Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rings & Things StaffDesigner TipsStack one aquamarine bead, one twisted spacer and one citrine onto each eye pin, and make a wire-wrapped looop to close at each end, making sure to attach starfish charm to the aquamarine ends before finishing.New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for step-by-step instructions on making wire-wrapped loops.Attach other end loops to ear wires.Suggested Supplies1 strand (use 2 beads) #21-886-615 Matte Aquamarine 6mm Ro …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsCreate stamped charms using Monogram stamp set. New to stamping? See Metal Stamping 101 for an overview, or download our step-by-step PDF stamping guide.Use Stamp Enamel to make the design pop, and wipe off excess with a paper towel or soft cloth (follow usage instructions on Stamp Enamel package).Use the crystal setter kit to stamp an indent for a crystal rhinestone. It should be deep enough to protect the edges of the stone, but the top of the crystal sh …

We've gotten a lot of complaints about the quirks and extra clicks and taps in the "Store Locator" feature that came with our December 20221 website upgrade, so we're in the process of getting rid of it. Now when you want to pick up an order in our Showroom: Simply order the items you want (here at www.rings-things.com), and when you get to the Shipping / Delivery section, choose the Store Pickup "shipping" option. As soon as you submit your order, you'll receive a …

This pale green stone has the distinction of being the first mineral named after a person. In the mid-18th century, Dutch mineralogist Colonel Hendrik Von Prehn (1733-1785) discovered it within Jurassic dolerite (volcanic rock) on the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. For many years, prehnite was regarded as a fairly rare gemstone. However, recent finds in Australia and China have made it available through many gem dealers. Prehnite is a hydrous silicate of alumina and lime, with bright, almost l …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsCreate a colorful beaded drop for each wine glass marker, using gemstones or other beads of your choice. New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for how to make wrapped loops using eye pins.Add an oval jump ring to each charm so they face the proper direction (twist sideways to open and securely close each jump ring).Add approximately 10 seed beads to each hoop, then a charm and beaded drop, then 10 more seed beads.Use chai …

Black Stone beads and pendants provide basic black gemstones that will perpetually remain in style! This semiprecious gemstone closely resembles black onyx, but since we have been unable to verify its true classification, "black stone" is the most honest descriptive name we can give to these beads and pendants. Black stone jewelry components generally appear less shiny than black onyx components.

Richly striped tigereye is a variety of quartz with a fine luster. These semiprecious beads are available in their natural, unenhanced brown-gold state, and sometimes in heat-treated blue or red. Also known as African cat's eye, crocidolite, and tiger's eye, this gemstone contains oriented fibers of crocidolite (a mineral of the amphibole group) that have been replaced by silica. The fibers are twisted or crumpled instead of straight, reminiscent of sand and sunlight. Tigereye is also vitreous ( …

Onyx is a striped, semiprecious variety of agate, with white, black, brown or red alternating bands. It is different from regular agate only in that the bands of which it is composed are parallel and regular. The name onyx originates from the Greek word onyx for "fingernail" or "hoof," probably because of its weak transparency or possibly its color. Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily, so store it carefully.Onyx is one of the 12 stones mentioned in the Bible as adorning the breastplate of the …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCreate a bail using a 5/16" x 3" piece of 24-gauge copper sheet: Cut, file, stamp, punch and ream the holes a bit larger. Use bail-making pliers to bend the stamped piece into a bail (dead center so the holes line up). Patina after bending.Stamp the brass star charm: See Techniques for Creating Stamped Metal Charms.Create gemstone donut chainmaille: Add four 10mm jump rings to each donut. Connect two per side with 8mm jump rings. Use 8mm jump rings on the e …

Created by: Megan Holden   Designer TipsClean bezels of barrettes with a clean, wet cloth and allow to dry.Paint the bottom of one barrette bezel with red paint, using smallest brush of Ranger set to ensure clean lines at the perimeter. Allow to dry and repeat with 2nd coat, dry thoroughly.Press small piece of paper around the perimeter of the bezel interior to make an impression for cutting a heart template. Cut heart template with scissors around crease lines (most likely will be a tad la …