Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsMeasure and mark the hanging hole placement near the upper corners of the half-round blanks. These should be set back from the edge about 1/16".Use the hole punch pliers to punch holes at the marked positions.The half-circle blanks can be used as is, or textured/stamped/embossed to add pattern (see texturing suggestions below).Cut the length of wire into 2 equal pieces.Use a ring mandrel to bend a size-14 curve in the middle of each wire; this should result …

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 …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsCut wire in half. File ends flat and straight before beginning to hammer, for a more symmetrical paddle head. Hammer a flat paddle on one end of the wire and file to a pleasing shape. (Flatten an equal length on both paddles, to make sure your "space needle" beads settle at the same spot on each wire.) Antique the copper wire with Win-Ox™.Add the beads as shown.Form a loop on the top (See detailed instructions in Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet); hammer wir …

Created by: TierraCastDesigner TipsCut a 6" piece of fine beading wire. String one hex spacer and a size 1 crimp bead onto both ends, forming a 1/4" loop at the center of the wire (this will be the top loop on the earrings). Flatten crimp bead with chain-nose pliers, making sure wires are not criss-crossed. Use Sharpie to make a tiny mark 3/4 - 1" from crimp on both wire ends. String 3-5 beads and spacers as desired onto one end, then one crimp bead. Thread end through loop at tip of wing, then …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsFigure out the "top" and "bottom" of the chain, to make sure the shells hang correctly. Attach simple loop crystal dangles to the chain link under the seashell charms for best results. See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for step-by-step looping instructions, and best way to open and close loops.Retain shell charms from cut link of chain and attach them with the starfish pendant at the bottom of the chain.Suggested Supplies1 meter [use two 2" pi …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsLink together 6 garnets with the 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more garnet but add one CZ drop at the end: For step-by-step linking instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF). Set aside.Link together 6 tourmaline beads with 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more tourmaline but add one CZ drop at the end. Set aside.Link together 4 pearls with 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more pearl bead but add one CZ at the end. Set aside.Slide 2" of chain, th …

A drawplate is excellent for hardening soft wire without making it brittle, so custom ear wires and handmade hoops are springy and keep their shape.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut a length of 18-gauge Argentium, sterling or fine silver wire a bit longer than the finished product.Attach the drawplate to the vise.Use a file to taper wire end, and pull through the drawplate with heavy duty pliers.Repeat using a smaller hole in the drawplate.Trim the end of the wire with flush cutters.Wr …

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: Mollie Valente Designer TipsMake two enameled copper washers. You can either use the enamel colors of your choice, or the colors listed in the suggested materials. Follow instructions from the "Thompson Enamel Workbook" or Rings & Things blog post "Torch Fired Enamels".Connect an enameled washer and a hammertone link with two 8mm jump rings.Use two 6mm jump rings to connect the two 8mm jump rings with the ear-wire loop.Repeat steps to make the second earring.Blog Post: Torch …

These geometric, simplistic, edgy metallic long chain earrings feature double spike Swarovski crystals! The attention-grabbing, lightweight earrings look like a million bucks but, they are actually very inexpensive and easy to make. Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsAdd a spike bead and 1 of each size heishi bead to a head pin. Make a wire wrapped loop. For looping instructions, and best way to open and close loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Punch 1/16" holes at the ends of the Chevron …