Ear 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:
Continue Reading…Jewelry Making Tutorial June Earrings
May 31, 2019Tomorrow marks the first day of June and when I think of June jewelry, I think pearls. Pearls are a favorite birthstone choice for June and popular for bridal jewelry. I set out to make earrings that combine traditional and contemporary style. I found the perfect sterling-silver component in the “New Items” section of Rings & Things’ website; it’s a funky three-link connector that goes perfectly with Swarovski pear-shaped crystal pearls.
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…Jewelry Tutorial – Curved Bead-Bar Necklace
April 23, 2019Simplicity and elegance combine in this April-themed necklace. Sparkling Swarovski Crystal briolette beads, like drops of rain, line a hand-formed curved bead bar. The red brass wire glows from inside the briolette beads, and pairs with the sterling necklace for a mixed-metal effect. Best of all, this is the perfect project for using the 1-Step Looper pliers (one of my favorite things).
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…Jewelry-Making Tutorial: Homemade Positional Beads
April 9, 2019Have you ever used SmartBeads with “BPS”? If you have, you probably love them as much as we do. SmartBeads with “Bead Positioning System” are positional beads that are silicone lined. The lining allows the beads to grip various stringing materials and keep adjacent stringing components in place.
Continue Reading…DIY – Hat Pin Tutorial
April 5, 2019Did you know that all of Rings & Things’ hat pins meet the guidelines set forth by the Arkansas hat-pin ruling of 1909? Curious? You can read about the history of hat pins on the American Hatpin Society’s website: http://www.americanhatpinsociety.com/tour/history.html. (And yes, there is an American Hatpin Society!)
Continue Reading…DIY – Make a Belt Buckle from a Craft-Beer Can
March 29, 2019
A recent family get together left me with a recycle bin full of cool craft-beer cans. And yes, I can recycle the aluminum; but better yet, I can repurpose them. Inspired by the colorful images I set out to find the perfect jewelry-related use. Read on for my step-by-step pictorial tutorial on making a craft-beer-can belt buckle.