Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

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 …

Learn a simple and sparkling way to make bangle bracelets with hex wire. No soldering or wire wrapping required!Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUnroll and straighten enough wire for all bracelets you plan to make. Add an extra few inches of wire, as the ends won’t be twisted, and the total length will shrink a tiny bit.Insert one end of wire into the chuck of the coiling gizmo. Hold other end firmly with pliers (or with a vise) and hold straight out from coiling tool. Turn handle on tool …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsThe Complete Metalsmith (#62-011) provides a useful chart for selecting saw blades. Or scroll down to the comments section of our "Tips for Sawing Sheet Metal with a Jewelers Saw" blog article.Use rubber cement to adhere a paper Scottie dog pattern to the brass. Saw the design out. File the metal to shape.Repeat process with patterned brass heart.Use a soldering iron to add soft solder to the backside of the rhinestone chain and heart. Turn over, and place …

Jump directly to illustration of gold-fill vs. gold plate.What are Elements and Alloys? Metals can be elements or alloys. Elements are the basic building blocks of chemistry. Examples of elements: Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and niobium (Nb).Lead (Pb) is an element that was popular for 1,000's of years as an ingredient in casting alloys (and some other alloys) because it makes some metals softer, less brittle and/or helps them melt at lower temperatures. Lead is now known …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer Tips  Unspool approximately 26" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Use ring-bending pliers to make as many equal sized coils as you can easily fit on the pliers.Using good flush cutters, snip each coil apart so you have identically-sized links. Carefully trim ends so the ends of the links line up flush. If you have any gaps, your solder join will not look good and will not be …