Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

This project uses durable, springy memory wire as the base, and 26-gauge dark blue Artistic Wire as an accent. Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsUse heavy-duty cutters to cut memory wire.Lashing the beads onto the memory from the center outward allows you to keep half of the wire needed on the spool, making the wire wrapping easier to manage.You will need a total of 72-84" to wrap the beads onto the wire.Unroll approximately 36-42" wire from spool but do not cut it. Put the cover back on spo …

This project uses Swarovski crystal pearls. Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsSince you only need to make simple loops and open/close jump rings, these earrings are a perfect project to make on the run with a mini tool kit!Add a 10mm round lapis, sodalite, or blue crystal pearl bead to an eye pin, then 3 metal spacer beads. Make a simple loop. Use a small jump ring to attach this drop to the bottom loop of an ear wire.Use a larger jump ring to attach the bone leaf charm to the bottom. If your …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlan your crystal bead pattern. My pattern has 8 crystal beads per earring and goes from dark to light, creating a subtle blue ombre.Use a cup bur tool to soften the wire end of the endless hoop earring finding. Just insert the wire in the cup bur and twist until the wire edge is smooth.Start by stringing a 2.5mm round sterling bead onto the endless hoop earring finding. This bead is a buffer for the first crystal bead.String the crystal beads onto the endl …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsPlace the crystal in the bezel setting and using the nylon jaw flat pliers gently fold the prongs down over the crystal.Using the 6.5mm jump ring attach the bezel to the large round link. (For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101).Attach one of the 5mm jump rings to the large round link.Use the second 5mm jump ring to attach the earwire to the first 5mm jump ring.Repeat for the other earring.Suggested Supplies2 each …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut 4 lengths of chain, each 4 links long.Use 4.5mm jump rings to attach chain to the top holes of the crescent link. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Add two rondelle beads to a 5mm jump ring and then link the top of the two chains together and attach to the earwire.Use a 5mm jump ring to suspend an 8mm crystal pendant between the two beads on the jump ring attached to the earwire.Use another jump ring to …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsPlace 12mm rivoli in bezel setting and gently bend prongs over crystal using needle nose pliers.With a piece of 24-gauge wire, make a wrapped loop making sure the loop is large enough to slide on to the leather (see Jewelry Basics 101 PDF).Add an 8mm pearl and link the other end to one side of the bezel.Using a 6mm jump ring, attach the princess cut crystal to the bottom loop of the bezel.Cut desired length of leather cord.Attach one center-crimp leathe …

These sparkling earrings use only 3 components, and 2 common pairs of jewelry pliers (available individually or in a kit). Ultra Blue AB is a vivid blue coating added to a Swarovski rivoli crystal. 12mm rivolis are available in 80 colors!  Created by: Janet Boyington Designer TipsCenter rivoli crystal in bezel.Use your fingers or flat-nose nylon-jaw pliers to gently squeeze each prong most of the way down onto crystal, being careful not to scratch the coating on the back of the crystal.Make …

Created by: Liz GrafDesigner TipsCut 8 links of your selected chain.I deconstructed and used part of a gunmetal chain tassel, or you can use 8 links from some scrap antiqued brass cable chain.Hook Briolette to one jump ring, attach to one end of the chain, and close securely. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Open the loop of an ear wire.Attach a jump ring to the other end of the chain, close jump ring securely, and add to the open loop on the e …

Extra-secure leverback ear wires keep these earrings safely in the ear -- no lost earrings! Ultra AB Blue may be a bit pricey, but it is stunning -- These simple earrings receive tons of compliments.Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsPlace a crystal stone in a setting, and use nylon-jaw pliers to press each prong part-way down on the stone. Make sure stone is centered, then go back around and press each prong down more securely. If necessary, burnish each prong down smooth with a burnishi …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsWhen making a large number of beaded dangles, it is quickest to do them assembly line style. Figure out the correct length for the wire, and trim all wires, string beads and bend wire, then make loops.For step-by-step instruction on making beaded loops, and best way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).The use of 6 jump rings allows the pendant to hang correctly on these earrings. Open one jump ring, add the aquamarine pendant, then c …