Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsThis bracelet is super fast and fun to make, once you have the necessary tools.The Domed Piercing Base allows you to pierce the domed bracelet without leaving a dent or divot.The Reverse Riveting accessory is the answer to a problem: It allows you to rivet curved items, keeping the nice rivet head on the top side (outside) of the bracelet or ring.Put a few strips of double-stick (2-sided) tape on the top of the bracelet and lay out the design.Gently shap …

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions -- with detailed photographs -- for making wickedly simple wire-wrapped rings with beads and 22-gauge wire, see our tutorial at blog.rings-things.com.Choose your favorite dead-soft to half-hard 22-gauge wire (4 popular silver options shown below).Keeping the wires tight and close together will make a more stable, cleaner looking ring.Hide the cut ends of the wire on the back side of the ring.Optional: use a cup bur to smooth …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsUsing a decorative metal stamp on a solid copper tube-top bails is an easy way to sign your work, or simply give a secret little accent to the back of a piece. Stamp the bail prior to gluing.To match the color of the mesh choker, and make the stamped design "pop", darken the bail using Win-Ox™.Glue the cabochon or other focal piece to the bail.Slide the choker onto the pendant.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Hints for Metal Findings (PDF)Tec …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsUse a steel burnisher to carefully set the cushion stone in the bezel setting.For illustrated step-by-step instructions, see How to Set Rivoli Stones in Bezels (blog article).Use round-nose pliers to shape the lower loop of the bezel setting. Add a filigree cross charm and close the loop. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Attach the earring hook to the top bezel loop.Repeat steps 1-3 to make the second earr …

Created by: TierraCast   Designer TipsTwist open loops of niobium earring hooks and feed an open end through the top of each honeycomb charm. Twist closed.Open each jump ring by twisting open and feed through the top of each bee charm. Attach bee charms on jump rings through the bottom of each honey comb charm. Twist to close. For most secure way way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Thread optional hibiscus flowers (shown) or other approximately 7mm bead of yo …

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsUse a cloth/soft tape measure to determine the desired number of wraps and the length of bead cable or cord.Double the length of beading cord and add about 6".Create a loop with size 11 seed beads to fit the button.String rullas on the bead cord with two size 11 seed beads in between each rulla.Use 2 crimp tubes to finish the bracelet.This project uses an entire tube of rullas (approx 220 beads), measures approximately 42" long and wraps 5 times around an 8" …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner Tips Memory wire is steel, and unkind to most jewelry tools. Use heavy-duty flush cutters to cut the desired length: Most memory wire bracelets are 3-5 coils. The design pictured is about 3.5 coils. Tip: Flush cutters cut the wire flat, rather than pointed, so you don't have to file the end flat (flush).Use memory-wire bending pliers (or other strong round-nose pliers) to make a loop at one end of the wire. Close the loop tightly, or the triangle beads will …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsKeep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.For perfect hole placement on the triangle, take extra time and care by using a ruler to measure and mark up where you want to punch your holes.If you use a Sharpie to mark up your metal, you can easily wipe it off with a polishing pad.Don't worry if the edges of your triangles are jagged, you can file them to …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsDecide which direction to face the (reversible) ethnic fan connectors and charms, and lay out all pieces. Use a medium-large jump ring (approx. 7mm), attach each charm to the base of the fan connector. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Use a slightly smaller jump ring (about 5mm) to connect the earring drop-post to the fan.Use your favorite earring backs. This pair of earrings is a bit heavy, so earring …

Created by: Rings & Things StaffDesigner TipsThis symmetrically designed necklace has a finished length of 17". For a different length, adjust the amount of beads, bead caps and stringing cable accordingly.The necklace pictured was made with large 10mm, 12mm and 14mm "shell" pearls, which are no longer available. Please note: 6, 8 and 10mm Swarovski pearls are now listed below. This will give you a more petite necklace. (The bead caps listed work great on 10mm and smaller beads.)Free Techniq …