Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Mandi DingmanDesigner TipsCut two 16-18" pieces of 24-gauge wire. It is better to have plenty of wire for wire-wrapping the pendants, depending on how much of the crystal you want to cover.For step-by-step instructions with images, for wire-wrapping the crystals, check out the Rings & Things Blog post: How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette.Use your thumb to guide the wire to keep the wire tight.Once wrapped, darken the wire with liver of sulfur.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBlog post …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFirst make a chain using 8mm jump rings and large-hole beads:Twist open a jump ring and string it through a large-hole bead and then close the jump ring.Open a second jump ring and string it through the first large-hole bead and a second large-hole bead; then close jump ring.Open a third jump ring and string it through the second large-hole bead and a third large-hole bead; then close jump ring.Open a fourth jump ring and string it through the third large-h …

Created by: Amy ScaliseDesigner TipsCreate a polymer cane using the colors listed or those of your choosing.To make it easier to cut the cane slices, wait a day before cutting, or freeze the cane briefly (for about 20 minutes).Use the bezel cup to cut the cane slice to the correct size and shape.Bake the pieces according to the manufacturer's guidelines.Glue into place.Suggested Supplies1 ea #60-244 Adhesive, Loctite Ultra Gel Control SuperGlue1 pair #32-570-15 Earring Post, 15mm Round Bezel Cup …

The Swarovski crystal cushion square in Heliotrope is not always available, but we love this simple, versatile project design -- and Amethyst AB is so pretty, that we've linked in some alternate suggestions below so we could keep this project in our gallery.Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPlace 12mm cushion square stone into setting, and use nylon-jaw or chain-nose pliers to gently flatten the prongs onto the stone. See tips in our blog, for best way to keep your stone safe and centered.Sl …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsKeep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.For perfect hole placement on the triangle, take extra time and care by using a ruler to measure and mark up where you want to punch your holes.If you use a Sharpie® to mark up your metal, you can easily wipe it off with a polishing pad.Don't worry if the edges of your triangles are jagged, you can file them t …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonThe star of the show, is the Princess-cut pendant! These sweet earrings are elegant and petite. Want to make a larger, flashier pair earrings, or use different colors? Click into the Princess-cut pendant or the gold-fill link for related options.Designer TipsSimply open the jump ring, attach it to the crystal and the link, and securely close the jump ring. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Gently open the small ring on …

Created by: Megan HoldenDesigner TipsClean the inside of the rivoli settings with alcohol swabs, and allow to dry.Place a small drop of E-6000 or GS Hypo Cement into the cup of each setting and lightly but firmly press your Tangerine rivolis into the settings. Set aside and allow to dry.Use a ball peen hammer and metal block to texture the brass triangles.You can leave the brass blanks as-is, or polish them to a high shine, and then seal the surface to protect the high shine.Carefully find the c …

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSelect your favorite color of Gilder’s Paste and an accompanying (or contrasting) color crystal bead.Individuals with metal allergies can often wear niobium earwires without problem.Refer to the Jewelry Basics Technique Sheet (PDF, below) for tips on using headpins, jump rings and more. Optional: when making a wire-wrapped loop, swirl the wire tail across the bead and give it a final wrap over the previous wire-wrapped loop.Use a cotton swab to apply the …

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsMake a pile of crystal dangles with head pins and crystal beads - as many as you feel like making. For these earrings I made 12 dangles for each earring; some have 2 beads, some have just one 1. Mix it up and have fun! New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) or Blog post: How to make "Cluster Earrings" for illustrated techniques.Using a longer head pin allows for double "messy" wrapping at the top of the crystal, allowi …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer Tips  Wire wrap the crystals directly onto the ear thread chain. See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for detailed instruction on making wire wrapped loops.Use crimping pliers to tuck in the trimmed ends on the wire wraps. (It's not their traditional use, but the shape works perfectly!)French wire keepers are really helpful to keep earthreads in the ear.  Suggested Supplies1 pair #53-509-06 Sterling Silver Ear Thread, 3", …