Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner Tips Set link on leather bracelet, and use a sharp pencil, or fine-point non-smudging marker, to make a dot at each spot to punch.Rotate leather hole punch to smallest setting, and carefully punch holes.Click into the rivet below, and follow the steps in the "more details" section for setting these 2-part rivets.Optional: Use bracelet-bending pliers to gently shape the link into a smooth wrist-shaped arc.For more information about riveting, download and pri …

This project uses Swarovski crystals.Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsPlace flat back crystal hearts on a work surface with the flat side up.Mix two-part epoxy according to the package directions.Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of epoxy to the flat pad of each earring post and glue each to the center of a flat back crystal heart. Set aside to cure.These sparkly yet simple earrings can be worn with jeans, or for a festive occasion.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Metal Findi …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut 2 lengths of wire, each about 30" long. You want enough to lash all the crystals, but not so much that the wire is in the way.Anchor 26-gauge wire to the heart shape, and then lash crystals in a random color pattern around the shape. Use approximately 17 beads per earring (34 beads total).Open loop on earwire, and attach to one of the lashing loops.See our Wire Lashing blog article for further details on lashing beads.New to jewelry-making? For best wa …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsSee instruction page for making no-solder bezels.Cut paper to match bezel wire shape.Seal paper and adhere to inside of bezel.Mix a small batch of resin and pour a starting layer.When first pour is cured, mix a new batch (add glitter), and pour to fill the bezel.Create decorative section of chain with crystal and metal beads. The crystals are on thicker wire with simple loops. The corrugated beads are on 24-gauge wire with wrapped loops. Wrap the beaded se …

Take our inexpensive rough-looking raw brass bracelet, and learn how easy it is to add color and a high shine! Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsRemove age patina and minor blemishes from the bangle bracelet, with ultrafine sanding sponge.Shake Ranger ""patina"" well and apply to imprinted portions of the bracelet. Lightly remove excess with baby wipe. Allow to dry.Remove dried-on ""patina"" that is outside of the imprinted area with sanding sponges (I also used my fingernails).Sand with u …

We went with garnets, for a subtle January birthstone pair of earrings, and this design would be easy to make with any other birthstone, or simply use your favorite faceted beads for a non-birthstone option.   Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsPick a starting position, and anchor 26-gauge wire on hoop with 4-5 tight lashes.String first row of beads, and wrap wire around hoop at desired point, add second row of beads, and wrap on the same side as the anchor.Add third row and an …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsPlace your charm on a steel block, and use a brass hammer and letter of your choice to stamp the monogram / initial. New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping Technique Sheet below.Following instructions on package, oxidize design with Liver of Sulphur, or apply Stamp Enamel.Allow to dry, then polish letter charm to a high shine with Ultra Polishing Pad. (Or for a matte finish, use steel wool.)Make a wire-wrapped loop with the head pin and garnet bead. New …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPlace 10mm cushion square stone into setting, and use nylon-jaw or chain-nose pliers to gently flatten the prongs onto the stone. See tips in our blog, for best way to keep your stone safe and centered.Carefully add bail to top of pendant (gently open the prongs with needle-nose pliers if needed). Use nylon-jaw or chain-nose pliers to securely close the bail.One loop on the setting is openable. Twist the loop open far enough to add the bail, then twist to se …

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsCut out the desired image.Consider sealing both sides of the image to prevent possible discoloration of the image.24mm Piddix collage hearts should fit snugly in the heart bezel, but glue image to bezel cup to prevent the image from floating.Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing resin.Slowly pour resin into the bezel. Remove any bubbles by waving a flame over the piece.For additional tips & hints, see...Epoxy Resin Tip Sh …

Design by: Swarovski's Create Your Style Design Team and Rings & Things.Designer TipsFor each earring, string onto one head pin: one 12mm margarita; one 10mm margarita; one margarita 8mm; one 6mm margarita; one 3mm bicone.Turn loop on head pin.Open loop on bottom of ear wire, attach to loop formed on head pin & close loop to secure.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Blog post: Twelve Days of Christmas Jewelry Designs: Swarovski Crystal Tree Earri …