Jewelry Making Tutorial November Topaz

November 19, 2019

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:

Here are the suggested supplies:

You will need these jewelry-making tools:

  • #69-275-31 Wubbers Medium, Flat-Nose Jewelry Making Pliers
  • #69-275-03 Wubbers Chain-Nose Jewelry Making Pliers

Lay out the jewelry components in sequence of assembly.

Each gold-filled link is a solid, continuous circle of wire which is soldered at the point where the two ends meet; the jump rings are similar, but have a split in the wire where the two ends meet. Use 4mm jump rings to connect 3 round gold-filled links together. Simply twist open a jump ring, add two links, and twist the jump ring closed. Then repeat the step to add a third link to the run.

Jewelry-Making Tip

When you open and close jump rings, twist ends instead of “ovaling” them.
This keeps their round shape better, which makes them easier to close neatly and securely.

Now add the crystal pendant adornment to the lower ring of the 3-ring connector. Twist open a 5.5mm jump ring, string on a crystal pendant and the connector link, then twist the jump ring closed.

For the most sparkle, face the table-cut side of the crystal toward the front-side of the earrings.

Swarovski 6431 Princess Cut Pendant

French hook ear-wire loops open and close in the same twisting action as jump rings. Twist open the ear wire loop and connect it to the top link of the 3-link connector. Twist the loop closed.

Repeat the steps to make the matching earring.

“Tic-Tac-Toe” Earrings by Rings & Things designer Mollie Valente.

~*~*~*~

Here are my favorite “linked” earring designs from the Rings & Things Design Gallery:

“Down by the Sea Shore” Earrings Tutorial created by Rings & Things designer Summer Melaas.

“Unpretentious Princess” Earrings Tutorial created by Rings & Things designer Janet Boyington.

“Egyptian Sun” Earrings Tutorial created by Rings & Things designer Summer Melaas.

“Symmetry” Earrings Tutorial created by Rings & Things designer Mollie Valente.

Make things,

Mollie

www.rings-things.com

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3 Comments

  • Reply KJ January 29, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Do you solder every one of your jump rings closed? Or do you just clamp them as tightly as possible. I am new to jewelry making and jump rings/closures-to solder or not to solder seem to give me the most trouble. I want to make jewelry that lasts. If soldering is required, are there any other non-soldering closure options for jewelry? I like to make very fine petite jewelry with gemstones sometimes as small a 2mm and it just seems like soldering anything would destroy it, but I want it to be secure. I’m going through your website now but if there are any links or tutorials that come to mind and if you have the time, please share them below. Thank you so much for your time. You website has been incredibly helpful and your tutorials are so clear and simple to understand. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • Reply Mollie Valente January 30, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    Hi KJ,

    The simple answer is for most jewelry projects I don’t solder the jump rings. Here are some “non-solder” options:

    Use the heaviest-gauge, but still appropriately-sized, jump ring possible.
    When opening the jump ring, twist it back and forth a few times prior to closing it; this will harden off the wire so it is less likely to come open.
    Use split rings instead of jump rings.
    Use locking jump rings (unfortunately these are not available in tiny sizes).
    Use two or three jump rings in unison.
    Use oval jump rings (the split is positioned on the long side of the jump ring)
    For some projects, you can forego the jump ring and attach a bead with a wire-wrapped loop.

    Thank you for including us in your jewelry-making endeavors!

    Mollie
    Rings & Things

  • Reply KJ February 3, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    Thank you so much for your response and links, the information provided was very helpful.

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