Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Summer Melaas Designer TipsOpen a jump ring.New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for most secure way to open and close jump rings.Add an opal charm to the jump ring, and connect to the loop on the ear thread, using two chain nose pliers.Repeat for other earring.Suggested Supplies1 pair #53-001-5 Vermeil Ear Thread, 5", 2.5mm Closed Jump Ring2 each #21-343-01-999 6mm 14kt Gold-Filled Bello Opal Drop Charm - Blue Opal1 10pack (use 2 pieces) #37-391-240 …

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 …

Opal Gemstone Beads from Rings & Things: Opal beads have the same basic chemical composition as quartz, but usually contain 6 - 10% water. Because of this, opal jewelry components should be protected from heat and strong light. Loss of water can cause opals to crack and/or lose iridescence. Opal beads can be oiled to prevent dehydration. Make sure to keep your opal beads away from detergents, ultrasonic cleaners, metal polish, acids and strong solvents. Birthstones for October include Opal, …

Looking to make custom birthstone jewelry? Here you'll find birthstone jewelry-making supplies, including genuine gemstone beads for each month, European crystal in classic birthstone colors, and birthstone charms and connectors including rivets, links, drops, ear wires and earring posts -- set with crystals, cubic zirconias and zodiac symbols. Whether you have a business making birthstone and bespoke jewelry, or you're making something special for yourself (or as a gift), this section is o …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsTexture and stamp the sterling heart with ribbon design stamp. New to metal stamping? See step-by-step instructions in our free Metal Stamping 101 PDF.Apply stamp enamel per directions on package.Use jump ring to attach stamped silver heart to curved tube.For best way to open and close jump rings, and also for step-by-step stringing and crimping instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Lay out beaded design (for a longer bracelet, add some sterling beads …

This design uses light rose Swarovski crystals, perfect for an October birthstone gift, but could be easily modified to use any birthstone color. Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUsing 26-gauge wire, make a wrapped-wire loop at the top of the briolette. For step-by-step instructions, see "How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette".Squeeze hoop to open, slide the wire-wrapped briolette onto it, and close the hoop.Slide the hoop onto a kidney ear wire, and use round-nose pliers to gently crimp the loop …