Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

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 …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsAdd a jump ring to the football charm. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Slide the team color charms and the football charm, in desired order, onto the ball chain. Two of the best things about TierraCast's stepped charms with crystals, are their large bail loop (that can slide directly onto 2.4mm ball chain), and the awesome assortment of colors.Cut ball chain to desired length.Suggested Parts1 each #44-9 …

Created by: Dee MuellerDesigner TipsNo tools needed!Simply unscrew the top of the pen, add the desired large-hole beads of your choice and screw the top back on!This pen is designed for artisan beads created on a 3/32" mandrel, and works with beads with a 2.5mm hole (or larger). The focal beads on each of these beadable pens are artisan-made lampwork glass beads... we're sorry, we don't remember who made them, but they were definitely 3 different artisans.Suggested Supplies1 ea #55-903-02 Pen, B …

What is the BEST Necklace Length? 18" necklaces are the most popular in the United States, but might not be the right length for the necklace that you're making. The height and build of the person who will be wearing the necklace should be taken into consideration. Another option, is to use an adjustable chain as the base for your necklace. The most common necklace lengths are: 14" - This theoretically fits right where a tall button-up shirt collar would fit. 14" is too sh …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsAttach ear wire to top loop of filigree. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Use jump rings to attach the pear pendants to the bottom loops of the filigree.Repeat for other earring. Suggested Supplies1 pair #34-544-14-042 4mm Cubic Zirconia Bezel Set Sterling Earwire - Diamond2 each #44-199-11 Sterling Silver Flared Filigree - 3 Loops6 each #06-128-08-02 Swarovski 6128 Mini Pear Pendant, 8mm - AB1 ten-pack (us …

From royal crowns to Dorothy's slippers to, of course, delicious jewelry, the ruby is a most desirable gemstone. Its hardness, durability, luster and rarity are among the world's finest, and its blazing red color is beyond compare. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum (aluminum oxide) mineral, a family that also includes sapphire, and takes its name from the Latin rubeus or ruber, meaning "red." Corundum (which sapphires and rubies are comprised of) is the second-hardest natural mineral know …

Serpentine   is a lovely green translucent, waxy silicate of magnesium. it is often mistaken for various types of jade, and some stones called "jade" are actually types of serpentine. A major difference between the two semi precious stones is that serpentine is softer and less dense than most real jade. Its name comes from the word "serpent," or snake, perhaps because of its mottled green colors and patterns that can resemble snakeskin. Most of serpentine's history is tied in with the histo …

Apatite Gemstone Beads from Rings & Things: The name apatite is quite appropriate, considering this mineral makes up the teeth in all vertebrate animals (and teeth are used to satisfy one's appetite!). In fact, it comprises more than 60% of the bones and teeth in humans, fish, birds, cows, and even mammoths and dinosaurs. Apatite is a calcium phosphate that is typically green, but also can be blue, yellow, reddish-brown, violet, yellow-green ("asparagus stone"), colorless or multicolored.  …

For centuries, the word jade applied to green gemstones brought to Europe from China and Central America. It wasn't until 1863 that society realized the term "jade" was being applied to two different minerals. These two gemstones, nephrite and jadeite, are relatively hard to distinguish from each other, and both are still called jade. Varieties of serpentine have also been confused with jade throughout history, and some serpentine is still called jade. In fact, the Chinese word for jade is appli …