Sparkle + Shine with Jewelry Projects Celebrating April Birthstones

As an April baby, I’m a lover of the sparkle that comes with this month’s birthstone. Diamonds traditionally symbolize love and commitment, making them popular for wedding rings. The stone is also very hard, so their beauty lasts a long time. However, diamonds aren’t always an attainable stone for use in handmade jewelry, especially for hobbyists. Luckily, there are wonderful look-alikes in quartz, citrine, and cubic zirconia.

Set diamonds and other clear, sparkly stones in beautiful jewelry designed by some of your favorite Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist contributors. We rounded up some gorgeous rings, bracelets, and necklaces that are sure to shine no matter the stone you use. Each project is available on its own or as part of our Sparkle and Shine April Birthstone Jewelry Project Collection!

Favorite April Birthstone Jewelry Projects

Ring Around Your Wrist Bracelet

Diamonds are often associated with rings—this project gives you lots and lots of rings to wear around your wrist! Eva M. Sherman’s Ring Around Your Wrist Bracelet is formed from soldered jump rings and 14 gauge sterling wire. Sparkling tones are set artistically throughout the cuff in tube bezels, adding the perfect amount of shine to the piece. Use a rolling mill to even out all the joins and test their strength as you form the cuff shape.

Flush Setting Demystified Ring

Use shining CZs in the Flush Setting Demystified Ring by Noel Yovovich. This ring is crafted using either brass or silver before adding a stone to the center. It’s a perfect project for those looking to learn more about using small, faceted stones in classic settings. Noel teaches you how to make your own drilling jig with a pencil if you don’t already have one, so you won’t drill too much for your chosen stone.

Galaxy Gem Stone Faceting

Pay homage to Lapidary Journal’s classic 1972 Space Gem cover with Mark Oros’ Galaxy Gem Stone Faceting project. Mark uses a facet grade clear quartz and Mintabie opal to create his modern spin on Earl Montgomery’s Space Gems. Subtle differences in how the quartz is faceted will change the way the light interacts with the opal dramatically. The outcome is a beautiful, unique galaxy gem of your very own.

Sterling and Citrine Cuff

Use a natural citrine stone in Sam Patania’s Sterling and Citrine Cuff. The citrine used in this project leans towards a clearer hue compared to its usual yellow/golden color, highlighted by a simple-yet-elegant sterling silver bracelet. To strengthen where the cuff arms meet the box form, Sam recommends making a sleeve. Sam also includes seven tips for setting gems that every jewelry artist should know in the project instructions.

Etched Silver and Colorado Diamond Necklace

By combining diamonds with elements that appear a bit more rustic, you can achieve a more everyday wearable piece. The Etched Silver and Colorado Diamond Necklace, designed by Betsy Lehndorff, pairs delicate diamonds with textured silver for a unique piece. This particular necklace uses 14 diamonds from the Kelsey Lake Diamond Mine that was once open in Colorado, so the exact stones are a bit tricky to find. For a more accessible project, Betsy recommends using CZs, as they are more affordable and are still beautiful.

Celebrate the month of April with the clear, sparkling stones. The April Birthstone Jewelry Project Collection has fun projects for any jewelry artist to enjoy. Diamonds are timeless and easily add a touch of elegance to any piece they’re incorporated in, but they don’t need to be used for these projects. Feel free to swap the clear stones used in some of these projects for your own favorites! We can’t wait to see your creations.