I am not a fantastic metal stamper, and sadly, practice doesn’t always make perfect. I am the queen of stamped four-letter words, and even those are crooked. But actually, what I need is a process that camouflages my imperfections as rustic charm and offers the opportunity for do-overs. If this sounds too good to be true, it’s not–read on to learn how in this step-by-step tutorial.
Continue Reading…Jewelry Making DIY – Make a Micro Engraved Pendant
October 2, 2020Rings & Things has carried the BeadSmith Micro Engraver for about five years, and can you believe I have never tried it? I always discredited it for not being what I consider a “real” tool. Isn’t this something you would see engraving names on carnival trinket necklaces? But it turns out the Micro Engraver is actually a pretty cool tool. It is fun and easy to use, and the results are surprisingly pleasing.
If you like to draw or doodle, you will instantly love the Micro Engraver. But even if you can’t draw, you can still make pretty things that look great–just follow my step-by-step instructions.
Continue Reading…How to Make Chainmaille-Style Earrings
April 17, 2020If you love the look of chainmaille, but lack the necessary skills (count me in), then this “beaded-jump-ring” earrings project is just for you. I designed this project with ease of assembly and classic design in mind, resulting in a pair of earrings that look fancy complicated, but aren’t. Plus, the components I selected are available in a myriad of finishes and/or colors, so you can customize this project to your individual preferences. Read on for everything you need to know!
Continue Reading…Jewelry DIY – Colorizing Raw Brass Filigree
January 30, 2020Rings & 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.
Continue Reading…Jewelry Making Tutorial November Topaz
November 19, 2019Swarovski 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:
Continue Reading…Jewelry DIY – How to make “Threader” Earrings
October 18, 2019These 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
Continue Reading…How to Make Spiral Head Pins
August 23, 2019Head 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!)
Continue Reading…Jewelry Making Tutorial: Geometric Earrings Featuring Wire Links, Swarovski Crystals, and Ear Threads
July 12, 2019Ear threads have been around for years, but they are still a relatively unknown earring finding. If you have never used ear threads, here are some details for their use and a free earring-making tutorial.
Continue Reading…The 15-Minute Earring Tutorial
May 3, 2019Do 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.
Continue Reading…Rings & Things Design Gallery Gemstone Bracelets
April 19, 2019The Rings & Things Design Gallery is the place to go for inspiration. You will find hundreds of free jewelry designs that include both the instructions for making each project, and a list of the tools and suggested supplies that you will need. And there are designs that will appeal to both the skilled jewelry maker and beginners.
Continue Reading…