Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

You might think that mixing these textures wouldn't work, but they look great together! As they move, the larger link shines, and the tiny link sparkles. The CZ charm WAS available in Jet + all 12 birthstone colors. Most colors are now limited-availability, but we'll keeping stocking everything the manufacturer still makes.Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsOpen the oval jump ring, add the 4mm CZ charm, next add the gold textured link, and finally add the sterling link.  Before clos …

Created by: Kim Crosby, in the murky mists of Rings & Things' past... approximately 1979. Designer TipsWe were so excited when we discovered this VERY old project tutorial hiding in the archives brought over from our old website! We used to make these by the dozen and sold them to gift shops all over the Northwestern United States.For step-by-step (printable!) instructions, see the original project page.Although some links in the old project may be broken, we still have all the parts ne …

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsOpen loop at bottom of ear wire. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF),Slide one connector onto the ear wire, making sure the right side is showing. There is a front and back; the back is flat and the front is domed.Connect next connector with a jump ring, repeat for one more connector.Connect drop to the bottom connector with a jump ring.Repeat for other earring.Wear and enjoy ... Could it get any simpl …

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsSee Rustic Wire Ring blog article for illustrated step-by-step instructions for making this style of ring.Hide the cut ends of the finer gauge of wire, on the back side of the ring.The larger the swirls, and more thinly hammered, the more space it will take up on your finger, so it will be more susceptible to snagging and bending.Some styles of beads can be spun to show different sides (see back view of these scarabs, below.)Optional: before hammering end …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson. Designer TipsWhen you trim the eye pins on the 3 bead sections, retain two of the pieces to use for the shorter 2 bead section instead of using another whole eye pin.Open the larger jump rings and slide them into the crystal teardrops (15mm no longer available). Carefully close the jump rings so you don't chip the crystals. For detailed instructions on opening and closing jump rings, and on making beaded eye pins, see Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF).Made b …

Created by: Liz GrafDesigner TipsMeasure and cut cotton cord to 20".Cut 2 sections off the chain (10 links each section).Pick out six 4mm jump rings and one 6mm jump ring.Place 8 heishi beads on the cotton cord, in the middle.Connect the chain pieces to the connector with jump rings, and connect it to the cording. New to jewelry-making? See Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Place the last 2 Heishi beads on the cord, one on each side.Add the pendant to the connector with a jump ring.Glue …

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSet the cushion square crystal stone in the setting. Keeping the stone centered, use your fingers, a burnishing tool, or flat nylon-jaw pliers to gently bend the prongs over the stone. Smooth the prongs firmly in place with a burnishing tool.Use large jump rings to attach the charms to the bracelet. To avoid marks on the jump rings, use 2 pairs of chain-nose pliers. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Sugge …

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsAdd a bead cap, 6mm aventurine gemstone bead, and another bead cap to the eye pin, and make a simple loop. New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF).Connect the ear wire to one end of the beaded eye pin.Carefully add vine bail to flat briolette pendant, and squeeze tight with fingers or nylon-jaw pliers.Cindy used a link of her favorite cable chain as a jump ring to connect the bail to the rest of the earring. If you don't "just ha …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPosition and emboss pattern on blanks with the Big Shot Jewelry Studio and embossing die. (See Big Shot Embossing blog article)Counter-enamel the blank (fire the back) with black enamel. Allow to cool and then clean with penny brite. (See How to Torch-Fire Enamels.) Create a small amount of enamel paste (use distilled water or Klyr-fire) in red and translucent brown, apply to blank as desired. Allow to dry and then fire.Allow to cool and remove excess fire …

C'est La Vie Finals BraceletWhether you defy history, or regularly make history, we've got your colors -- over 80 colors to choose from, and a nice variety of frame setting options.Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsGlue 34ss flatback Swarovski crystals into frame charms. Allow to set. See tips for most secure gluing bond.Polish raw brass bracelet with ultrafine sanding sponge. (Or tumble with steel shot and ShineBrite for a couple hours.)Wipe thoroughly with a soft dry cloth to remove an …