Book excerpt: Laura Poplin’s clever chain mail jewelry brings an updated look to this ancient technique. Poplin treats chain mail not just as the focal point of jewelry, but also as an unexpected accent to pearls, metals, and even leather. A technique tutorial begins each project-filled chapter and covers five basic weaves: Euro 4-in-1, Byzantine; Unbalanced Euro 1-in-1; Japanese 12-in-2; and Chrysanthemum. A substantial tools and materials section covers everything from wire gauges and making jump rings to texturing metal and working with leather.