Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonThis might be the easiest pair of earrings you ever make!Designer TipsPlace the CZs face down on the rubber block. Center the post prongs over the stone. Push down straight until you hear a click.Really -- that's it!If you have sensitive fingers or weak hands, you could hold the post in a ring vise or flat-nose pliers.Suggested Supplies1 pair #32-621-04 1/20, 14kt Gold-Filled Snap-in Post Earring Setting1 dozen (use 2 pieces) #33-614 Gold-Filled Earring Backs, Butterfl …

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: Sondra Barrington Designer TipsCut leather flush after measuring desired length. Use a dab of glue inside one cord end. Insert leather into the cord end and gently pinch the cord ends together until secure.Use the hook and eye clasp independent of each other. The hook connects to a large, dramatic ring as a closure on the bracelet. The eye portion of the clasp floats along the leather cord, holding the tassel.Slide the guru bead and eye portion of the clasp onto the leather cord …

If you've never set faceted stones before, tube settings are a great way to get started.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsGolden Topaz is November's birthstone, and sparkling 4mm CZs are available in all 12 birthstone colors, plus jet black.With your awl or other sharp object, create a small, straight hole in the rubber block.Set topaz Cubic Zirconia stone face down on block, and line up post bezel over the stone. Press down, and the stone will be lightly held in place.Gently pick up compo …

Welcome to our new Jewelry Design Gallery! To browse jewelry ideas by category or theme, use the turquoise #tags below (#etched jewelry projects, #enamel projects, etc.) for all projects of a particular category. For a Jewelry Design Gallery / Resources search box, click here or press the turquoise "FREE JEWELRY PROJECTS" link near the bottom of any project's page. You might also like our blog (blog.rings-things.com), filled with step-by-step illustrated projects, and a spot for Q …

Created by: Summer MelaasSo many options for Constellation necklaces!Pick your favorite blank (something thick, like 16-gauge).Find a constellation that you like. For a good star map, search the web, visit a library, dig out old astronomy books from the basement or attic...Choose a color of chaton (crystal rhinestone) for the stars: classic clear, iridescent aurora borealis, a birthstone or a favorite color (links below).It's easiest if you use just the smallest size, but you can also mix sizes …

This is a lovely summery design with secure wire-wrapped links, and can also double as  November birthstone jewelry (citrines) or June (pearls).Created by: Veronica Greenwood Designer TipsUsing a 12" piece of wire, wrap one 4mm citrine bead, one 4mm apatite, and one 4mm citrine around a section of the 26mm hammered link.Using a jump ring, attach all three hammered rings to the center link of your chain.For wire-wrapped loop instructions, and most secure way way to open and close jump r …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsTwist open a 4mm jump ring, string it through the crystal link hole, and twist securely closed. Repeat with the opposite side of the crystal link. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Twist open a 5mm jump ring, string it through the first 4mm jump ring (attached to the crystal link), and twist securely closed. Repeat with the opposite side of the crystal link.Connect a 5mm jump ring to the bracelet hook that …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsCut six 2" lengths of chain.Cut 5" of Artistic wireMake a loop with round nose pliers, slide 3 lengths of chain onto the loop, wire wrap that end. For step-by-step instructions for making wire-wrapped loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Add a heishi spacer, pearl, heishi spacer, pearl, heishi spacer, pearl, heishi spacer.Wire wrap the end, add to the ear wire.Voila! Beautiful earrings!Suggested Supplies1 strand (use 6 beads) #20-638-09-011 Freshwater Pearl …

Channel-set Cubic Zirconia charms make it easy to create elegant linear jewelry. However, most colors and sizes (other than basic diamond clear) are out of production... get them while you can!Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsOpen one jump ring and attach one CZ charm to one ear thread. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Repeat for other earring.Optioinal: Add French wire keepers or sterling silver SmartBeads for extra security.Suggeste …