Rings & Things Jewelry Blog
Best Necklace and Bracelet Lengths
What is the BEST Necklace Length?
18" necklaces are the most popular in the United States, but might not be the right length for the necklace that you're making.
The height and build of the person who will be wearing the necklace should be taken into consideration. Another option, is to use an adjustable chain as the base for your necklace.
The most common necklace lengths are:
14" - This theoretically fits right where a tall button-up shirt collar would fit. 14" is too sh
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Feb 22nd 2023
Choosing Clasps & Finishing Methods
Are you asking yourself "What clasp should I use for my bead stringing, wire lashing, kumihimo, multi-strand, chunky chain, awesome creation?" There are 100's of options, and the "correct" answer is based on the weight and type of jewelry, as well as your personal preference and the stringing material(s) you choose. Find brief answers and illustrations here, with links to jewelry-making findings and supplies.Get more how-to tips with our free guides to finishing methods and stringing mater
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Oct 27th 2021
Finishing Methods for Bead Stringing
Learn popular methods for finishing necklaces and other handmade jewelry with crimps and cord ends, jump rings, split rings, knots and jewelry clasps. This page is a brief overview with links to more information. If the instructions aren't on the category page, please click into a product's details for more information. We've been in business since 1972, and making jewelry for most of those years... but every beader and stringer develops personal favorites. For more opinions and examples, you ma
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Oct 26th 2021
Crimping 101
Using crimp beads to finish a necklace or bracelet: 1. String a crimp bead onto the beading cord or wire cable, then string the clasp. 2. Bend the cable back through the crimp bead. 3. Tighten the loop (but not too tight!). Use crimping pliers to crimp the bead into a small round crimp, or use flat-nose pliers to simply flatten the crimp. 4. Trim the excess cord/cable. 5. Use crimping pliers to close a crimp cover over the crimp bead. For all crimping, apply pressure similar to a firm handshake,
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Oct 26th 2021
After Glow Bracelet Tutorial
These colors are inspired by Pantone's colors of the year for 2021, and pair nicely with the Optimistic Hope bracelet and After Glow earrings.Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsLay out beads on a stringing board to check your length and pattern.Cut 8-9 of stringing cable (2-3" more than the finished length of the bead section).Add a crimp tube, add clasp, and go back through crimp tube, making a small loop. Crimp securely, leaving a short tail. For more crimping instructions, see crimp plie
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Jan 1st 2021