Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Amy Scalise. Design by: Swarovski's Create Your Style Design TeamDesigner TipsThese earrings are inspired by the CREATE YOUR STYLE design: "Mother´s Day Earrings: Swinging Hearts".Cut two 3" pieces of 16-gauge wire.Bend two wires at a time to achieve a pair of earrings that match well.Consider using silver-filled jewelry components, as an economical alternative to sterling silver parts.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Supplies2 ea …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsFor illustrated step-by-step instructions for this necklace, please see the full Heartbeat Necklace Tutorial in our blog.Suggested Supplies 1 each  #05-741-08-13  Swarovski 5741 Love Beads (Heart Beads), 8mm - Fuchsia1 dozen (use 1 bead)  #05-328-04-01  Swarovski 5328 Faceted XILION Bicone Beads, 4mm - Crystal1 package (use 6"")  #47-205-20  Red Brass Jewelry Wire, 20ga, Round, 79'1 100-pack (use …

Use any combination of seed bead and heart colors, with Chevron-bead plating colors that you like. There are hundreds of possible combinations.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsAdd chevron and seed beads to headpin and follow instructions with 1-step looper, to make loop. (Optional, as you string them: To prevent the rotating of the chevron beads in the arrow, add a drop of Hypo Cement and allow to dry.) String "Love" bead on eyepin with the existing eyepin loop at the top. Due to the shap …

This project uses Swarovski crystals. Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsCut a length of wire 20" long, or longer if desired. It is better to have plenty of wire for wire-wrapping the heart pendant, depending on how much of the crystal you want to cover.Make a 90-degree bend in the wire about 1.5-2" from the end.Slide the crystal heart pendant onto the wire it reaches the bend in the wire.Wrap the longer piece of wire around the shorter piece a few times.Use round-nose pliers to create a doub …

Learn how to make a leather anniversary bracelet using porcelain number beads to "spell out" a custom anniversary date (7/7/90).Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUse a finished leather bracelet blank, or create the bracelet from scratch using a leather strip and clasp of your choice.Select your beads: Here I used black & white porcelain number beads, red & white porcelain heart beads, and 2mm round brass spacer beads.I used 26g non-tarnish brass Artistic wire to "stitch" the bead …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner Tips Set link on leather bracelet, and use a sharp pencil, or fine-point non-smudging marker, to make a dot at each spot to punch.Rotate leather hole punch to smallest setting, and carefully punch holes.Click into the rivet below, and follow the steps in the "more details" section for setting these 2-part rivets.Optional: Use bracelet-bending pliers to gently shape the link into a smooth wrist-shaped arc.For more information about riveting, download and pri …

This project uses Swarovski crystals.Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsPlace flat back crystal hearts on a work surface with the flat side up.Mix two-part epoxy according to the package directions.Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of epoxy to the flat pad of each earring post and glue each to the center of a flat back crystal heart. Set aside to cure.These sparkly yet simple earrings can be worn with jeans, or for a festive occasion.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Metal Findi …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut 2 lengths of wire, each about 30" long. You want enough to lash all the crystals, but not so much that the wire is in the way.Anchor 26-gauge wire to the heart shape, and then lash crystals in a random color pattern around the shape. Use approximately 17 beads per earring (34 beads total).Open loop on earwire, and attach to one of the lashing loops.See our Wire Lashing blog article for further details on lashing beads.New to jewelry-making? For best wa …

Take our inexpensive rough-looking raw brass bracelet, and learn how easy it is to add color and a high shine! Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsRemove age patina and minor blemishes from the bangle bracelet, with ultrafine sanding sponge.Shake Ranger ""patina"" well and apply to imprinted portions of the bracelet. Lightly remove excess with baby wipe. Allow to dry.Remove dried-on ""patina"" that is outside of the imprinted area with sanding sponges (I also used my fingernails).Sand with u …

Chain bracelets adorned with a simple heart charm continue to be popular. The sterling silver heart blank was intentionally left blank, but could easily be stamped or engraved. You can further customize this design by using different styles of chain, or tassels made of different materials! These bracelets are fun and easy to make, and make great gifts for the minimalist in your life.Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsInstead of cutting chains, use 2 pairs of chain-nose pliers to open a fi …