Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Pearls are June's most-popular birthstone, and are a favorite in bridal jewelry and couture. Cultured freshwater pearl beads come in several shapes and colors, making it easy to add elegance to a wide variety of jewelry designs - pearls aren't just for bridal designs, weddings and proms! Pearls are organic gemstones, formed when a foreign object (like a tiny stone) makes its way into an oyster (or similar mollusk's) shell. Over time, the mollusk covers the intruding object with 1,000's of layers …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsUse 26-gauge wire to lash the beads to the pin back.Cut the chain into two pieces: 5-1/2" and 6-1/2" in length.Use 6mm jump rings to attach the chain to the pin, staggering the swag of the chain.Use 4.5mm jump rings to attach charms of your choice to the chain ends.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Blog post: "Wire lashing: an easy way to cover your jewelry with beads or bling!".Suggested Supplies1 dozen [use 3 be …

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsCut two 1-3/4" sections of chain.Cut four 1-1/2" sections of chain.Add one small and one medium Apatite bead to a ball-end head pin. Wrap onto bottom of a chain section (see step-by-step wire wrap instructions: Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Repeat with remaining five chains.With the 26g wire, about 1/4 of the way down on the marquise, wrap 2 to 3 times. Place one medium apatite bead, one 1-1/2" chain, one bead, one 1-3/4" chain, one bead, one 1-1/2" …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsCut loops off the moon charms and file smooth.For one pin, antique the brass components and bar pin with Win-Ox™ before assembling. Allow the parts to dry. Polish with a soft cloth if desired.NOTE: It is not safe to use Win-Ox on aluminum, so this design must be antiqued before assembly, or not at all.Mark, punch and rivet the moon charm to the bar pin, following directions included with tool. Rivet the moon so it covers the bar pin's catch.We carr …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsUsing the 26-gauge wire, make a large wrapped loop, attach the acetate stick and finish wrapping (see Jewelry Basics).Add one bead cap, one pearl and one apatite bead (optional: use a 3mm light turquoise crystal instead of the apatite) and finish with a wrapped loop. Instead of trimming the tail close, continue the wrap over the next bead.Using chain-nose pliers open the ear wire and attach your loop.Repeat for other earring.Suggested Supplies2 each #88 …