Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Opal Gemstone Beads from Rings & Things: Opal beads have the same basic chemical composition as quartz, but usually contain 6 - 10% water. Because of this, opal jewelry components should be protected from heat and strong light. Loss of water can cause opals to crack and/or lose iridescence. Opal beads can be oiled to prevent dehydration. Make sure to keep your opal beads away from detergents, ultrasonic cleaners, metal polish, acids and strong solvents. Birthstones for October include Opal, …

Jasper is a semiprecious chalcedony (or microcrystalline quartz), and is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than agate, the other chalcedony variety. Another difference between the two is that jaspers are generally opaque, while agates tend to be translucent (or at least contain translucent bands). This distinction stems from the stones' composition. Jasper contains microscopic "grains" of crystalline quartz and agate has microscopic "fibers" of crystalli …

Rhyolite gemstone beads can look very similar to jaspers, and the popular green variety of rhyolite is sometimes called rainforest jasper. Similarly, the type of rhyolite that displays red, yellow, brown, and pinkish spots is descriptively called leopardskin jasper. Rhyolites, igneous rock chemically identical to granite, have beautifully markings which originated when rhyolitic magma and lava cooled from a molten state too quickly for crystals to form. Rhyolite occurs largely in the U.S.A. Type …

Which glue is best?Two-part epoxies are more work, but have excellent durability, for when you really want your designs to last.Super glues are best for surfaces that fit exactly together (no gaps), or where you need just a small dab of extra security.Some specialty & craft glues are flexible or work well for bonding plastics, foil-back crystal, porous materials such as wood and fabric, or metal-to-metal bonds. Each adhesive in our website includes detailed usage information to help you …

General instructions to install a blade in a jeweler's saw frame:Loosen the nuts on the saw frame.Slip one end of the blade into the fixture. Make sure the blade's teeth are pointing outwards and down. (Sort of like a Christmas tree.)Tighten the nut, then apply pressure from the end of the saw so that the blade is guided into the other fixture. (A common method of applying pressure is to put the handle against your hip or ribs, and push the far end against a sturdy wall.)Tighten the other nut. T …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsLay out a pattern on the blank bracelet. Free-hand, or using a ruler, mark each spot using an awl or an extra-fine point marker. (The heishi beads pictured are 18mm apart.)Punch 1/16" holes in the leather, using the cutting end of the Crafted Findings riveting tool.If necessary, use the cutting end of the riveting tool to punch 1/16" holes in the center of the vinyl disk beads. (They already have holes, but the holes might need to be larger.)Use a short …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsStart with plenty of 26-gauge wire, and anchor wire to one side of arc connector. Add 4mm beads and extra lashes between each bead. Finish off the end with additional anchor lashing. Tighten anchor lashes with pliers.With 22-gauge wire, create a wrapped loop beaded connector to attach crescent link to chain. Be careful when tucking in the wire tails, as the 2mm beads are easy to accidentally crush with pliers.Divide chain in half and attach clasp with medi …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsThe extra jump rings used when hanging the cluster of charms on this necklace help keep the spiral charm facing forward.For instructions on making beaded head pin loops, and the best way to open and close jump rings, see Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 doz [use 1] #05-040-06-409 Bead, Puffed Rondelle - Rose Peach1 ea #50-101-23-20 Chain, 20", Snake, 1mm1 ea #44-046-72 Charm, Spiral1 each #06-428-08-400 Crystal, Pendant, Rivoli …

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions on creating macramé jewelry, see How to Macramé a Hemp Bracelet.A choker will usually fit as a double wrap bracelet on most people. Double the amount of working and anchor cord in the original (blog) tutorial for this project.When using this link, fold anchor and working cords with centers together, and attach to the link with a lark's head knot (see illustration below). The link replaces the shortest cord in the original tut …

This short 16.5" necklace can also be double-wrapped and worn as a chunky bracelet.Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsUse a steel burnisher to carefully smooth (burnish) the prongs down onto the rivoli stone in the bezel setting. For step-by-step instructions on setting a crystal stone in a bezel, see Blog Article: Step-by-Step: How to Set Rivoli Stones in BezelsUse a 10mm jump ring to attach the lobster clasp to one end of the drawn cable chain. For best way to open and close loo …