Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsIn progress - Please check back soon!Please see our "Spirit of 12" blog article for complete instructions with step-by-step photos: https://blog.rings-things.com/2015/10/23/the-spirit-of-12-adjustable-bangle-bracelets/Note: The "TierraCast Beaded Antique Brass Bezel Charms" that Tiffany used for the antique brass bracelet are no longer in production, but TierraCast makes 2 similar variations to choose from:a beaded bezel charm with in-line loop (use this wit …

Designer TipsSet Purple Haze cushion squares in settings, and use nylon jaw pliers to squeeze prongs down.Burnish the prongs smooth with a burnisher.Create 16 simple loops with the Golden Shadow crystal bicones, and add the bicones to the bottoms of the tassels. For instructions on creating, opening and closing loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Attach tassels to bottom of settings, and ear wires to tops of settings.Optional: Trim some chain sections to vary the length of each chain, or to keep …

The metallic glint of silver shade Margarita sew-ons reminds me of the retro aluminum Christmas trees of years gone by. I mixed up the crystals with TierraCast Bead caps, which echo the shape of a tree stand/skirt.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPush the headpin up securely inside the bead cap when measuring/cutting the pin to make your loop to avoid having too much pin show.Use any color you like for the "star" on top of the tree.New to jewelry-making? For step-by-step instructions on l …

This simple strung jewelry design can be worn as a necklace or a wrap bracelet. Bead Stoppers make it easy to test the length of your finished design before crimping ends.Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsCut 18-20"" of cable.String one copper heishi, one pearl, one copper heishi, one sunstone, one 3mm blue shade crystal, one sunstone, one copper heishi, one pearl, one copper heishi, one aquamarine, one 3mm rose gold crystal, and one aquamarine. Repeat pattern until you reach desired le …

3mm and 4mm gemstone beads have notoriously small holes, so they rarely work with standard-diameter head pins. We highly recommend wrapped loops rather than simple loops, with the thinner-gauge wire that fits small gemstone beads. Fortunately, 26-gauge plated copper Artistic wire is professional quality, yet inexpensive enough to practice with if you don't yet have this technique perfected.Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsUse thin ball-end head pins to make wire-wrapped loops for three garn …

Note: this design originally used the (discontinued) Lilac Shadow color of dome bead. Suggested subs: Jet Black Large Dome, or Crystal AB Small Dome. Both are 11mm in diameter.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsAdd crystals, angel wing beads and spacers to head pins and finish with a simple loop.Because the large end of the dome beads are concave, it can be tricky to measure and cut the headpin for making your loop. Press thumb or other finger against the head of the pin, to pull it up to t …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsThe ""back"" of the U shaped connector is lashed to in this design, because it has a channel that helps to hold the beads in place.Check the spacing of the beads prior to starting this project to determine the best pattern to use.See Wire Lashing blog article for tips on successful wire lashing. Use at least 2 wraps between each bead to keep everything nicely in place.Use jump rings to attach rollo chain to U-shaped link, and to clasp at desired length. Fo …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsCarefully set prongs over the stones using flat-nose pliers. (Nylon jaw pliers can help prevent chipping or scratching.) For step-by-step instructions, see link at bottom of tutorial.On each 2" head pin, add a tiny bead cap, 4mm pearl, tiny metal bead, 6mm pearl, tiny metal bead, 8mm pearl and another metal spacer. Some of the metal spacers have holes too small - set aside for another project. (Or use a thinner head pin; I prefer the sturdiness of thicke …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsEtch earrings (See etching tutorial below).Place cushion in cushion setting and fold over tabs using nylon-jaw pliers or a burnisher.Attach French hooks to top of cushion.For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Attach etched copper drop to bottom of cushion.Suggested Supplies1 pair #34-003-8 TierraCast Earring Hook Findings, Niobium - Bronze and Copper Color2 each #41-878-51-10-7 Antiqued Copper Plated 2-Loop Bezel …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsLink together 7 apatite or aquamarine beads with the 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link 1 more blue bead but add 1 CZ drop at the end: For step-by-step linking instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF). Set aside.Link together 6 tourmaline beads with 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more tourmaline but add 1 CZ drop at the end. Set aside.Link together 4 pearls with 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more pearl bead but add 1 CZ at the end. Set aside.S …