225 results for 'don't'

News & Information (90)

Pickup in Store(Post)

We've gotten a lot of complaints about the quirks and extra clicks and taps in the "Store Locator" feature that came with our December 20221 website upgrade, so we're in the process of getting rid of ...

Scrap Chain Tassel Earring Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Amy Mickelson   Designer TipsIf you buy spools of chain for various projects, you inevitably end up with scrap pieces. These left overs are too short for necklaces or maybe too fine ...

Working with Colors(Post)

Color and LightPeople see color differently no matter what, but the following factors also affect the way colors look:The quality of light (natural daylight, incandescent, fluorescent, etc.)The amoun ...

Jet Scarab Copper Ring Tutorial(Post)

Depending on the beads you use, this quick and easy unisex design can go from frilly and feminine to macho and masculine.  Created by: Michelle Horning   Designer TipsFor step-by-step instr ...

Red Light / Green Light Enamel Earrings(Post)

Your Choice: They're balloons, streetlights or lollipops!  Created by: Summer Melaas and Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsPunch a 1/16" hole in each blank, directly opposite the existing lo ...

99 Luftballons Tutorial(Post)

ok, so maybe it's just 2 Red Balloons, not 99...Created by: Summer Melaas and Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsPunch a 1/16" hole in each blank, directly opposite the existing loop or hole.Clean ...

Tips for Securely Gluing Jewelry(Post)

Which glue is best?Two-part epoxies are more work, but have excellent durability, for when you really want your designs to last.Super glues are best for surfaces that fit exactly together (no gaps), ...

Sacred Curling Stone Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsUse 6 wavy disks with the dapping set, to create domed bead caps to fit the rotund trade beads. Flatten the rest with a nylon hammer to create 12mm brass heishi.

My Heart Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsSlide the bail over the crystal and press the bail closed, using finger pressure or chain-nose pliers. If using pliers, apply pressure cautiously so you don't ...

Lampwork Glass BeadPen Tutorial(Post)

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 ...

Gemstone Index: Quartz(Post)

Quartz gemstone beads and pendants from Rings & Things: Options include multicolor rutilated quartz, clear rock crystal quartz, rose quartz, smoky quartz, tourmalated quartz, druzy quartz and mor ...

Polymer Clay 101(Post)

What is Polymer Clay?Brands & StylesTools & TipsWhere to Buy ItResourcesWhat is Polymer Clay? Polymer clay is a manmade, non-toxic polymer-based alternative to natural clay. Its only real sim ...

Aurora Sprinkles Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsCut bezel strip to size (one 8-12" piece) and flatten/ work harden with nylon hammer.Add texture to both sides of bezel strip with texture stamping ham ...

Crimping 101(Post)

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 lo ...

Stardust Earrings II Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsLink together 7 apatite or aquamarine beads with the 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link 1 more blue bead but add 1 CZ drop at the end: For step-by-step linking ...

Night Reflections Enamel Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsUse the smaller end of the 2-hole metal punch to punch a 1/16" hole near the top of the blanks. Be sure to center it, so the earrings hang properly.Clean the bla ...

Herbaceous Polymer Ring Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci Boston Designer Tips Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the clay, since polymer clay tends to pick up any dirt and dander that may be hiding.Use a pasta machine to ...

Metal Stamping 101(Post)

Make your own custom charms, pendants, connectors, tags and more! Metal stamping is not only the latest craze — it's also a lot of fun and gives you design freedom. Plus, handcrafted metal components ...

Merry Tag Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsClean the door blanks in a tumbler for 2-3 hours, or with fine-grit sandpaper and a polishing cloth.Find a pleasing portion of the Christmas tin, that fits ...

Big Bold Pearls as Tassels - Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsCut approximately 25" of cord, add a pearl, and tie a simple overhand knot at one end. Pull the knot tight, then pull the pearl up against this knot and add ...

Crowned Bobby Pin Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hitchinson   Designer TipsUse a ready-made silicone mold of your choice or make your own mold with Amazing Mold Putty.Lightly dust the mold with metallic powder. Tap off excess.

Gemstone Index: Lava Stone(Post)

Black Lava Stone Beads: Black lava stone beads are cut from basalt, a type of igneous rock formed during volcanic eruptions. Due to their holes and bubbles, lava stone beads add great texture, but no ...

A Ring A Day...(Post)

A ring a day keeps the doctor away: Chase the winter blues away with this trio of tropical colored rings!Designer TipsUsing the ring finding, place one fancy stone inside setting. Using nylon-jaw pli ...

Trio of Pearls - Leather Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Sondra Barrington   Designer TipsAdd a pearl to one end of the cord, and tie a simple overhand knot on each side of the pearl. Use an awl to help pull the knots tight up against the ...

Pop of Color Enamel Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Summer MelaasNote: We've had great success enameling our 24-gauge brass blanks, but for the most consistent color results, this enamel is best with copper blanks. Designer TipsTexture the ...

Enameled Yellow Submarine Tutorial(Post)

2018 was the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine! Create your own yellow submarine using bright opaque vitreous (glass) enamels on copper sheet.  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue &nbs ...

Jewelry Safety: Lead Content Classifications(Post)

At Rings & Things, we work hard with manufacturers and testing agencies to ensure that our products meet the requirements of California's lead-in-adult-jewelry law, the most stringent law in the ...

Christmas Tree Window Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs LaRue Designer TipsClean the door blanks with fine-grit sandpaper and a polishing cloth, or in a tumbler for 2-3 hours.Find a pleasing portion of the Christmas tin, that fits ...

Briolette and Vine Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsAdd a bead cap, 6mm aventurine gemstone bead, and another bead cap to the eye pin, and make a simple loop. New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Techniq ...

BeBop Blues Earrings Tutorial(Post)

This project uses Swarovski crystal pearls. Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsSince you only need to make simple loops and open/close jump rings, these earrings are a perfect project to make on th ...

Flying the Nest - Nest Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Kayla HeflingDesigner TipsCreate the bird nests. For step by step instructions with images, see the How To Make A Wire Bird Nest blog post.Use 22-26 gauge wire depending on the hole size ...

Great Odin's Raven Viking Knit Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsFollow the instructions that come with the Lazee Daizee™ to create two Viking knit sections for the bracelet.The Lazee Daizee™ accommodates various sizes of wire.

Witchy Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsKeep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.For perfec ...

Bubble Wand - Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut a 10" piece of wire.To straighten and harden the wire, run the length of the wire through the nylon pliers.Use the ring mandrel to form a "bubble" loop (our ...

Southwest Chandelier Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson. Designer TipsWhen you trim the eye pins on the 3 bead sections, retain two of the pieces to use for the shorter 2 bead section instead of using another whole eye pin.Open ...

Witchy Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsKeep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.For perfec ...

Red, White and Blue Sparklers Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Need a little patriotic sparkle? This sweet bracelet is a brilliant red, white and blue sparkler for your wrist on Independence Day or any time of year. Bonus: it's easy to swap out the charms for ot ...

Tranquil Spangle Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsDetermine desired bracelet length; add one inch. Cut a piece of cord 4 times this length. (7" bracelet + 1" = 8". 8" x 4 = 32")String the cord ...

Choosing Clasps & Finishing Methods(Post)

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" answ ...

Spanish Rose Earrings Tutorial(Post)

3mm and 4mm gemstone beads have notoriously small holes, so they rarely work with standard-diameter head pins. We highly recommend wrapped loops rather than simple loops, with the thinner-gauge wire ...

Simply Gorgeous Pearl Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Simple, yet gorgeous: These earrings were a big hit, as part of our "basics" series of local jewelry-making classes. They are simple to make, and are a perfect Christmas, sweet-16 or Valentine's Day ...

Double Wrap Hammered Rings Tutorial(Post)

Depending on the beads you use, this quick and easy unisex design can go from frilly and feminine to macho and masculine.Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions, see th ...

Passage To India - Coin Earrings Tutorial(Post)

These verdigris coin earrings are a beautiful combination of metal and gemstones, with a hint of sparkle. This beginner project requires only a few basic jewelry-making tools and can be completed qui ...

Autumn Waterfall Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer Tips3 sunny shades of orange crystal bicones cascade in a warm ombre waterfall, from Vintaj hammered brass rings.Make wire-wrapped loops using ball-end h ...

Rose Quartz Healing Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsCut 12" of wire to wrap the gemstone donut.Center the wire on the donut and wrap each side 2 times.Pinch the two wires flush together with chain-nose pliers.Use ...

Gemstone Index: Table of Contents(Post)

Discover the Story Behind Each Bead!From geology to metaphysics, this gemstone guide gives insight into the origins and uses of many gemstones that are used as beads. Most entries include:  • Or ...

Together Cause Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsString a bead cap, pastel pink pearl bead, and another bead cap onto the ball-end head pin and make a large wire-wrapped loop. Make the loop large enough, so t ...

Riveting 101(Post)

Learn the basics of riveting, including how to distinguish various types of rivets and how to set different rivets. Riveting is a classic, durable and popular way to create cold connections in jewelr ...

TierraCast Nesting Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Design by: Katie Hill (TierraCast)Designer TipsTIP: Don’t stretch the cords when knotting. Tie with cord relaxed, but with extra slack taken up.Cut three 12" strands of elastic cord. Pull on the ends ...

Gear Head Bobby Pin Tutorial(Post)

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer Tips Always wear safety glasses when cutting, drilling or punching.The bobby pin is a little heavier gauge than recommended for the punch, so us ...

College Days Charm Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsGlue crystal rivolis into settings. Create divots in a piece of scrap Styrofoam, to allow settings to dry flat.Create wrapped loops (or simple loops) with the ...

Trisha Earrings Tutorial(Post)

If you've never set faceted stones before, tube settings are a great way to get started.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsGolden Topaz is November's birthstone, and sparkling 4mm CZs are availa ...

2 Easy Celtic Knot Bracelets Tutorial(Post)

These bracelets are almost too easy!  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSet the TierraCast Rivetable or Link in the center of the leather bracelet and use a fine-point permanent mar ...

Twilight Tide Pool Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner Tips Memory wire is steel, and unkind to most jewelry tools. Use heavy-duty flush cutters to cut the desired length: Most memory wire bracelets are 3-5 coils. Th ...

Silver Sea Urchin Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer Tips Memory wire is steel, and unkind to most jewelry tools.Use heavy-duty flush cutters to cut the desired length: Most memory wire bracelets are 3-5 ...

Gemstone Index: Jasper(Post)

Jasper is a semiprecious chalcedony (or microcrystalline quartz), and is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than agate, the other chalcedony variety. Another ...

Good Thoughts Barrette Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsThe original alligator clip used for this barrette is no longer available, but our new French-style barrette backs are more secure (hold better in hair) and ...

Well Suited Barrette Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Megan Holden   Designer TipsClean bezels of barrettes with a clean, wet cloth and allow to dry.Paint the bottom of one barrette bezel with red paint, using smallest brush of Ranger s ...

Dragonfire Men's Wrapped Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

The classic wrapped leather bracelet is a great men's bracelet style already, and becomes even more masculine when you use leather bolo cord for the base.We ran out of 12mm Dragon Blood Jasper beads ...

La Fleur Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer Tips This design uses 16 crystal bicones (2-3 of each color linked below).Knotting can be done by hand or with a cord knotter. The key to good knotting ...

Gemstone Index: Ruby(Post)

From royal crowns to Dorothy's slippers to, of course, delicious jewelry, the ruby is a most desirable gemstone. Its hardness, durability, luster and rarity are among the world's finest, and its bla ...

Units of Measure(Post)

Most Common Question:Q. What is a gross?A.  For any item, one gross (often abbreviated "GR") is 12 dozen.      1 gross = 12 dozen = 144 pieces (72 pairs).      1&nb ...

Glossary of Jewelry-Making Terms(Post)

Antiqued: Beads or Findings that have had their surfaces treated to appear oxidized ("distressed" or aged). Antiqued metal beads have either a genuine patina, a plating, or a other coating which ...

Birthstone Options(Post)

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 bir ...

Go Fly A Kite Enameled Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Summer Melaas Designer TipsCarefully mark spots for holes, and use smaller end of EuroTool "helicopter" punch to add holes to corners of copper blanks.Clean the blank with Penny Brit ...

Cities in Bloom Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUse a permanent marker to draw a few clouds in the sky, and tufts of grass on the ground. (After etching, I thought my tufts of grass looked more like a city ...

Gemstone Index: Amethyst(Post)

Amethyst Gemstone Beads and Pendants: Amethyst is the most highly prized variety of quartz and if not for its widespread availability, would be very expensive. With its luscious color, it is the offi ...

