Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCreate two BRONZclay™ charms according to the manufacturer's instructions. Like most metal clays, BRONZclay must be fired in a kiln. BRONZclay shrinks approximately 20% from package to finished product. When you create your pieces, keep this in mind.Use a decorative rubber stamp or texture plate to create a design in the BRONZclay.Use the bead reamer to enlarge the holes in the pearls. Submerge the pearl in a shallow bowl of water while reaming, and work f …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   I couldn't decide whether I liked the longer earrings, or the shorter (layered) design - so I went with both! The shorter design would also be great as a pendant (with or without the heart). There are so many options with these components: Both colors of Bello (manmade) opals are beautiful and full of fire, or you can sub your favorite gemstone charm or beaded drop, or make bespoke birthstone jewelry. I went with mixed metals, because I prefer silver, and the …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson  Designer Tips Determine desired loop lengths and cut leather. For these earring, I cut 2 pieces at about 5" and 2 pieces at about 3".String large-hole gemstone on longer leather piece and porcelain bead on shorter piece.Gather all ends together in the correct order (see photo).Apply a small amount of superglue inside the crimp end. Insert all 4 leather ends at one time, squeezing them together to fit. Hold in place until glue grips.Gently squeeze the crimp end …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsUse 26-gauge wire to lash the beads to the pin back.Cut the chain into two pieces: 5-1/2" and 6-1/2" in length.Use 6mm jump rings to attach the chain to the pin, staggering the swag of the chain.Use 4.5mm jump rings to attach charms of your choice to the chain ends.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Blog post: "Wire lashing: an easy way to cover your jewelry with beads or bling!".Suggested Supplies1 dozen [use 3 be …

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsCut two 1-3/4" sections of chain.Cut four 1-1/2" sections of chain.Add one small and one medium Apatite bead to a ball-end head pin. Wrap onto bottom of a chain section (see step-by-step wire wrap instructions: Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Repeat with remaining five chains.With the 26g wire, about 1/4 of the way down on the marquise, wrap 2 to 3 times. Place one medium apatite bead, one 1-1/2" chain, one bead, one 1-3/4" chain, one bead, one 1-1/2" …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsCut loops off the moon charms and file smooth.For one pin, antique the brass components and bar pin with Win-Ox™ before assembling. Allow the parts to dry. Polish with a soft cloth if desired.NOTE: It is not safe to use Win-Ox on aluminum, so this design must be antiqued before assembly, or not at all.Mark, punch and rivet the moon charm to the bar pin, following directions included with tool. Rivet the moon so it covers the bar pin's catch.We carr …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsUsing the 26-gauge wire, make a large wrapped loop, attach the acetate stick and finish wrapping (see Jewelry Basics).Add one bead cap, one pearl and one apatite bead (optional: use a 3mm light turquoise crystal instead of the apatite) and finish with a wrapped loop. Instead of trimming the tail close, continue the wrap over the next bead.Using chain-nose pliers open the ear wire and attach your loop.Repeat for other earring.Suggested Supplies2 each #88 …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsAdd a jump ring to the football charm. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Slide the team color charms and the football charm, in desired order, onto the ball chain. Two of the best things about TierraCast's stepped charms with crystals, are their large bail loop (that can slide directly onto 2.4mm ball chain), and the awesome assortment of colors.Cut ball chain to desired length.Suggested Parts1 each #44-9 …

Created by: Dee MuellerDesigner TipsNo tools needed!Simply unscrew the top of the pen, add the desired large-hole beads of your choice and screw the top back on!This pen is designed for artisan beads created on a 3/32" mandrel, and works with beads with a 2.5mm hole (or larger). The focal beads on each of these beadable pens are artisan-made lampwork glass beads... we're sorry, we don't remember who made them, but they were definitely 3 different artisans.Suggested Supplies1 ea #55-903-02 Pen, B …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsAttach ear wire to top loop of filigree. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Use jump rings to attach the pear pendants to the bottom loops of the filigree.Repeat for other earring. Suggested Supplies1 pair #34-544-14-042 4mm Cubic Zirconia Bezel Set Sterling Earwire - Diamond2 each #44-199-11 Sterling Silver Flared Filigree - 3 Loops6 each #06-128-08-02 Swarovski 6128 Mini Pear Pendant, 8mm - AB1 ten-pack (us …