Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Hello, fellow crafters and DIY jewelry enthusiasts! Today, we delve into an essential aspect of necklace creation that's often overlooked: selecting the right necklace length. Though it might seem like a small detail, the necklace's length can greatly impact its look and feel. It can change the whole vibe of an outfit, affect comfort, and even play a role in highlighting certain features. So, let's explore the fascinating world of necklace lengths and understand how to make the best choice.Stand …

This olivine variety is composed of magnesium iron silicate. Peridot (pronounced PEAR-ih-doh or PEAR-ih-dot) is created under great temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth, and sometimes is extruded in basaltic lavas. Its yellow-green color is mainly dependent on the amount of ferrous iron present. The traditional birthstone of August, peridot's name origin is uncertain, but several theories exist. Some attribute it to the French peritot, meaning "unclear" (probably due to the inclusion …

Save time with pre-drilled blanks and create a pair of fun earrings with size 11/0 TOHO or Delica seed beads in Scandinavian colors. "Tivoli" means "funfair" in Swedish.Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsStretch and wax 2-1/2 yards (2.25 meters) of thread.Follow pattern, and using an edging stitch, put your first row of beads on one of the half moons. One column (fringe) at a time, add beads. At the bottom of the fringe, skip over the last bead added, then run your needle and thread back up t …

Carnelian is an A-grade agate. What a lot of people call "true carnelian" is the fiery red/orange color, and in theory, carnelian is naturally that color. However, most of that fiery red/orange "true" carnelian is heat-treated in secret before it reaches the gemstone-cutting factory. This apparently has been a secret for thousands of years; each part of the world thought everyone else's carnelian was naturally red, but they were heating theirs, too. When held against the light, the color-treated …

Discover the Story Behind Each Bead!From geology to metaphysics, this gemstone guide gives insight into the origins and uses of many gemstones that are used as beads. Most entries include:  • Origin of the stone's name  • "Also known as" (aka) names  • Chemical composition  • Where it is found  • Details about industry practices, enhancements, & synthetics  • Metaphysical properties  • History and fun trivia facts  • Care recommendationsA   Agate& …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsThis design uses some of the palest sunstone beads on the mixed strand, but the color choices are up to you!Put one sunstone bead on your head pin. Using a wrapped loop attach your loop to the second link down on the chain of your ear thread. Finish wrapping your loop.New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for step-by-step instructions on making wire-wrapped loops.Repeat this step four more times attaching your loops to ev …

Created by: Veronica Greenwood Designer TipsCut a piece of wire and make a wrapped loop on one end. Attach your loop to your ear thread. Add one purple (amethyst) bead to the wire and finish your loop.New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for step-by-step instructions on making wire-wrapped loops.Repeat linking 5 more times with colors dark blue, light blue, green, yellow and orange.For the end, use a red bead and head pin, and do a wrapped loop to attach to the l …

Created by: Veronica Greenwood Designer TipsSimply slide the charm onto the chain, cut chain to desired length, and pop the clasp onto both ends.This ball chain is sold by the foot. Order 2 feet for a 24" necklace, and cut shorter if desired. (18" is a popular length.)Suggested Supplies1 each  #49-958-49-AS  Antiqued Silver Paw Print Charm2 feet #40-080-01-21-1  2.1mm White Plated Ball Chain1 each   #40-801-1-EA  White Plated Ball Chain Clasp  ToolsWire Cu …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonThis might be the easiest pair of earrings you ever make!Designer TipsPlace the CZs face down on the rubber block. Center the post prongs over the stone. Push down straight until you hear a click.Really -- that's it!If you have sensitive fingers or weak hands, you could hold the post in a ring vise or flat-nose pliers.Suggested Supplies1 pair #32-621-04 1/20, 14kt Gold-Filled Snap-in Post Earring Setting1 dozen (use 2 pieces) #33-614 Gold-Filled Earring Backs, Butterfl …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsTwist a jump ring to open it extra wide.Loop the jump ring around a single pearl in the pearl ball bead.Attach the loop of an ear thread to the jump ring.Twist the jump ring closed.Repeat to make the second earring.The long 5" ear threads also allow you to wear the earrings in an asymmetrical fashion, with the pearl balls suspended at different lengths.If you have double pierced ears, the long-chain tail can be swagged back through a second piercing.You ca …