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getting started in jewelry

Make a Gemstone Bolo Tie

April 2, 2021

The bolo tie is a truly American piece of jewelry. Appealing to diverse groups of people, bolo ties have gone in and out of fashion over the years. They recently became popular again when Prada introduced a bolo tie (that’s right, I just used “Prada” and “bolo tie” in the same sentence). But before you consider spending $300 on a Prada bolo tie, why not craft your own? Bolos can be made out of so many objects, such as vintage pins, bottle caps, old coins, buttons, or a gemstone donut. And whether you are Mid-Century Western, 1980’s New Wave, or 21st-Century Pop Culture–a bolo tie is the perfect statement piece!

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The 15-Minute Earring Tutorial

May 3, 2019

Do you have 15 extra minutes? Then you have time to make a new pair of earrings! Just combine your favorite decorative connector links with Swarovski crystal pendants to create these fast and easy earrings.

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Fall 2018 Bead Show & Sale

October 10, 2018

You are invited to our Fall Bead Show & Sale

Free admission! Share this invitation with creators, beaders and collectors – we have something for everyone!
Wholesale prices to the public. No tax ID required.
Arrive early to shop the best selection. Free on-site parking!
Bring a friend! Make a weekend trip to the Northwest.
Sign up now for the latest show info.
Follow us! Instagram rings_n_things & Facebook @bead.fans


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DIY 4th of July Jewelry

June 18, 2018

It’s fun to wear something colorful and patriotic for Independence Day, but it’s hard to find good red, white and blue jewelry that isn’t tacky or cheaply made.

So … make your own! The key is to start with quality components, in nice, bright colors. Swarovski makes some of the purest and most reliable reds and blues, and has set the benchmark for sparkling crystal for over a century. The catch? They don’t always have the names you’d expect. Here are my favorites for the 4th of July:

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Jewelry Designs featuring Tiny Gemstone Beads

April 11, 2018

We’re wild over strands of small gemstones! Tiny baby rounds, rondelles, cubes, briolettes, and teardrops – we love them all!

We’ve stocked up on small-sizes of gemstone beads for our Trunk Show & Gemstone Bead Sale this Friday & Saturday (4/13 & 4/14) at our Spokane, WA warehouse. Thought we’d share some pics of our favorite Trunk Show strands and the jewelry we have created using the tiny babies! Enjoy! Continue Reading…