Swarovski’s Spring/Summer 2021 launch TIME TO SHINE is about “embracing the transformative power of time” and is “brought to life in brilliant cuts and color”. The new launch features Shape 1400 Dome Round Stone. The dramatic new shape has 90 sparkling facets and a foiled back, so it is full of sparkle and shine; plus the shape “references both past and future”.
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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what bead could be more perfect for Valentine’s jewelry than Swarovski’s heart-shaped “LOVE” Bead? I dangled a pair of LOVE Beads from the end of ear threads and in just minutes I made a pair of earrings that are flashy, yet elegant. And I must add, perfect for any day of the year. Love!
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Rings & Things’ raw-brass filigree can be polished to a bright and shiny finish, but why stop there? The filigree are the perfect canvas for creativity, so why not use color to create a one-of-a-kind component for use in your jewelry making? Here are the steps for my (super-easy) method of colorizing raw brass filigree.
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PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue
“Instilling calm, confidence and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”
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When I think about “Men’s jewelry”, bolo ties, belt buckles, cuff links, and tie clips come to mind (plus heavy gold-chain necklaces ala 1980’s Mr T). But what makes a piece of jewelry masculine? The key to making masculine jewelry is using masculine supplies and keeping it simple. Combine strong leather or waxed cotton cord with bone beads, metal beads, or glass trade beads and then add bold focal pendant. It is also a benefit if the jewelry has a utilitarian purpose.
Here is my version of “men’s jewelry” –an adjustable lanyard necklace made with guy supplies; it can be used to hold a decorative pendant or be more utilitarian as a key holder. Follow these steps to make your own:
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Swarovski topaz crystals are the perfect shade of rich golden yellow for classic November birthstone jewelry. Paired with the warmth of gold-filled findings, topaz is the perfect celebration of Autumn colors. And whether you are born in November, or just a lover of all things golden, this earring project is perfect for you.
Follow these instructions to make your own pair of “Tic-Tac-Toe” Earrings:
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These sweet, petite earrings feature Rings & Things ear threads and 3mm Swarovski crystal XILION bicone beads. The featured jewelry is the perfect color for October. But don’t be limited to our pink color choice–there are dozens (and dozens) of colors to choose from–so why not make a rainbow of earrings?
*Makers Note: Sadly, in 2021 Swarovski left the DIY Market and no longer sells their crystal beads and elements to the general public. But not to worry, Rings & Things now sells sparkly Preciosa Crystals and their 4mm or 6mm bicone beads will work great for this project (just use fewer beads)! You can shop for Preciosa Crystals here:
https://www.rings-things.com/crystal/preciosa-bicone-rondelle-beads
Swarovski 5328 Beads Color and Shape Chart Sample Card
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Quick Robin, to the Batmobile! POW! BAM! ZAP! Need help from a super hero? Then the Bat-Signal magnetic pin is perfect for you!! (And if you don’t need a super hero, this design is easily adaptable for use with our other 18x25mm cameos.)
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Head pins are a jewelry-making staple. But in many cases, though they are necessary, they don’t add much in design value to a jewelry piece. Rings & Things offers several styles of ready-made head pins. And yes, some of the head pins Rings & Things carries are rather fancy, but not what I had in mind for a simple mixed-metal pair of earrings I was making. I needed something dramatic to combine with my favorite primitive India metal beads and a spiral shape seemed like the perfect thing. So, not having ready-made spiral head pins available, I set out to make some. (And you can too!)
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There is no perfect necklace length. A desirable necklace length can depend on many factors–the wearer’s neck size, the preferred necklace length, a shirt’s neckline, and/or the staggered layering of multiple necklaces. An adjustable necklace extender allows you to vary your necklace’s length. This is an accessory you can make yourself and customize to perfectly match your existing necklaces. Here are step-by-step instructions to make your own necklace extender: