Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Necklace ends can be used for things other than securing multistrand necklaces. This project uses necklace ends as a design element in cascading chain earrings.Amethyst is February's birthstone, making this a great February birthstone gift. (Other color options below.)Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsCut chain into the following lengths: 2 pieces each at 2.5", 2.0", 1.75", 1.5". Design Option: Cut the chain pieces all the same length.Use an oval jump ring to attach a crystal navette to the …

We went with garnets, for a subtle January birthstone pair of earrings, and this design would be easy to make with any other birthstone, or simply use your favorite faceted beads for a non-birthstone option.   Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsPick a starting position, and anchor 26-gauge wire on hoop with 4-5 tight lashes.String first row of beads, and wrap wire around hoop at desired point, add second row of beads, and wrap on the same side as the anchor.Add third row and an …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsPlace your charm on a steel block, and use a brass hammer and letter of your choice to stamp the monogram / initial. New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping Technique Sheet below.Following instructions on package, oxidize design with Liver of Sulphur, or apply Stamp Enamel.Allow to dry, then polish letter charm to a high shine with Ultra Polishing Pad. (Or for a matte finish, use steel wool.)Make a wire-wrapped loop with the head pin and garnet bead. New …

The rounded corners of Swarovski's cushion square stone in Rose Water Opal crystal, gently echo the rounded corners of TierraCast's Flora square connector in these gently squared earrings.Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlace a Swarovski square cushion stone in the bezel setting. Hold the bezel setting firmly on a rubber block. Use the burnisher to carefully push the first bezel prong until it is set against the stone. Rotate the bezel setting so the second prong you set is opposite the f …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor illustrated step-by-step instructions for making this pair of earrings, and links to additional sweet-and-simple designs, see our blog article: The 15-Minute Earring Tutorial.Suggested Supplies2 each #06-430-10-12 Swarovski 6430 Classic Cut Pendant, 10mm - Emerald2 each #49-965-54-AP TierraCast Antiqued Pewter Plated Jardin Bar Connector1 pair #34-042-0-GM TierraCast Niobium Earring Hooks w/ Round and Heishi Beads, Raw/ Sterling/ Black1 ounce (use 2 pie …

Designer TipsCut the wire into two 1" pieces. Make a simple loop, slide on one 6mm bicone bead, and make a simple loop. For step-by-step instructions on making loops, and the best way to open and securely close loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF). Repeat and set aside.Using one jump ring, attach it to one 16mm pendant (with the Shimmer coating side facing out) and attach to the inside ring on the Gypsy Drop.Using one ear wire, attach one component made in the first step. Using other end of compo …