Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer Tips: Earring 1String a pear-shaped pearl and a 3mm corrugated bead onto a head pin. Form a wrapped loop. (See Jewelry Basics 101 PDF).Twist open the Vintaj roped-cable jump ring and attach to the wrapped loop.  Also attach to an eye pin loop and twist the jump ring closed.String a mauve pearl, a white pearl, and a 3mm corrugated bead onto the eye pin and form a wrapped loop.Attach a French hook ear wire.Earring 2Patina and polish the moon charm …

Created by: Sondra Barrington This design uses a pearl bead (one of June's birthstones). Use a pearl bead from your bead stash to create this design as-is, or substitute other charms, beads, or birthstones in place of the pearl bead and swirling side charms.   Designer TipsMake a wire-wrapped head pin with the pearl bead (with a loop large enough to slide freely along the leather). See step-by-step instructions in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF). You may need to use a heishi bead or seed bead to h …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Just 3 parts total: leather cord, leather-hole pearls, and a link about the size of a quarter (around 25mm). Choose from a wide variety of link options in sterling silver and gold fill.  Designer TipsDetermine finished necklace length (this piece is about 28").Tie a double overhand knot at one end of leather. Slide all 4 pearls on the leather from the other end.Tie silver link to the other end of the leather with another double overhand knot.Settle one pearl …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step pictorial instructions on making this pair of earrings, see Mollie's blog article: …

For their safety and your health, pearls and shells should always be drilled, reamed, etc underwater.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut a small piece of leather to test the hole sizes as you are reaming.Hold the pearl and bead reamer tip underwater, and ream in a back and forth motion, from both sides of the hole.Cut 8 lengths of leather approx. 48-52" each.Tie an overhand knot, about 3-5" from one end, slip on a pearl, and tie another knot to hold it in place. Repeat on the other end o …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCreate a saddle for the pig with two filigrees wrapped around his middle.Use jump rings to connect the two filigrees at the top. Carefully bend the filigrees around the pig (or use oval mandrel pliers)and connect at the bottom with another jump ring.New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF).Suggested Supplies1 spool [use 16"] #40-099-08-7 Chain, Footage, Curb, 2.8mm1 dozen [use 1] #39-343-7 Clasp, Lobster, 12mm1 strand [use 4] #0 …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsFreshwater pearls often have small holes. If the hole is too small, use a thinner headpin, or ream the opening with a battery operated bead reamer (#69-058).Fold deer hide in half, and make a larks-head knot on the sterling link, being careful to keep the cord flat.The deer hide cord is very supple. Cut the end at an angle and "screw" into the center crimp. For best results, bring lace all the way through the crimp portion, trim end flat, and pull back int …