Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsCut a strip of 20-gauge sheet 2.75" long. Smooth and straighten with a nylon hammer.Optional: Texture or stamp (see "How to Make a Metal-Stamped Charm" technique sheet below).For a matte finish, scrub the surface with steel wool (or even a green dish scrubbie!).File the corners and edges smooth using a #2-cut needle file.Use a pair of nylon-jaw ring-bending pliers to bend the band into shape. Overlap the ends at least 0.25".Check the size on …

This simple project features crystal rivoli stones and 1-time adjustable ring blanks with a bezel setting. Created by: Amy Mickelson Steps to Make These RingsWhile most colors of Swarovski crystal rivolis are gone, these settings work with most other major brands of 12mm and 14mm rivoli stones, including Preciosa and Matubo. To use one of the remaining colors of Swarovski rivolies, browse our full selection of 12mm & 14mm crystal rivoli stones.Place the correct size of rivoli stone …

Created by: Amy Mickelson Designer TipsCreate a cardboard template 2.5 times the diameter of the bezel (approximately 2.25" for this ring).Using a doubled 36" piece of sewing thread, knotted at one end, sew a running stitch around the edge of the fabric piece about 5mm in from the edge.Add stuffing and draw the fabric in by pulling the thread tight. Once you've achieved a round shape that fits the bezel cup, secure the thread with several knots and cut excessive thread.Glue into bezel using …

Created by: Jaci Boston Designer Tips Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the clay, since polymer clay tends to pick up any dirt and dander that may be hiding.Use a pasta machine to condition and flatten the clay.Pinch off a small piece of clay and form a flat teardrop petal shape. Pinch it together. Make another teardrop and wrap around the first piece. Continue to make larger petals and attach to the outside.Bake the piece according to the manufacturer's instructions.If you do …

Depending on the beads you use, this quick and easy unisex design can go from frilly and feminine to macho and masculine.  Created by: Michelle Horning   Designer TipsFor step-by-step instructions, see the Double Wrap Hammered Ring portion of our 2014 blog post on creating rustic hammered wire wrapped Swarovski crystal rings.Putting a small bend in the wire on either side of the bead before attaching to the thicker gauge wire will help keep the bead in place.Make sure the ends of the l …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCenter the stone in the ring setting and gently squeeze in prongs (with your hands or pliers) working from opposite sides to keep the stone centered. Once the prongs are bent in, use the burnishing tool to smooth them into place. 14mm Sea Urchin Stones fit in most 14mm Rivoli Settings. Choose your favorite combinations. The ring is adjustable (1x). Do not adjust the ring size until the ring is sold. See Rings & Things Rivoli Ring blog for more hints.Su …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut the glass to fit the bezel and wet sand to smooth the edges.Clean the glass and ring with rubbing alcohol and glue with two-part epoxy.Place the ring on a level surface while the adhesive cures. Turn a cardboard box over and poke a hole in the box with a pen or other sharp object, and set the ring in the hole.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Hints for Metal Findings (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 each #60-230 Adhesive, Epoxy, 3301 each #51-500-21 Fin …

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsSee Rustic Wire Ring blog article for illustrated step-by-step instructions for making this style of ring.Hide the cut ends of the finer gauge of wire, on the back side of the ring.The larger the swirls, and more thinly hammered, the more space it will take up on your finger, so it will be more susceptible to snagging and bending.Some styles of beads can be spun to show different sides (see back view of these scarabs, below.)Optional: before hammering end …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson  Designer TipsUse the ring as a template to cut the image or decorative paper to the correct size.Seal front and back of the image with a waterproof barrier before applying the Magic-Glos™ resin. Use clear packing tape, transparent shelf liner, laminating film or a coating of liquid polymer clay. Do not use a water-soluble sealer like decoupage fluid or Mod Podge®.Glue the image to the bottom of the bezel to prevent it from "floating".Create a stand by cutting a …

Depending on the beads you use, this quick and easy unisex design can go from frilly and feminine to macho and masculine.Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions, see the Double Wrap Hammered Ring portion of our 2014 blog post on creating rustic hammered wire wrapped Swarovski crystal rings.Make sure the ends of the large gauge wire don't hang too far over, or they will catch on things and bend."Balance" Copper Ring is a modification with two smaller beads. Add one …