We are down to our last component – the chain!
Ball chain with lapis lazuli beads
I have to admit, I decided this part a long time ago. What better to continue the military theme than ball chain? This 2.5 mm ball chain is just a tad larger than the chain used by our Armed Forces for dog tags. However, the military uses a stronger stainless steel chain, whereas my chain is sterling silver – so I needed the bump up in size for added strength. Although breakage may sometimes happen due to an unseen chain defect, I’d rather my customers not have that experience! I always design for durability.
The necklace will be 24″, an easy length to slip over the head without having to open the clasp. Again, a little shorter than the 29″ necklace the military uses, but a lovely length for most women.
Perky and I visited our local Army recruiting center last week. We met our friend, SSgt. Bush – remember SSgt Bush who helped with our star component for this necklace? We also met Sgts. Crawford and Rogers. Perky was a big hit with everyone!
I was told by Sgt. Crawford that each soldier has two personal ID tags – one on the the 29″ military chain, which has exactly 365 ball beads on it; the other on a smaller chain, with 52 ball beads on it. If the unthinkable happens and one of our soldiers is captured, they have – in their chains – a way of marking the passage of time. I didn’t know that – did you? A sobering thought for us civilians.
SSgt. Bush & Perky
Sgt. Crawford and Perky
Sgt. Rogers & Perky
