How to Design Your Own Ring With Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a rare and relatively young stone. According to Alexandrite.net, it was only discovered about 150 years ago. Since then, it's gained popularity and gathered a number of meanings and myths. In addition to being June's birthstone, alexandrite is the stone of duality. The stone changes color from green-blue to red depending on how the light hits it, giving it double meaning in New Age circles. It means both passion and peace, high confidence and modesty. Design a homemade ring with this meaningful stone that you can wear with pride.

Instructions

1

Nip a piece of beading wire about six-inches long. This should be long enough for all but the largest rings. Place the center of the wire over the mark on your ring mandrel that matches your desired size. A ring mandrel is a tapered rod marked with ring sizes from about 3 to 13, including half-sizes.

2

Wrap the wire down around the mandrel, cross the wire under the mandrel and bring it back up around to the top. Slip your 8-millimeter round alexandrite bead onto the left side of the wire. Fold this wire down against the mandrel and slip the right side of the wire through the bead from right to left.

3

Bend the left wire around your bead to the right and the right wire around the other side to the left. Slip a 4 millimeter bead onto each of these wires. Slip the ring off your mandrel.

4

Grip the tip of one of your wires with round-nosed pliers and bend it in on itself. Continue bending the wire into a spiral. Press the spiral down against the ring band. Repeat with the other loose wire. The ring is done.