Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Design by Create Your Style team at Swarovski North America.Although these weren't designed with September in mind, the colors are perfect for September birthstone jewelry.Designer TipsAdd one 4mm light sapphire shimmer bicone, one 3mm iridescent dark blue pearl, one 4mm bicone, one 3mm pearl, and one 4mm bicone to a head pin. Make a simple loop. Repeat nine times and set aside. For instructions on making jewelry loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Using one long-leg ear wire, slide on one 6mm li …

Created by: Megan HoldenDesigner TipsClean the inside of the rivoli settings with alcohol swabs, and allow to dry.Place a small drop of adhesive into the cup of each setting and lightly but firmly press your Tangerine rivolis into the settings. Set aside to dry.Cut black Greek cord into two 1.5" pieces and two 3.75" pieces. One at a time, place a small dot of E6000 or leather adhesive on the end of each cord end and affix the fold-over crimp (crimps will hold in place themselves if you do not ha …

Created by: Amy Mickelson   Designer Tips  Center an approximately 12x18mm oval bead of your choice between 2 triangle spacers on a length of waxed linen cord. Tie overhand knots on each side of the spacers to hold the beads in place.Add two more equally spaced groupings of the oval beads and spacers on each side of the cord.Use an awl to help snug the knots against the beads.When attaching the cord to the eyeglass holders, use two crimps on each side for extra security, with crimp cov …

Designer TipsFill the tiny glass jars with candy sprinkles in colors of your choice. Local team colors in fun shapes are often available in the baking aisle! This design uses bright green and blue for the Seattle Seahawks.Use the awl to carefully poke a hole through the center of the cork. Push the head pin through this hole, from the bottom.Make a wrapped loop (or simple loop) at the top of the cork. For step by step wire looping instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Optional: Add a dab of …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsClean the blank with Penny Brite per package instructions. Rinse thoroughly and avoid touching further.Spray klyr fire onto blank, and sift on a base coat of white enamel.Mix a small amount of each enamel color that you plan to use with Klyr Fire or distilled water in separate well or container. Mix each with brush. Desired texture is muddy. If you have too much water, you can wick some away with a brush, add extra enamel, or allow to dehydrate a bit by al …

Created by: Sondra Barrington How can I customize thee? Let me count the ways...  Designer Tips  Chain bracelets adorned with a simple heart charm continue to be popular. The sterling silver heart blank was intentionally left blank, but could easily be stamped or engraved to further customize.You can also customize this design by using a different colored Swarovski rivoli stone (clear symbolizes Diamond, April's birthstone), or different styles of chain. These bracelets are fun an …

Due to the popularity of 10mm cushion square settings, we've included links to alternate styles below in case the primary setting used in the Golden Halos earrings is temporarily unavailable.  Created by: Veronica Greenwood   Designer TipsPlace the crystal in the bezel setting, and using the nylon jaw flat pliers gently fold the prongs down over the crystal.Using the 6.5mm jump ring attach the bezel to the large round link. (For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in J …

Created by: Toni Plastino   Designer Tips  Cut and flatten aluminum soda cans of your choice. Pick ones with interesting colors and patterns.Cut flower shapes with craft punches.Paint the flowers with Liquid Polyclay™. Place them on wax paper on a cookie sheet and bake according to the manufacturer's directions. This coating makes the flowers feel rubbery, reduces sharp edges, and prevents scratching.Punch holes in flowers, add them to a head pin and stack as shown.Glue in place with E …

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsCut approximately 25" of cord, add a pearl, and tie a simple overhand knot at one end. Pull the knot tight, then pull the pearl up against this knot and add another knot at the other side of the pearl. Use an awl or strong needle to pull the knot tight against the pearl.At the other end, make a loop for a button/loop style closure, and secure it with a knot. Before tightening the knot, make sure the loop fits over the knotted pearl bead. (See "Trio of Pe …

Created by: Veronica Greenwood Designer TipsCut 6 inches of wire and make a small wrapped loop on one end. Make a small loop so the size 11 seeds do not go through.New to jewelry-making? For step-by-step instructions on making wrapped loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Thread a needle on 2 yards of thread. Add 1 higher-metallic dark amethyst seed bead as a stopper bead (string on a single bead and tie a single knot -- so it can be removed later), leaving a 6" tail.String 8 metallic amethys …