How Do You Make Jewellery Candles?

Jewellery candles are an exciting and innovative way to combine the soothing ambience of candlelight with the thrill of discovering hidden treasures. These candles contain pieces of jewellery concealed within the wax, making them perfect gifts or personal treats. If you're interested in learning how to make your own jewellery candles, this comprehensive guide will take you through each step of the process, from selecting materials to pouring and finishing your candles.

What You Will Need

Essential Materials

1. Wax: The most common options include:

   • Soy Wax: A popular eco-friendly choice that burns cleanly and holds fragrance well.
   • Paraffin Wax: A more affordable option that’s widely used but less environmentally friendly.
   • Beeswax: A natural option that produces a lovely honey scent but is often more expensive.

2. Fragrance Oils: Select high-quality fragrance oils specifically designed for candle making. Look for scents that appeal to your audience or personal preferences.

3. Jewellery: Choose the type of jewellery you want to include (rings, earrings, bracelets, etc.). Consider using costume jewellery or inexpensive pieces to keep costs low while still providing an element of surprise.

4. Candle Containers: Glass jars, metal tins, or any heat-safe container will work. Make sure they are clean and dry before use.

5. Wicks: Use cotton or wooden wicks, ensuring they are appropriate for the size of your container. The wick size is essential for proper burning.

6. Thermometer: This will help you monitor the wax temperature during melting and pouring.

7. Double Boiler: For melting the wax. You can also use a microwave-safe container if you prefer.

8. Pouches or Wrapping: Use heat-resistant pouches to encase the jewellery, ensuring it is protected while the candle burns.

Optional Tools

• Colour Dye: If you want to add colour to your candles, you can use candle dyes specifically made for the type of wax you choose.
• Stirring Utensil: A spoon or stick for mixing fragrance oils and dyes into the melted wax.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Set up a clean and organized workspace. Cover surfaces with newspaper or a drop cloth to catch any spills. Ensure you have all your materials within reach for a smooth candle-making process. Safety is essential, so consider wearing gloves and protective eyewear, especially when handling hot wax.

Step 2: Measure and Melt the Wax

1. Measure Wax: Use a scale to measure the amount of wax you'll need based on the size of your container. A general rule is to use one pound of wax for every 16-ounce container.

2. Melt the Wax: Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the measured wax to the top pot. If you're using a microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat it in short bursts (30 seconds to 1 minute), stirring between intervals until fully melted. The ideal temperature for pouring is typically between 170°F to 180°F (77°C to 82°C).

Step 3: Add Fragrance and Color

Once the wax has melted completely:

1. Add Fragrance Oils: The typical ratio is about 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax, but check the recommendations for your specific wax type. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax.

2. Add Color: If you want to dye your candles, add candle dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Stir until the colour is fully blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Jewelry

Before pouring the wax, you need to prepare the jewellery for insertion:

1. Wrap the Jewelry: Place the jewellery piece in a heat-resistant pouch or wrap it in aluminium foil. Ensure that the pouch is securely closed so that the jewellery remains protected during the burning process.

Step 5: Attach the Wick

1. Position the Wick: Use a wick holder or a simple method like a pencil or chopstick to secure the wick in the centre of your container. If your container is small, you may need to glue the bottom of the wick to the container base using hot glue to keep it in place while pouring.

Step 6: Pour the Wax

1. Cool the Wax: Allow the melted wax to cool slightly to around 160°F (71°C) before pouring. This helps prevent the wax from damaging the pouch containing the jewellery.

2. Pour the Wax: Slowly pour the melted wax into the container, ensuring the wick stays centred. Fill the container to the desired level, leaving some space at the top.

3. Insert the Jewelry Pouch: As you pour, you can carefully lower the wrapped jewellery pouch into the wax. Make sure it sinks without disturbing the wick.

Step 7: Allow to Set

Let the candle sit undisturbed for several hours or overnight, allowing it to harden completely. Avoid moving or touching the candle during this time to prevent any imperfections.

Step 8: Trim the Wick

Once the candle has set and cooled completely, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the wax. This will ensure a clean burn when you light the candle.

Step 9: Cure the Candle

For optimal scent throw and performance, consider allowing the candle to cure for 48 hours to a week before burning. This allows the fragrance to fully integrate with the wax.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Jewelry Candle

Once your candle is cured and ready to use, light it up and enjoy the beautiful fragrance filling the room. As it burns down, the jewellery pouch will gradually become visible. When you see it, carefully remove the pouch using tweezers or tongs to avoid burns from the hot wax.

Tips for Success

• Experiment with Scents: Try different fragrance combinations to create unique candles. Blending scents can lead to delightful results.
• Test Burn: Before producing multiple candles, conduct a test burn to ensure the wick size is appropriate and the scent throw is satisfactory.
• Record Your Recipes: Keep track of your wax-to-fragrance ratios and any colour combinations you try. This will help you replicate your favourite candles in the future.
• Stay Safe: Always work in a well-ventilated area, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby when working with hot wax and open flames.

Conclusion

Making jewellery candles is a rewarding and creative process that allows you to craft beautiful, scented candles with the added excitement of discovering hidden treasures. By following these steps, you can create personalized jewellery candles that make fantastic gifts or indulgent treats for yourself. With practice and experimentation, you'll soon develop your own unique styles and techniques, making each candle a delightful experience from start to finish. So gather your materials and get ready to embark on your jewellery candle-making journey!