Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Simple, yet gorgeous: These earrings were a big hit, as part of our "basics" series of local jewelry-making classes. They are simple to make, and are a perfect Christmas, sweet-16 or Valentine's Day gift.   Created by: Janet Boyington   Designer TipsAdd a heishi bead* and pearl to a ball-end head pin. Begin a wire-wrapped loop, but don't close it yet. Add the sterling textured link, then complete the wrap. For step-by-step instructions on making wire-wrapped loops, see Jewelry Bas …

The patina on the tiny Swarovski crystal rivoli pendants is hard to see in the photo, but adds a subtle, very pretty effect when these earrings are worn.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut 2 chain pieces 1-1/2" long. Cut 2 pieces 4 links shorter and 2 pieces 8 links shorter. Trim the head off the headpin, create a loop, and attach 3 lengths of chain. String crystal bead, and thread through from inside the calla lily bead to the outside, finishing with a wrapped loop.For step-by-step inst …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsColorize the raw brass filigrees. (See Rings & Things blog post "Jewelry DIY - Colorizing Raw Brass Filigrees" for instructions.)Make a bead dangle and attach it to the filigree. String beads onto the ball-end head pin in this order: bicone crystal bead, brass heishi bead, two crystal briolette beads, and antiqued-brass hogan bead. Form a loop just above the hogan bead and string it onto the hole at the base of the oval filigree. Wrap the head-pin tail …

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 …

Learn simple but effective techniques to hammer-texture and dome metal disks to create beautiful handmade earrings.Created by: Mollie ValenteHammer and Dome the BlanksPlace a Vintaj blank on the steel block. If desired, you can use a piece of low-tack tape to hold it in place.With the ball pein face of the chasing hammer, repeatedly strike the blank to create an overall texture. Flip the blank over and texture the other side. Check both sides and repeat until you achieve your desired texture.The …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsAdd desired beads to eye pin, and use one-step looper (or wire cutters and round-nose pliers) to make a simple loop at the other end.When creating your new loops, face them the same direction as the existing loops on the eye pins. New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Use chain-nose (non-serrated flat-nose) pliers to twist open each loop, attach the charm or clip-on, and twist closed.Suggested Supplies1 strand [use 2] #21-8 …

Although we no longer have the exact green beads that were used in the original project, we've kept this project in our gallery for 2 reasons: We love Earth Day, and we also think this is a fun atypical use for the Earth button.Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step illustrated instructions, see the Rings & Things blog post: Planet Earth Earrings.Suggested Supplies2 each #59-100-22-AS TierraCast 16mm Earth Button - Antiqued Silver Plated1 strand (use 18 beads)  …

Created by: Kameron FoxDesigner TipsThese earrings and matching bracelet were created using the step by step instructions on page 92 ofBeautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders: Creative Wirework Projects for all Levels (#62-879>62-879 ) by Irina Miech.Create four “S” shaped pieces using bail-making pliers and 18-gauge wire.File the ends smooth with a file and cup bur.Hammer the components flat.Before attaching the crystals, the bronze knots were tumbled for 3 hours to clean, shine and remove rough …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsAttach the eye pin loop to the crystal pear charm (twist loop open and closed).String on beads in the following order: 3mm silver-plated heishi bead,4mm bicone bead, 3mm silver-plated heishi bead,4mm bicone bead, 3mm silver-plated heishi bead,6mm bicone bead, 3mm silver-heishi bead.Form the start of a wrapped loop at the unfinished end of the beaded eye pin.Prior to wrapping the loop, attach the beaded head pin to the loop of the p …

Designer TipsStamp "Love" or desired word or pattern on 19mm brass disk, and antique it using Novacan. (See Metal Stamping 101)Punch a hole near the top of both disks using the 1/16" side of the 2-hole punch, or your favorite plier punch.Dome the disk. See Blog Article: How to Dome and DapGive the domed disk a matte look using #0000 steel wool, or polish to a high shine with an Ultra polish pad.With one piece of wire, make a wrapped loop attached to the charm. Add a metal bead, crystal bead, and …