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Beginning Jewelry Making

Jewelry Making DIY – Make a Micro Engraved Pendant

October 2, 2020

Rings & 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.

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Jewelry DIY – Colorizing Raw Brass Filigree

January 30, 2020

Rings & 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.

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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:

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Jewelry DIY – How to make “Threader” Earrings

October 18, 2019

These 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

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Jewelry Making Tutorial June Earrings

May 31, 2019

Tomorrow 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.

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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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