Jump Rings in Jewelry, More than Just a Connection

Mallory Marks bracelet at Twist

When you think of jump rings most people think of connecting a pendant, clasp or two components together. They can be used for many more purposes than just connecting, even being the focal design element. This playful bracelet by Mallory Marks is entirely made from rings embellished with floating gem stones.

Bella Luna Design on Etsy

unknown

When using jump rings as only part of the focal point, design styles can vary. For an example of a simpler look this Bella Luna Bracelet uses three jump rings just slightly enhancing the forged links with out over powering them. The use of chain maille, from this unknown designer, connects the forged links with a bit more flare. You can learn to make braclets like these in unit 4 of Sheffield's jewelry design course.

Bracelet by Nancye Church

Love the way Nancye Church broke up this bracelet by using over sized rings with texture in contrast with the straight bangle bracelet as its focal point.

Earrings by Additions Style

Earrings by Eni Oken

Adding texture to the jump rings will also bring them to the forefront no matter what size. Connecting multiple rings with smaller jump rings or wire wrapping them together always produces a great look. Such as these earrings by Additions Style on Etsy and Eni Oken.

Mallory Marks earrings

These Mallory Marks earrings place the stones where the rings are connected holding them with formal structure. The rings would look spectacular even without the added sparkle of gem stones, but the uniform placement of the stones creates an elegant look for a dressier pair of earrings.

If you're interested in learning more about jewelry design, we encourage you to explore the Sheffield School, New York, NY. Sheffield began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng Shui, Wedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

Request a free Sheffield School catalog describing our distance education courses.

Subscribe to the Sheffield Designer newsletter.

Olivia Monti - Madrid Jewelry Designer's Love Affair with Ceramics

Klimt02 is a website that provides an international forum for contemporary jewelry in a creative space that offers knowledge, information, debates, and exchanges - all within the artistic realm of jewelry. Based in Barcelona, Spain, Kilmt02 inspires everyone interested in the selection, quality, art, technology, and creation of art jewelry. Sheffield School has kindly been given permission to share works of global designers here on our website. This week's focus in on a Madrid designer's fascination with ceramics and sculptural forms in her sublime work. 

Olivia Monti 

 
Olivia Monti
Necklace: Chainmaille black and white
Colored porcelain, silver closure

Olivia Monti
Bracelet: Lace
Porcelain, silver rings

Olivia Monti
Earrings: Cherry 2010
Coloured porcelain, silver fittings

Click to read more ...

Sparkles Aplenty - Some of Our Favorite Wedding Jewelry

Going over to our friends at 100 Layer Cake, the wedding and events inspiration website and blog, we discovered some beautiful wedding jewelry that we wanted to pass along to you. Click on each piece for more information, and explore the opportunity to add more bling to your special event. (Note that some of these items could be worn on and adapted to non-wedding occasions, too.) These are all items found in the Cake's Marketplace shop, and they're usually once-used or never-used items being sold from people all over the world. There are bargains to be found!
 

 

 

 

Click to read more ...

Jewelry Love: 8 Luxe Designer Looks

Irene Neuwirth: Mint Chrysoprase Teardrop Earrings with Pave Diamonds, Yellow Gold

Luxe jewelry will always keep its special appeal. There's an extra dollop of dreaminess when you tie incredible contemporary designers with sumptuous materials, precious stones and metals. We've selected 8 haute designs that make us swoon for more. Click on each image to check the price tag (expect some sticker shock, but some will surprise you as very reasonable) - and tell us which one you're crushing on.

Roberto Coin: Octopus Ring, Rose Gold with Black Sapphires and Diamonds

Nak Armstrong: Mixed Gold Tourmaline Mosaic Drop Earrings

Diamond In the Rough: Embrace Rough Diamond Engagement Ring

Click to read more ...

Jewelry Alert - 3 Royal Bracelets

Do you love jewelry? What if money were no object? Royal families throughout history have indulged in royal jewels, and we were recently fascinated with 3 examples of bracelets that show a diversity of design and sensibilities.

Queen Victoria

This popular British queen was widely copied when she began wearing charm bracelets. Most of her charms were gold, and many were lockets that contained pictures of other members of the royal family and a lock of their hair.

Queen Elizabeth

Even though a traditional fifth anniversary present is wood or silverware, if you're the queen of England, your husband might give you a bracelet he personally designed. This bracelet was Prince Phillip's fifth anniversary present to Elizabeth. The gold bracelet consists of intertwining E's and P's and other meaningful ornaments are crafted from sapphires, diamonds, and rubies. 

Click to read more ...