Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Mollie Valente Make your Enamel DiskUse the dapping set to dome the copper blank. (See Rings & Things blog post: How to Dap and Dome Metal Jewelry.)Fire the concave (back side) of the copper blank with orchid enamel (counter enamel). Or you can use the enamel colors of your choice. (Follow firing and safety instructions from the Thompson Enamel Workbook or Rings & Things blog post: Torch Fired Enamels.)Clean the domed copper blank with Penny Brite.Fire the convex (front …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsThis project has step-by-step illustrated instructions in our blog: How To Make Chainmaille-Style EarringsSuggested Supplies1 ounce (use 8 pieces) #37-178-1 White Plated Jump Ring, Round, 10mm1 ounce (use 2 pieces) #37-136-1 White Plated Jump Ring, Round, 5mm1 100-pack(use 8 beads) #26-114-0 Gold Plated Brass 5x5mm Barrel Beads, Large Hole1 pair #34-563-20-SF TierraCast Silver-Filled Earring Hook Findings, Plain2 each #06-433-11-01) Swarovski 6433 Pear Cut …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner Tips - Earring 1Attach a tiny heart charm to the end of an eye pin. String on a rose-peach pearl and form a simple loop on the end. Then attach to the the end link of chain. New to jewelry-making? See Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Cut the chain at 1-1/2 inch in length. Use a 3mm jump ring to attach the chain to the bottom of a 20mm link.String a white Baroque pearl onto a ball-end head pin and form a simple loop on the end. Use a 4mm jump ring to attach to the top o …

Color and LightPeople see color differently no matter what, but the following factors also affect the way colors look:The quality of light (natural daylight, incandescent, fluorescent, etc.)The amount of light (low light, bright light)One color's proximity to another color It's common to create a piece of jewelry under artificial light only to realize later that, under natural sunlight, the colors don't interact the way you anticipated. Because of this, we recommend that you use as much natural …

What is "Nickel Free"?The term "nickel free" can be confusing since jewelry marked nickel free is still allowed to contain a very small amount of nickel ... but it is such a tiny amount that it takes extremely sensitive instruments to measure it.The European Union's (EU) Nickel Directive limits the amount of nickel that may be released onto the skin from jewelry and other products. This type of measurement is distinct from measuring the percentage of nickel that exists in an alloy's composition. …

Antiqued: Beads or Findings that have had their surfaces treated to appear oxidized ("distressed" or aged). Antiqued metal beads have either a genuine patina, a plating, or a other coating which simulates an oxidized or tarnished surface. Antiqued bone beads are dyed a darker hue, often with the use of natural dyes such as tea. The crevices of antiqued beads, charms and findings often appear darker while the raised areas are often polished, to mimic the appearance of actual old, worn beads. …

Jewelry making wire gives you endless choices in creativity! Still, it's easier to get started once you know a few basic tips and terms that will help you determine what type of wire to use for your jewelry projects. Learn about different shapes, gauges, and materials of craft wire.Find full tutorials, jewelry projects, and supplies too.Wire GaugesThe gauge of a piece of wire is a measurement of its width (diameter). Gauge is often abbreviated as "ga", thus 20 gauge = 20ga. There are two main ga …

Most Common Question:Q. What is a gross?A.  For any item, one gross (often abbreviated "GR") is 12 dozen.      1 gross = 12 dozen = 144 pieces (72 pairs).      1 half-gross = 6 dozen = 72 pieces (or 36 pairs).Why a "gross"?  We believe this is because in the 1800s and early 1900s, many jewelry findings, such as filigree findings and other common jewelry-making components were made in Germany, and sold by the dozen or the "big" measurement, the gr …

Looking to make custom birthstone jewelry? Here you'll find birthstone jewelry-making supplies, including genuine gemstone beads for each month, European crystal in classic birthstone colors, and birthstone charms and connectors including rivets, links, drops, ear wires and earring posts -- set with crystals, cubic zirconias and zodiac symbols. Whether you have a business making birthstone and bespoke jewelry, or you're making something special for yourself (or as a gift), this section is o …

Created by: Cindy Morris Designer TipsClose the hoop. Lash the rhinestone chain onto the hoop using Artistic Wire, wrapping around the hoop twice between each link of chain.Start and end the chain over the opening of the (now closed) hoop. Trim ends when done.The last link on each end will not lie quite flat, so tie the lark’s head knot over this spot to hide them.Make sure your cord lengths are equal before attaching cord ends and clasp.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Maki …