Albuquerque Belt Buckle

A free belt buckle project featuring various shapes of gemstone beads and a carved bone button grouted to a belt buckle blank from Rings & Things.

Created by: Mollie Valente

Suggested Materials:
1 each #30-682-01-AS Belt Buckle Blank, Rounded Rectangle, 87mm
(Antiqued Silver Plated)
1 each #25-130-03-2 Button, Bone, Oval, 21x25mm (Antiqued)
28 each #21-886-017 Bead, Gemstone, Round, 6mm (Rhyolite)
24 each #21-716-125 Bead, Gemstone, Oval, 4x6mm (African Turquoise)
4 each #21-884-147 Bead, Gemstone, Round, 4mm (Mookaite)
4 each #21-000-049-79 Bead, Gemstone, 8x12mm Puffed Oval (Poppy Jasper)
21 each #21-884-030 Bead, Gemstone, Round, 4mm (Sodalite)
4 each #26-464-1 Bead, 4.5mm Round, Corrugated (White)

Tools and Supplies:
#60-230 Adhesive, Epoxy, 330
#65-040 Tool, Beading Tweezers
#82-599 Mixing Set
Non-sanded black grout for mosaics (from the craft or home improvement store)
Sponge

Designer Tips:

Plan your layout for design and fit.
Use two-part epoxy to glue the mosaic components in place. Allow to cure overnight.
Mix grout according to manufacturer's instructions. Read and follow application and clean up directions.
Apply the grout to the mosaic in a circular motion while pushing the grout into all voids.
Allow grout to set for 10 minutes, then use a slightly damp sponge to clean up excess grout and smooth the surface. Rinse sponge and repeat until clean.
Allow the grout to cure fully.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see:
Gluing Hints for Metal Findings

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

Admin Login