Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsDecide which direction to face the (reversible) ethnic fan connectors and charms, and lay out all pieces. Use a medium-large jump ring (approx. 7mm), attach each charm to the base of the fan connector. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Use a slightly smaller jump ring (about 5mm) to connect the earring drop-post to the fan.Use your favorite earring backs. This pair of earrings is a bit heavy, so earring …

Created by: Rings & Things StaffDesigner TipsThis symmetrically designed necklace has a finished length of 17". For a different length, adjust the amount of beads, bead caps and stringing cable accordingly.The necklace pictured was made with large 10mm, 12mm and 14mm "shell" pearls, which are no longer available. Please note: 6, 8 and 10mm Swarovski pearls are now listed below. This will give you a more petite necklace. (The bead caps listed work great on 10mm and smaller beads.)Free Techniq …

Created by: Mandi DingmanDesigner TipsCut two 16-18" pieces of 24-gauge wire. It is better to have plenty of wire for wire-wrapping the pendants, depending on how much of the crystal you want to cover.For step-by-step instructions with images, for wire-wrapping the crystals, check out the Rings & Things Blog post: How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette.Use your thumb to guide the wire to keep the wire tight.Once wrapped, darken the wire with liver of sulfur.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBlog post …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFirst make a chain using 8mm jump rings and large-hole beads:Twist open a jump ring and string it through a large-hole bead and then close the jump ring.Open a second jump ring and string it through the first large-hole bead and a second large-hole bead; then close jump ring.Open a third jump ring and string it through the second large-hole bead and a third large-hole bead; then close jump ring.Open a fourth jump ring and string it through the third large-h …

Created by: Amy ScaliseDesigner TipsCreate a polymer cane using the colors listed or those of your choosing.To make it easier to cut the cane slices, wait a day before cutting, or freeze the cane briefly (for about 20 minutes).Use the bezel cup to cut the cane slice to the correct size and shape.Bake the pieces according to the manufacturer's guidelines.Glue into place.Suggested Supplies1 ea #60-244 Adhesive, Loctite Ultra Gel Control SuperGlue1 pair #32-570-15 Earring Post, 15mm Round Bezel Cup …

Created by: Bridget AustinDesigner TipsNo jump rings are needed; all you need are the links from the chain, to combine the sew-on stones and clasp.See the Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF) for instructions on opening jump rings. Use this technique to open and close the chain links.Suggested Supplies1 each #03-252-20-401 Swarovski 3252 Sew-on Emerald Cut, 20x14mm - Sunflower4 each #03-252-14-401 Swarovski 3252 Sew-on Emerald Cut, 14x10mm - Sunflower2 feed #40-090-41-3 Silver Plated Flat Textured Long &a …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsPunch holes in desired locations (click into hole-punch details for usage instructions for this tool).Use ring bending pliers to make the brass blanks wavy.Use 3mm jump rings to attach the wavy pieces.For maximum security, make sure your jump rings are securely closed.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 doz [use 9] #44-722-50-0 Blank, Long Bar with Hole1 doz [use 1, not shown] #39-340-6 Clasp, Lobste …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsDetermine desired length of finished bracelet.Subtract 1 1/4" from total desired length for connector piece.Keeping toggle clasp parts attached, remove center section of toggle chain bracelet leaving equal lengths of chain for either side of the bracelet. You do not have to cut the chain links. You can open them like a jump ring and use this chain section for another project.Attach the connecter to center section of chain and check fit before proceeding.Wi …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer Tips Cut your metal sheet to desired size and use a file to round the corners and smooth all edges.Clean with Penny Brite® Copper Cleaner and scrubby until water sheets off. Only handle by the edges from this point on.Stamp your design once, cleanly, and lift the stamp straight off. Allow the ink to dry without disturbing further. If needed or desired, touch up the inked design with black or red Sharpie® marker.Etch as directed following instruction …

The Swarovski crystal cushion square in Heliotrope is not always available, but we love this simple, versatile project design -- and Amethyst AB is so pretty, that we've linked in some alternate suggestions below so we could keep this project in our gallery.Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPlace 12mm cushion square stone into setting, and use nylon-jaw or chain-nose pliers to gently flatten the prongs onto the stone. See tips in our blog, for best way to keep your stone safe and centered.Sl …