The Byzantine weave is also known as Birdcage, Idiot box, Fool's Dilemma, and many others. Byzantine works well in a 3.35 AR. Suggested rings sizes are 1/4"-14swg , 3/16"-16swg, or 1/8"-20swg. This weave makes an outstanding bracelet in smaller sizes. 3/32"-22swg in sterling silver makes a nice, tight weave with a good weight.

1. Place four closed rings(copper colored) through two open rings(silver) then close the open rings.
   
2. Fold the two copper colored rings on the right end back on the silver rings.
   
3. Close off the group of four rings with two open and close.
   
4. Place two closed rings through two open and attach both open to the end of the chain and close.
   
5. Fold the two rings on the right end of the chain back on itself.
   
6. Close off the group of four rings with two open and close.
   
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 to lengthen the chain.
   

Byzantine is used in a variety of projects. Necklaces, bracelets, and anklets look good in the smaller to medium ring sizes. Short earrings made from Byzantine also look good. Byzantine can be linked together to form dense sheets or incorporated into head pieces or hanging from hip scarves or woven in a hexagon pattern forming a hip scarf.

 

Byzantine might seem intimidating at first but it's rather simple to weave. It really shines in smaller ring and gauge sizes where the weave is tight. It makes an outstanding woman's bracelet when woven in silver using 3/32"-22SWG. The bracelet is "dainty" but heavy for it's size and made with saw-cut silver rings makes it almost impossible to know the rings are butted together and not soldered.