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”.
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…Jewelry Making DIY Bat-Signal Magnetic Pin
September 27, 2019Quick 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.)
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…How to Make an Adjustable Necklace Extender
July 26, 2019There 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:
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…DIY Jewelry – How to Make a Magnetic Clasp Converter
June 28, 2019Have you ever struggled with clasping a necklace or bracelet? If so, you will love magnetic clasp converters! The magnetic clasp converter attaches to your existing jewelry and converts your manual clasp into a magnetic clasp. It requires just minutes to make, and the only skill you need is the ability to open and close a jump ring. Follow these easy steps to make your own:
Continue Reading…Jewelry Making Tutorial July Birthstone Necklace
June 21, 2019You don’t have to be able to afford genuine rubies to make birthstone jewelry for July. Swarovski’s ruby crystals offer high-end quality and beauty without a high-end price. This project combines the Swarovski 22mm pear pendant with 2mm Greek leather cord for a casual-but-classy necklace. Here are the steps to make your own:
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