Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsMake two enameled copper washers. You can either use the enamel colors of your choice, or the colors listed in the suggested materials. Follow instructions from the "Thompson Enamel Workbook" or Rings & Things blog post "Torch Fired Enamels".Connect an enameled washer and a hammertone link with two 8mm jump rings.Use two 6mm jump rings to connect the two 8mm jump rings with the ear-wire loop.Repeat steps to make the second earring.Blog Post: Torch …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsThe original alligator clip used for this barrette is no longer available, but our new French-style barrette backs are more secure (hold better in hair) and now have a good hole for riveting.A fine-point Sharpie is about the perfect minimum width for etched designs with ferric chloride.With the fine-point Sharpie, draw a line about 90mm from the end of the copper strip. (About 5mm or 1/4" longer than the barrette back). Sketch your rough design, keeping …

These geometric, simplistic, edgy metallic long chain earrings feature double spike Swarovski crystals! The attention-grabbing, lightweight earrings look like a million bucks but, they are actually very inexpensive and easy to make. Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsAdd a spike bead and 1 of each size heishi bead to a head pin. Make a wire wrapped loop. For looping instructions, and best way to open and close loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Punch 1/16" holes at the ends of the Chevron …

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsShoe clips work like clip-on earrings, but for shoes. Simply add or remove finished designs from footwear whenever you want to display a different mood! Create all types of designs from formal to fun and bridal to bright!Glue the shoe clip finding to backside of filigree, close to the top.Apply E-6000 to the shoe clip findings with a toothpick. Let the pieces cure in a well-ventilated area overnight.The backs of some resin flowers may be slightly concave. Fo …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsTexture and stamp the sterling heart with ribbon design stamp. New to metal stamping? See step-by-step instructions in our free Metal Stamping 101 PDF.Apply stamp enamel per directions on package.Use jump ring to attach stamped silver heart to curved tube.For best way to open and close jump rings, and also for step-by-step stringing and crimping instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Lay out beaded design (for a longer bracelet, add some sterling beads …

This design uses light rose Swarovski crystals, perfect for an October birthstone gift, but could be easily modified to use any birthstone color. Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUsing 26-gauge wire, make a wrapped-wire loop at the top of the briolette. For step-by-step instructions, see "How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette".Squeeze hoop to open, slide the wire-wrapped briolette onto it, and close the hoop.Slide the hoop onto a kidney ear wire, and use round-nose pliers to gently crimp the loop …

Created by: Amy ScaliseDesigner TipsFollow the instructions that come with the Lazee Daizee™ to create a Viking knit necklace using 20-gauge wire. The 16" necklace uses about 8 yards of wire.Use 28-gauge wire to create the wire bail. 40 yards makes approximately 20" of tubular knit chain. Attach the donut with a lark's-head knot and wrap a short piece of 20-gauge wire around the chain to secure the ends.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Suppli …

Make this fast, easy Lotus MOM bracelet for Mother's Day, or any time you need a last-minute jewelry project that says: "We Love You, Mom!"  Created by: Rings & Things Staff   Designer TipsJust unhook one side (no tools necessary) and slide the charms on in desired order. Use birthstones, or simply use favorite colors of sparkling crystals. We used April (clear, diamond), March (aquamarine) and December (tanzanite) birthstones, and a lotus charm. (Click into any charm's detail …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Just 3 parts total: leather cord, leather-hole pearls, and a link about the size of a quarter (around 25mm). Choose from a wide variety of link options in sterling silver and gold fill.  Designer TipsDetermine finished necklace length (this piece is about 28").Tie a double overhand knot at one end of leather. Slide all 4 pearls on the leather from the other end.Tie silver link to the other end of the leather with another double overhand knot.Settle one pearl …

These elegant Emerald earrings are perfect for a May birthday!Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner Tips Add a 3mm bicone, 4mm rondelle, 18mm emerald cut rectangle, and a final 4mm rondelle bead to a head pin.Use a 1-step looper to trim and make a loop all in one step. Or, for detailed instructions to make head pin loops, and best way to open and close loops, see: Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Use chain nose pliers to finish closing loop (if necessary), and twist slightly sideways to add beaded dangle to …