Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

General instructions to install a blade in a jeweler's saw frame:Loosen the nuts on the saw frame.Slip one end of the blade into the fixture. Make sure the blade's teeth are pointing outwards and down. (Sort of like a Christmas tree.)Tighten the nut, then apply pressure from the end of the saw so that the blade is guided into the other fixture. (A common method of applying pressure is to put the handle against your hip or ribs, and push the far end against a sturdy wall.)Tighten the other nut. T …

Created by: Elisabeth ValenteDesigner TipsConsider taking a jewelry-making class through a local college or art school. The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight and Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making are excellent references as well.Glue your image pattern to the metal with rubber cement, and cut along the pattern with a jeweler's saw. Use files to perfect the cut out.Follow the instructions that come with your torch. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Have a fire extingu …

2018 was the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine! Create your own yellow submarine using bright opaque vitreous (glass) enamels on copper sheet.  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsMake a few copies of your template. (You'll find many variations on the internet, or draw your own.) Mine is about 2-3/4 x 1-5/8" (70x40mm). Any larger, and it will be too hard to torch fire. Much smaller, and it will be too hard to add the details.Rubber cement a template to 24-gauge …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsCarefully plan the cutting pattern. The shape of these cuts creates decorative prongs or tabs to hold the gemstone slab bead.For this design draw the shape to be cut with a Sharpie®. For a more intricate pattern, print out an image of the design and glue it to the metal with rubber cement found at any office supply center.For tips for sawing sheet metal with a jeweler’s saw, check out our blog post.Punch holes for adding chain, and to embellish the tabs.Textur …