Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsFor complete step-by-step directions, visit our Blog post: Twelve Days of Christmas Jewelry Designs: Swarovski Crystal Tree EarringsFree Technique Sheets & How-Tos (includes detailed instructions for making beaded head pins)Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 doz [use 2] #05-328-03-150 Crystal, Bead, Faceted Bicone, 3mm (Crystal/ Golden Shadow)2 each #03-700-06-12 Crystal, Sew-On, Margarita, 6mm (Emerald)2 each #03-700-08-12 C …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsWire wrap all the metal, pearl and crystal beads before assembling.For each earring, Rita used 18 - 4mm crystal bicones in mixed reds, greens and whites, 6 - 3mm bicones, 6 white pearl beads and 6 corrugated silver plated beads.Attach 4 dangles to each jump ring all the way down the chain in a pleasing manner, with the 3mm crystal dangles near the top.Each earring uses 9 jump rings to create a chain.Earring nuts with a flange distribute the weight, making …

Created by: Lindsey GreenDesigner TipsBrushing steel wool lightly over the copper blanks gives them a nice shine and textured look.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Supplies2 each #44-780-40 Blank, Copper, Lightning Bolt, 49x13mm (Copper)1 pkg of 10 [use 2] #44-940-52-AS Charm, Cast, Swallow (Antiqued Silver Plated)1 doz [use 2] #05-328-04-160 Crystal, Bead, Faceted Bicone, 4mm (Crystal/ Silver Shade)1 doz [use 2] #05-328-06-156 Crystal, Bead, …

This project uses Swarovski crystals. Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsMark all six of your triangle blanks with a permanent marker dot in one of the points and straight down on the opposite side.Use the hole-punching side of the riveting tool to make a hole in the triangle blanks where you placed your dots.Use the riveting tool to rivet the triangles together with the brass rivets.Antique the brass pieces with Novacan black.Using the sanding sponge remove some of the patina from the brass …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPlace a crystal stone into the setting. Use a burnishing tool to gently press the bezel down on all sides of the crystal. Use the burnisher to smooth all sides of the bezel evenly up and over over the stone.Repeat with other crystal cushion stones.Use pliers to open the loop on an ear wire, and attach to the top of the setting. (See Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF) for best way to open and close a loop.)Suggested Supplies6 each #04-470-10-445 Swaro …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse chain nose pliers to gently close the tabs over the crystal stones. See Learn to make easy rivoli crystal rings blog for tips on setting crystals in bezels.The 2-Loop bezel settings have one open loop on each; no jump rings are required for creating the crystal portion of the bracelet. For best way to open and close these loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Adding chain to the back of the bracelet makes the finished project more comfo …

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 …

Vintaj findings are designed to be alterable ... here's a fine example!Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsSlightly flatten the dome of the Vintaj bead cap. Bend 3 of the "legs" around the sides and bottom of the stone as a bezel, and leave the remaining leg extended to use as attachment.Directly wire wrap connector section with crystal bicones and pearls to the Vintaj bezel. Crimp pliers are handy for tucking in the tail of the wire at the end of the wrap.Attach ear wire. For step-by-step i …

The metallic glint of silver shade Margarita sew-ons reminds me of the retro aluminum Christmas trees of years gone by. I mixed up the crystals with TierraCast Bead caps, which echo the shape of a tree stand/skirt.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPush the headpin up securely inside the bead cap when measuring/cutting the pin to make your loop to avoid having too much pin show.Use any color you like for the "star" on top of the tree.New to jewelry-making? For step-by-step instructions on l …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsThese flat-wire octagonal titanium key rings have a nice look and feel, and the octagon Swarovski Strass crystal continues the geometry. (If you it's crazy to put a crystal in a pocket with keys ... See links below for other design possibilities!)Pick the largest (thickest) jump ring that will fit through your chain link, and add the chain to the key ring. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Pick the thicke …