Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Tiffany White Designer Tips Assemble all glass, brass and pearl beads on head pins. (Use round glass beads or Swarovski crystal beads, or both.) Secure with wrapped loops.Attach all charms to round brass jump rings.Attach charms and bead dangles to bracelet one at a time using oval jump rings:Place two brass dangles on an oval jump ring.On the next jump ring place one of each color glass dangles.On the next link, place one brass dangle and one fleur-de-lis charm.Repeat patt …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsBlue Shade crystal snowflakes are coated on one side. Check the pendants carefully to hang both crystals in the same direction.Due to the thickness of the crystal, a large jump ring made of thin wire is required. Optionally, use wire to create a wrapped connection or bail. We used sterling silver 8.5mm sparkle-wire jump rings.For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Open the bottom loop of the ear wire (same way a …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUsing a longer head pin allows for double "messy" wrapping at the top of each crystal.Attach 4 crystal dangles to each of 6 jump rings. 2 extra jump rings face the charm in the right direction, and allow it to show from under the crystals.For added interest, choose crystal bead colors for the dangles randomly.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Blog post: How to make "Cluster Earrings"Suggested Supplies1 doz [use 2] …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut 4 lengths of chain, each 4 links long.Use 4.5mm jump rings to attach chain to the top holes of the crescent link. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Add two rondelle beads to a 5mm jump ring and then link the top of the two chains together and attach to the earwire.Use a 5mm jump ring to suspend an 8mm crystal pendant between the two beads on the jump ring attached to the earwire.Use another jump ring to …

We no longer stock the day-glo colors of rubber tubing, but this is still a fun bracelet when strung with basic black rubber tubing.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsStart by threading the rubber tubing onto the coil of memory wire. When you have covered the desired amount (1-1/2 coils in this case), cut the memory wire from the coil with the heavy-duty cutters.With scissors, trim the excess tubing from the other end of the memory wire. This will allow you to use the exact amount of tubing …

This sparkling "Christmas light" project is a fun, festive winter design to create with Swarovski crystal teardrop beads in colors of your choice.Created by: Rings & Things Staff Designer TipsAdd a crystal teardrop bead to a head pin (narrow tip towards the head of the pin), add a rhinestone wheel bead, then a round crystal bead. Make a simple loop. Repeat for other colors of teardrop beads, until you have approximately 14 sparkling holiday lights.Cut chain to desired length, and use a 5mm j …

Created by: Cindy Morris Designer Tips Stamp, hammer and punch holes in the copper until you are satisfied.File any sharp edges.Wrap the strip around a small bottle (aspirin size works well).Bend the ends in about ½ turn with the Wrap n Tap pliers (or use a pipe or mandrel).To patina: Put enough hot water in a bowl to fully submerge the bracelet. Add a tiny spoonful of LOS gel and stir. Put your bracelet in, pull it out after it oxidizes.Buff the bracelet with the polishing cloth.Optio …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsAdd bicone crystals to the head pins, and make wrapped loops directly onto the loops of the filigree.For the top beaded pin, cut the ball off a ball-end head and make wrapped loops at each end.Make your top loop perpendicular (90 degrees) to the bottom loop, so the earring hangs straight. If necessary, use 2 pairs of flat-nose pliers to adjust the angle after finishing the loops.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF …

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. You can further customize this design by using different styles of chain, or tassels made of different materials! These bracelets are fun and easy to make, and make great gifts for the minimalist in your life.Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsInstead of cutting chains, use 2 pairs of chain-nose pliers to open a fi …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsUse nylon-jaw pliers or a burnishing tool to gently smooth the prongs and bezels down onto the stones. For step-by-step instructions, see our …