Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Whether you run a jewelry-making business, or you're making a special gift for yourself or a loved one, here you can find the perfect combination of shapes, sizes and stones to help you create specialty chakra pendants, bracelets and necklaces.Although each chakra is associated with a specific color and concept, the gemstones or crystals themselves can vary. Qualities to consider when choosing chakra stones or healing crystals are the color, any energetic qualities you want to focus on, and the …

Emerald is well-known as the birthstone for May. Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium. In the United States, emeralds colored by vanadium are recognized as true emeralds, but in Europe, vanadium emeralds (sometimes called "Columbian Emeralds") are simply called "green beryl". Our beads are generally cut in China, and sometimes India. India-cut emeralds generally have nicer color, but small, irregularly drilled holes. China-cut gemstone beads are o …

The official state gemstone of Maine, tourmaline is a complex crystalline silicate containing aluminum, boron and other elements. Its name derives from the Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) word tura mali, meaning "stone of mixed colors," and tourmaline is indeed found in blue (indicolite), yellow, pink to red (rubellite), black (schorl), green, dravite (brown) and clear (achroite) varieties. We usually carry black, pink, and multicolor tourmaline beads.This semiprecious gemstone is piezoelectric (when it' …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson  Designer Tips Determine desired loop lengths and cut leather. For these earring, I cut 2 pieces at about 5" and 2 pieces at about 3".String large-hole gemstone on longer leather piece and porcelain bead on shorter piece.Gather all ends together in the correct order (see photo).Apply a small amount of superglue inside the crimp end. Insert all 4 leather ends at one time, squeezing them together to fit. Hold in place until glue grips.Gently squeeze the crimp end …

We carry an eclectic (and diminishing) variety of African beads, both old trade beads, and newer beads made or strung in Africa for the world-wide bead trade. Trade beads are old and/or used beads, and will show varying amounts of wear. Newly-made African beads are generally handmade in small communities. Style and availability vary.Rings & Things founder, Russ Nobbs, loved trade beads and African Art. For many decades, he purchased trade beads from African traders -- for sale as well as for …

Pearls are June's most-popular birthstone, and are a favorite in bridal jewelry and couture. Cultured freshwater pearl beads come in several shapes and colors, making it easy to add elegance to a wide variety of jewelry designs - pearls aren't just for bridal designs, weddings and proms! Pearls are organic gemstones, formed when a foreign object (like a tiny stone) makes its way into an oyster (or similar mollusk's) shell. Over time, the mollusk covers the intruding object with 1,000's of layers …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsUse 26-gauge wire to lash the beads to the pin back.Cut the chain into two pieces: 5-1/2" and 6-1/2" in length.Use 6mm jump rings to attach the chain to the pin, staggering the swag of the chain.Use 4.5mm jump rings to attach charms of your choice to the chain ends.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Blog post: "Wire lashing: an easy way to cover your jewelry with beads or bling!".Suggested Supplies1 dozen [use 3 be …

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsCut two 1-3/4" sections of chain.Cut four 1-1/2" sections of chain.Add one small and one medium Apatite bead to a ball-end head pin. Wrap onto bottom of a chain section (see step-by-step wire wrap instructions: Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Repeat with remaining five chains.With the 26g wire, about 1/4 of the way down on the marquise, wrap 2 to 3 times. Place one medium apatite bead, one 1-1/2" chain, one bead, one 1-3/4" chain, one bead, one 1-1/2" …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsCut loops off the moon charms and file smooth.For one pin, antique the brass components and bar pin with Win-Ox™ before assembling. Allow the parts to dry. Polish with a soft cloth if desired.NOTE: It is not safe to use Win-Ox on aluminum, so this design must be antiqued before assembly, or not at all.Mark, punch and rivet the moon charm to the bar pin, following directions included with tool. Rivet the moon so it covers the bar pin's catch.We carr …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsUsing the 26-gauge wire, make a large wrapped loop, attach the acetate stick and finish wrapping (see Jewelry Basics).Add one bead cap, one pearl and one apatite bead (optional: use a 3mm light turquoise crystal instead of the apatite) and finish with a wrapped loop. Instead of trimming the tail close, continue the wrap over the next bead.Using chain-nose pliers open the ear wire and attach your loop.Repeat for other earring.Suggested Supplies2 each #88 …