I use my chain gang pieces as reminders. I like to end each day with a cup of tea. I usually get so engrossed in what I'm doing and I forget the time so I've taken to setting an alarm to warn me the end of the day is approaching. A lot of my time is spent at my desk either typing, writing by hand, drawing/painting or sewing. I find wearing a ring or bracelet means my eyes will catch the sparkle and remind me to take a break. 

Transitioning from full-time teaching to retirement has been interesting. I haven't wanted to waste precious time getting back to my art practice and because I've also had other projects of a practical nature on the back burner for far too long now, too, I began habit stacking  and using micro-actions to help develop new rituals that help with success through the day.

Tea time is more than just an end-of-day relaxing ritual. It's become a time to take a look back over my day's accomplishments. Instead of constantly feeling overwhelmed with how much I felt I had to do, I now relax with a focused ritual of reviewing what I've done every day. It's a time to give myself a pat on the back. It also allows me to quickly schedule and/or reschedule things that come up each day on my list for the next day or later in the week/month, etc.

I take my ring, bracelet or necklace off and place it in my saucer and pour a few drops of tea over it in the spirit of cleansing and having it join me, as a tea friend - signaling that time has started for bren to zen out. It's for this reason I've chosen to display these pieces on tea pets. If you're unfamiliar with tea pets, here's a link to some fun info about their history and usage. They are typically used as companions while enjoying tea with others or on your own.

Putting my piece(s) back on signals tea time is over and it's time to get on with the next part of the day. Meal Prep. I enjoy cooking and so it's with pleasure that I gather up my tea paraphernalia and head into the kitchen with it.

The Chain Gang is a multi-functional set of pure silver. There are 3 separate yet different bracelets with Extender/3-Way Harmony Earring Accessories (each purchased individually).

These chains are an integral part of the TeaGardenJewelry collection. Same-size end links seamlessly blend in with one another using matching spring clasps to connect necklaces of varying lengths. They combine, too, with the Silk & Silver Charms and are as charming with the Beady Guys Rings & Earrings. 

They are one-of-a-kind, 14 guage, .999 Pure Silver, hand-fabricated and fused (not soldered) chain links, made in my studio by me. Fusing the silver ensures the precious metal remains pure. However, the accessory clasps and endless hoop earrings ((included) are Sterling Silver. 

Working with .999 Pure Silver is different from with alloy metals such as Argentium or Sterling Silver. Pure Silver is softer and doesn't tarnish. It's recyclable and more sustainable. Its integrity is maintained through fusing rather than soldering which ensures no other metals are introduced during the joining process.

I love the contradictory nature of pure silver. You both don't need to take care of it (because it doesn't tarnish like other metals); and do need to take care of it (because it's a precious metal it's soft like gold). 

These pieces have been work-hardened to withstand daily wear. You will, though, want to take them off at the end of each day and to put them to sleep in their tiny tin case(s). The sterling pieces will remain untarnished because there's a tarnish strip provided ... but if they do tarnish, it's easy to clean them (just buff lightly). I tend to bed mine in the tin that's kept in a dedicated space to help me remember where they are (as for the botanical charms, I put them on an inverted crystal wine glass and treat them as home decor where they're within quick reach to pair and wear when I'm running out the door or want them with me for late afternoon tea.

FUN FACT: Do you know you can change the purity and taste of water, used for tea (or coffee) by charging it with pure silver ... tea cups lined in pure silver are sold for this very purpose - and many swear by them - I know, I do. If you clean your pieces with dishsoap and rinse, you can toss them in your cup as your tea steeps ... see if you notice a difference.

I have a lovely silver-lined cup that I use for Mei Leaf and The Tea Practitioner  pu'erh teas from. I find it noticeably enhances the citrus flavours in these teas.

Geek Out: Pure Silver is 99.9% Silver, Argentium is between 96% and 93.5% Silver depending on the percentage of metals added (the latter is 5.5% Copper and 1% Germanium) where Sterling Silver is 92.5% Silver (7.5% usually copper or zinc).

Mix&Match: the Harmony, Variety and Harmony with Variety Bracelets to create necklaces of various lengths. Extenders further vary bracelet/necklace lengths.

See Sizing Guide for Necklace Types and Measurements.

Bracelets and extender/earring sets are designed to be combined in various ways:

• The Anne Bracelets (each 7-1/2 " Harmony links) can be joined to form a 15" Collar/Choker Necklace (clasps add about 3/4"). With the addition of The Laura Rolling Rings Extender, your piece becomes a low-sitting Choker at 17" and with two, a 19" Princess style necklace. Extenders can also be worn as rolling rings and/or as earrings (3 ways, depending on how links are looped through the sterling endless hoop earrings that are included with them.

[Three bracelets seamlessly join to form a 23" Matinee style necklace. Add a couple of extenders and create a 27" Opera length necklace.]

THE ANNE: Harmony Bracelet: 15 links of 14 guage, Pure .999 Silver, 13mm (7-1/2 inches long x 5/8 inch wide), includes Sterling spring clasp) $140.00

Harmony w Variety Bracelet: 11 links of 14 guage, Pure .999 Silver, 16mm (8-1/4 inchles long x 3/4 inch wide), includes Sterling spring clasp) $140.00

Variety Bracelet: 11 links of 14 guage, Pure .999 Silver, 13/16/20mm (7-3/4 inches long x 7/8 inch wide), includes Sterling spring clasp) $140.00

THE LAURA: Single 3-Link Extender/3-Way Earring Accessory: 3 links of 14 guage, Pure .999 Silver, 13mm (1-7/8 inch wide) includes a Sterling spring clasp + a Sterling endless hoop earring, 12mm. $60.00 ... (psssst - the rings can also be worn as a rolling trinity ring on a finger of your first knuckle (e-mail your ring size after you make the purchase).