara saw something in me that needed development and took the time to mentor and guide my career as a designer- so thankful to her for that! She even invited me to fly out to Knoxville with her to film for Jewel School on JTV, and it was such a wonderful experience in broadcast production. On one of our trips, I happened to meet the then SilverSilk owners, who provided me with samples of some chains to play with. During this time, I had also partnered with Jesse James Beads as a designer, so I just fused the two products together and made a collection that would serve as the inspiration for my second book Jewelry Designs with Knitted Wire. My relationship with SilverSilk grew over the years until they were ready to retire and asked if I would like to carry their legacy. And I guess the rest is history!
My job at SilverSilk & More is more than just product distribution. I oversee everything from knitting the chain on the machine all the way to packaging the items for delivery which is why I often call myself the one-man-operation. I always make sure that my customers- my Silkies- are fully satisfied and well taken care of. I never compromise on quality, and all my products are invariably high-end and flawless. Every little knit has been woven with the utmost care to ensure a fully functional and beautiful knitted wire chain.
I strive to meet customer demands with top-notch service while pushing the creative envelope with product innovation. Education is a large aspect of my business. Having nearly 15 years of teaching experience has paid off, and I'm constantly finding new ways to use SilverSilk as well as better methods for teaching. I pride myself in being able to communicate instructional content effectively because, of course, everyone learns differently. And also, different people want to learn different things; thus, I always try to include a variety of designs wherever possible in order to be able to accommodate everyone.
I feel like somebody who’s already in the jewelry-making craft would kind of be drawn to my work for its "new and different" vibe. And as for someone who's totally new to the craft, they'll probably think of this as a good way to start because it's nothing too complex, and the knitted wire is super easy and super fun to work with. Plus, it makes for sensational knitted wire jewelry designs that are sure to blow you away!
Taking over SilverSilk has provided a world-wide platform to reach new people and new heights, which I have always aspired to do. I do keep up with the current and modern trends on social media, but I don't necessarily follow them myself. I like to push myself to do new things and strive to create something the world hasn't seen before. And really just add the Nealay touch, in hopefully what is a positive way, to whatever I do.
You know how they say less is more- well, it's true in the case of SilverSIlk. The beauty of the knitted wire jewelry lies in its simplicity and ease of use because this means anybody anywhere can make stunning knitted wire jewelry pieces without really being a wiring wizard. I'm excited to grow SilverSilk & More and looking forward to learning from all the challenges that come with it.
Be a Part of the Revolution – Join the SilverSilk Community
Did I mention our fantastic group of SilverSilk followers called the SilverSilk Silkies? This group is essentially dedicated to using SilverSilk in jewelry making. Plus, we love to post photos of our designs, catch up with our creative friends and share SilverSilk tutorials. This is a really wonderful community of positive, creative, fun, and innovative individuals who just want to share some love and, of course, knitted wire jewelry creations with the world! We talk about all things jewelry making and share some positive energy. We'd love for you to come and connect with us on our Facebook group here. I am always open to questions and feedback, so feel free to contact me.
Follow SilverSilk
Follow SilverSilk & More on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. I post new tutorials every other Tuesday at 3:30 pm PST or 6:30 pm EST. Also, don’t forget to check out our specially put-together design kits to recreate some of my creations. In case of any further queries, feel free to DM or email me at orders@silversilkonline.com.
HUGS to you all!