Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

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 t …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonThe star of the show, is the Princess-cut pendant! These sweet earrings are elegant and petite. Want to make a larger, flashier pair earrings, or use different colors? Click into the Princess-cut pendant or the gold-fill link for related options.Designer TipsSimply open the jump ring, attach it to the crystal and the link, and securely close the jump ring. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Gently open the small ring on …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsStamp design: If you're new to stamping, see metal stamping technique sheet.When stamping the date, keep in mind that tiny stamps require less stamping strength than larger stamps. Don't stamp too hard or the date will be hard-to-read globs.Use a center punch for the dot between the numbers in the date. Again, be careful not to stamp too hard.The border stamps are awesome but a little tricky -- make sure you have good lighting before using. The Simple St …

Created by: Megan HoldenDesigner TipsClean the inside of the rivoli settings with alcohol swabs, and allow to dry.Place a small drop of E-6000 or GS Hypo Cement into the cup of each setting and lightly but firmly press your Tangerine rivolis into the settings. Set aside and allow to dry.Use a ball peen hammer and metal block to texture the brass triangles.You can leave the brass blanks as-is, or polish them to a high shine, and then seal the surface to protect the high shine.Carefully find the c …

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSelect your favorite color of Gilder’s Paste and an accompanying (or contrasting) color crystal bead.Individuals with metal allergies can often wear niobium earwires without problem.Refer to the Jewelry Basics Technique Sheet (PDF, below) for tips on using headpins, jump rings and more. Optional: when making a wire-wrapped loop, swirl the wire tail across the bead and give it a final wrap over the previous wire-wrapped loop.Use a cotton swab to apply the …

Learn how to make this earthy, comfortable, adjustable gemstone bracelet - perfect for Arbor Day, Earth Day, or any time.  Created by: Michelle Horning   Designer TipsFor step by step macramé knotting instructions, see our blog article: DIY Shamballa-Style Macrame Bracelet Tutorial.When using a link, cut the anchor cord in half, and attach each to the link with a lark's head knot.Cut the working cord in half, and start next to the link, working your way to the ends on one side, and the …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsRoughen the bail with sandpaper before gluing.Use adhesive to: * Seal the front and back of the image. * Affix some fine glitter to the image for extra sparkle. * Attach the image to the glass tile. * Attach the bail; allow glue to cure.String onto silkie necklace cord.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Hints for Metal Findings (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 ea #60-280 Adhesive, Crafter's Pick™ The Ultimate1 pkg of 10 [use 1] #41-792-02-2 Bail, Tube Top fo …

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsMake a pile of crystal dangles with head pins and crystal beads - as many as you feel like making. For these earrings I made 12 dangles for each earring; some have 2 beads, some have just one 1. Mix it up and have fun! New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) or Blog post: How to make "Cluster Earrings" for illustrated techniques.Using a longer head pin allows for double "messy" wrapping at the top of the crystal, allowi …

Chain bracelets adorned with a simple charm continue to be popular. You can customize this design by using a different colored Swarovski rivoli stone, 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. You need just a few supplies, and basic jewelry making techniques.Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsPlace stone in bezel, and use flat-nose nylon-jaw pliers or a burnishing tool …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer Tips  Wire wrap the crystals directly onto the ear thread chain. See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for detailed instruction on making wire wrapped loops.Use crimping pliers to tuck in the trimmed ends on the wire wraps. (It's not their traditional use, but the shape works perfectly!)French wire keepers are really helpful to keep earthreads in the ear.  Suggested Supplies1 pair #53-509-06 Sterling Silver Ear Thread, 3", …