Wedding Date Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsStamp design: If you're new to stamping, see metal stamping technique sheet.When stamping the date, keep in mind that tiny stamps require less stamping stren ...

Spokane Showroom(Post)

Visit our Spokane, WA, Showroom for personalized service and expert advice that you can't get in the big box stores! Many of our staff members are jewelry makers, and they're ready to help you discov ...

Fused Spirals Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsLightly dome (dap) the blank in dapping block.How to Dap (Dome)Clean blank with penny brite and dry.Apply counter enamel to back of blank. Fire and allow ...

Fresh Pots Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsUse silhouettes of multiple teapots and teacups to make this design. No two are alike.Use rubber cement to glue the paper images to the metal.Saw vertically at all ...

Sand Dollar Leather Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

This stylishly simple bracelet looks great worn alone, or with other bangles or leather bracelets.  Created by: Sondra Barrington   Designer TipsCut leather flush after measuring. Use a dab ...

Fold-Formed Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsJewelry Lab: 52 Experiments, Investigations and Explorations in Metal has a great tutorial on fold forming. Plus of course, Charles Lewton-Brain's book Foldf ...

Tangerine Delta Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Megan HoldenDesigner TipsClean the inside of the rivoli settings with alcohol swabs, and allow to dry.Place a small drop of E-6000 or GS Hypo Cement into the cup of each setting and light ...

BeDazzled Slinky Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsUse 7 coils of anklet size to make this bracelet bangle. You can adjust the size of wire and numbers of coils any way you wish.Do not use your favorite jewel ...

Candara Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer Tips  Unspool approximately 26" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Use ring-be ...

Candy Corn All Dressed Up - Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonThese earrings were inspired by the Swarovski crystal candy corn earrings. Janet used a decreasing brick stitch to create the candy corn. Designer TipsBegin with the bottom ...

Sun Tea Enameled Pendant Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsClean the blank with Penny Brite per package instructions. Rinse thoroughly and avoid touching further.Spray klyr fire onto blank, and sift on a base coat of w ...

Captured Aventurine Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUnspool approximately 20" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Coil the wire around a 14- ...

Gemstone Index: Jade(Post)

For centuries, the word jade applied to green gemstones brought to Europe from China and Central America. It wasn't until 1863 that society realized the term "jade" was being applied to two different ...

Costa Rica Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Swarovski's Create Your Style Design TeamDesigner TipsIf using the bulk cable chain, measure desired length, use 2 pairs of chain-nose pliers to open link at desired length, attach one en ...

Metal Etching 101(Post)

Etching is a method of using chemicals to cut a design or pattern into a metal surface. Etching your own designs into metal is easier than it may sound, and it can be a fun and rewarding way to make ...

Gemstone Index: Agate(Post)

No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate. This distinct and dramatically banded variety of chalcedony is composed of quartz layers. This composition varies greatly and can be of ma ...

Cognitive Resonance Pendant Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsWhen scouring yard sales and 2nd-hand stores for old watches, try to pick up a wide variety of brands and eras, for the best variety of gears. Or look ...

Soldering 101(Post)

Soldering (usually pronounced soddering) is the method of joining metal parts together, using another metal that has a lower melting temperature than the parts being joined.Solder is the portion that ...

Jewelry-Making Materials(Post)

We strive to provide you with clear, honest information, in a complicated and ever-changing world of jewelry-making materials.Our products are made of over 500 different materials (various semi-preci ...

Wire Jewelry 101(Post)

Jewelry making wire gives you endless choices in creativity! Still, it's easier to get started once you know a few basic tips and terms that will help you determine what type of wire to use for your ...

Metals(Post)

Jump directly to illustration of gold-fill vs. gold plate.What are Elements and Alloys? Metals can be elements or alloys. Elements are the basic building blocks of chemistry. Examples of elements: Ox ...

Wholesale Registration(Page)

Rings & Things welcomes everyone to shop for high-quality, low-priced jewelry making supplies! Wholesale Program prices are only visible when logged into an approved account. If you have a ...

How to Determine the Number of Beads on a Rosary(Page)

Introduction Ever wondered why rosaries have a specific number of beads? You're not alone! Let's unravel this spiritual enigma together. Why the Bead Count Matters Each bead on a rosary isn't just ...