Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Summer Melaas Shimmering, sparkling seed beads and Swarovski crystals cascade from a 12kt GF hoop, in these earrings that are inspired by the Costa Rica colors from Swarovski's Crystals Around the World journey.  Designer TipsTie 1 yard of One-G beading thread onto the hoop, leaving a 2-3" tail.Using ladder stitch, stitch on 5 size 8 seed beads: Place 2 beads on the thread. Pull down to the hoop. Wrap thread around hoop and go back into the inside size 8 seed from hoop side, the …

Created by: Rita Hitchinson   Designer TipsUse a ready-made silicone mold of your choice or make your own mold with Amazing Mold Putty.Lightly dust the mold with metallic powder. Tap off excess.Prepare several molds at once. Since Amazing Resin cures quickly, you will want to do all your pouring at one time.If you over pour the resin, carefully shave of the excess with a hobby knife.Use the sanding sponge to rough up the back of the resin piece and the glue pad on the bobby pin. Use it to c …

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsThis design uses the TierraCast hook clasp as a design element on the earrings rather than as a necklace or bracelet clasp.To avoid breakage, gently close the bails on the crystal pendants with your fingers.Slide the bail and crystal over the hook clasp, and gently squeeze the clasp closed so the bail won’t fall off.Design Option: Change the look by using a different color or size crystal spike.This project is inspired by CREATE YOUR STYLE’s "Hooked on Spike …

Design by Create Your Style team at Swarovski North America.Although these weren't designed with September in mind, the colors are perfect for September birthstone jewelry.Designer TipsAdd one 4mm light sapphire shimmer bicone, one 3mm iridescent dark blue pearl, one 4mm bicone, one 3mm pearl, and one 4mm bicone to a head pin. Make a simple loop. Repeat nine times and set aside. For instructions on making jewelry loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Using one long-leg ear wire, slide on one 6mm li …

Created by: Megan HoldenDesigner TipsClean the inside of the rivoli settings with alcohol swabs, and allow to dry.Place a small drop of adhesive into the cup of each setting and lightly but firmly press your Tangerine rivolis into the settings. Set aside to dry.Cut black Greek cord into two 1.5" pieces and two 3.75" pieces. One at a time, place a small dot of E6000 or leather adhesive on the end of each cord end and affix the fold-over crimp (crimps will hold in place themselves if you do not ha …

Created by: Amy Mickelson   Designer Tips  Center an approximately 12x18mm oval bead of your choice between 2 triangle spacers on a length of waxed linen cord. Tie overhand knots on each side of the spacers to hold the beads in place.Add two more equally spaced groupings of the oval beads and spacers on each side of the cord.Use an awl to help snug the knots against the beads.When attaching the cord to the eyeglass holders, use two crimps on each side for extra security, with crimp cov …

Designer TipsFill the tiny glass jars with candy sprinkles in colors of your choice. Local team colors in fun shapes are often available in the baking aisle! This design uses bright green and blue for the Seattle Seahawks.Use the awl to carefully poke a hole through the center of the cork. Push the head pin through this hole, from the bottom.Make a wrapped loop (or simple loop) at the top of the cork. For step by step wire looping instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Optional: Add a dab of …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsClean the blank with Penny Brite per package instructions. Rinse thoroughly and avoid touching further.Spray klyr fire onto blank, and sift on a base coat of white enamel.Mix a small amount of each enamel color that you plan to use with Klyr Fire or distilled water in separate well or container. Mix each with brush. Desired texture is muddy. If you have too much water, you can wick some away with a brush, add extra enamel, or allow to dehydrate a bit by al …

Created by: Sondra Barrington How can I customize thee? Let me count the ways...  Designer Tips  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 to further customize.You can also customize this design by using a different colored Swarovski rivoli stone (clear symbolizes Diamond, April's birthstone), or different styles of chain. These bracelets are fun an …

Due to the popularity of 10mm cushion square settings, we've included links to alternate styles below in case the primary setting used in the Golden Halos earrings is temporarily unavailable.  Created by: Veronica Greenwood   Designer TipsPlace the crystal in the bezel setting, and using the nylon jaw flat pliers gently fold the prongs down over the crystal.Using the 6.5mm jump ring attach the bezel to the large round link. (For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in J …