Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsDetermine desired bracelet length; add one inch. Cut a piece of cord 4 times this length. (7" bracelet + 1" = 8". 8" x 4 = 32")String the cord through the loop portion of the clasp. Center the clasp on the cord. Tie two overhand knots and check to see if your rondelles will face the right direction.String one cord through the left side of a rondelle, and the other cord through the right side. Pull tight (but not too tight). Does your bead …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPlan out design, and stamp words and symbols. ("I Drink and I Know Things" is a quote from Game of Thrones, and the colors used here are the colors of house Lannister.)New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping 101Texture the blank with rounded end of chasing hammer.Apply stamp enamel per package instructions.Punch holes in bracelet with Euro Power Punch (note – The rivet length allows them to go through thicker materials; they will spin around in the cuff. …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsThis is a variation of the standard Byzantine weave, called Byzantine with 3 connectors. I wanted to use all stainless steel for this bracelet, but the aspect ratio (wire diameter vs inside diameter) of the 6mm stainless steel jump rings would have created a loose weave if I had followed the normal Byzantine weave pattern. By adding the 3rd connector, the weave becomes tighter and sturdier.Weave Got Mail Byzantine kits, or some Chain Mail books, provide st …

Created by: Laurae SatherDesigner TipsCut the post portion off the rivoli earring finding.File the back until you have an approximately 4-5mm flat spot (about the same diamter as the earring magnet).Mix two-part epoxy according to manufacturer's directions.Apply epoxy to the flat portion of the rivoli setting, and place 1 part of the magnet set on the glued area.Once thoroughly cured, mix more epoxy and glue the rivoli into a rivoli setting. Set aside to cure.To wear, place the other part of the …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer Tips  Measure your rhinestone chain pieces to the same length for best results.Use an awl to pierce holes in the leather, and sew the chain to the cuff. Seal thread ends with GS Hypo Cement.Attach the chain just a bit loose, to allow for proper fit when worn.  Suggested Supplies  1 ea #60-250 Adhesive, GS Hypo Cement1 ea #51-810-10-02 Bracelet, Genuine Leather, 1", Cuff (Black)1 pkg of 10 [use 8] #46-339-25-9 Gunmetal Chain End, for …

Edged cuff bracelets also work great for leather, fabric, beaded designs and more!Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsStamp or sketch design on aluminum sheet if desired.Follow marked (or freehand) design with engraver.Remove excess ink if needed.Cut sheet to the width of the bracelet channel.File edges as needed.Form aluminum to general cuff shape with EZ bender tool.Using flat nose pliers, gently open the overlapped end portion of the bracelet.Test the fit of the aluminum to the bracelet b …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor a step-by-step tutorial with images, see the Easy to Make Lashed Rhinestone and Leather Bracelet blog post.Cut your leather to length (twice the wrist length plus about 8 inches).Fold the leather in half to form a button loop and size it to fit your choice of button. Tie on the waxed linen cord.Tuck in the linen cord tail and bind the loop and leather cord together by tightly coiling with linen cord for 3/8 inch.Cut the rhinestone chain to wrist length. …

Created by: TierraCastDesigner TipsCut cord into 3 12" pieces. String one button onto each cord, then string 3 hole bars and barrel beads. Position as desired, then lightly crimp barrel beads in place. Trim cords to desired length (allow 1.5" for clasp and jump rings) then secure crimp ends with glue or crimping.Twist open one jump ring and link one crimp end to the toggle clasp loop. Reverse twist to close. Use remaining 2 jump rings to link the other crimp end with the bar part of toggle clasp …

Created by: Bridget AustinDesigner TipsUse a small amount of E-6000 adhesive to glue one cord end onto the cording.Using a head pin, slide on one spacer bead, an apatite pebble bead and one more spacer bead. Make a wrapped loop. Make 4 sets. For step-by-step wrapped loop instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Attach the charm to one of the 10mm jump rings.On the open end of the cording slide on the rings in the following order:Twisted ring10mm jump ringTwisted ring10mm jump ringTwisted ring1 …

Modified from designs created by Swarovski's Create Your Style Design Team. February 2022 update: We still have many of the baroque pearls from Swarovski's 2020 launch in stock, and they're awesome for classic earrings -- get them while you can!Designer TipsFor the dragon drop earrings, use a ball-end head pin, and add an elongated baroque crystal pearl, a 4mm crystal bead, a dragon bead, and another crystal bead. Form a simple loop, and add ear wire.New to jewelry-making? See Jewelry …