Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Dance the night away with shining faux kabibi disks, sparkling faceted gemstone beads, and sassy, swinging chain.  Designer TipsCut five pieces of chain: three 3.5"", one 4"" and one 4.25"".On one end of a 3.5"" piece of chain, use a jump ring to attach your lobster clasp. For step-by-step wire-wrapping instructions, and most secure way way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Cut a piece of wire (about 2""). Using round nose pliers, create a loop on one …

Created by: Sondra Barrington How can I customize thee? Let me count the ways...  Designer Tips  Chain bracelets adorned with a simple heart charm continue to be popular. The sterling silver heart blank was intentionally left blank, but could easily be stamped or engraved to further customize.You can also customize this design by using a different colored Swarovski rivoli stone (clear symbolizes Diamond, April's birthstone), or different styles of chain. These bracelets are fun an …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsCenter the button on the pendant finding and mark the hole locations with a Sharpie® pen. Punch holes in the pendant finding.Tie the button onto the pendant finding in a criss-cross pattern. Secure the knot in the back with glue.Use a 10mm jump ring to connect the button pendant and the lanyard hook.Wire-wrap the crystal dangles as pictured; use a 4.5mm jump ring to attach the three dangles to the lanyard hook. See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsCarefully plan the cutting pattern. The shape of these cuts creates decorative prongs or tabs to hold the gemstone slab bead.For this design draw the shape to be cut with a Sharpie®. For a more intricate pattern, print out an image of the design and glue it to the metal with rubber cement found at any office supply center.For tips for sawing sheet metal with a jeweler’s saw, check out our blog post.Punch holes for adding chain, and to embellish the tabs.Textur …

Created by: Claudia Crosby Designer TipsStretch and secure the bracelet ends to cardboard with tape. This prevents it from moving when gluing on the buttons.Use heavy duty hardware store cutters to remove the button shanks. This will keep your jewelry cutters from becoming marred.Sand or file smooth the backs of the buttons.Rough up the surface of the bracelet pads with a file or sandpaper before applying glue.Clean surfaces with alcohol before applying glue with a toothpick.Add charms or dangle …