How Do You Make Jewellery Candles?

Creating jewellery candles is a fun and rewarding DIY project that combines the beauty of candles with the thrill of discovering a hidden treasure. Jewellery candles are popular gift items and home decor pieces, featuring a ring, necklace, or other small jewellery item hidden within the wax. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make jewellery candles at home.

What You'll Need to Make Jewelry Candles

Before you get started, gather the necessary supplies. You can find most of these at craft stores or online.

Materials:

1. Soy or paraffin wax (or a blend, depending on your preference)
2. Wicks (choose a wick suitable for your container size)
3. Heat-resistant glass jars or candle tins
4. Jewellery pieces (like rings, bracelets, earrings, or charms, wrapped in foil or a small bag)
5. Fragrance oil (optional, but a popular addition to enhance the candle)
6. Dye blocks or liquid candle dye (optional for adding colour)
7. Double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl and pot for melting wax)
8. Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature)
9. Wick holders (to keep the wick centred while pouring)
10. Glue dots or hot glue gun (optional, to secure the jewellery in place)

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Jewelry

Jewellery selection is an exciting part of making jewellery candles. You can add rings, charms, or any small, heat-resistant item that can withstand melting wax temperatures.

1. Choose jewellery pieces that are small enough to fit within the candle jar and that won’t be affected by the heat.
2. Wrap each piece of jewellery in foil or a small heat-resistant bag to protect it from the wax. This wrapping will also add to the surprise factor for whoever discovers it.

Step 2: Set Up Your Candle Jar and Wick

To start, prepare the candle jar where you’ll pour the wax and place the jewelry.

1. Attach the wick to the bottom of the jar using a glue dot or a bit of hot glue. This will keep it in place as you pour the wax.
2. Use a wick holder to keep the wick centred and upright; this will ensure an even burn and make it easier to embed the jewellery.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

In a double boiler, melt your wax to the appropriate temperature.

1. Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with water and place it on medium heat.
2. Add the wax to the top pot and allow it to melt, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer. The ideal temperature for most waxes is between 170°F and 180°F (76°C - 82°C).
3. Once the wax has melted, add dye (if desired) and stir until fully incorporated. For jewellery candles, neutral or pastel colours work well and don’t overpower the jewellery reveal.
4. Add fragrance oil if you want a scented candle, using about 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Stir thoroughly to mix the fragrance evenly.

Step 4: Pour the Wax (First Layer)

Since you’ll be embedding jewellery in the candle, it’s best to pour the wax in layers.

1. Pour a small amount of wax into the jar, just enough to cover the bottom and secure the wick in place.
2. Allow this initial layer to cool for about 10-15 minutes until it is semi-solid. This step stabilizes the wick and provides a base for the jewellery.

Step 5: Add the Jewelry

After the first layer has cooled slightly, it’s time to add the jewellery.

1. Place the wrapped jewellery on top of the solidified wax layer. Position it slightly off-centre to avoid interference with the wick, but make sure it’s not too close to the jar walls.
2. Pour another layer of wax over the jewellery, completely covering it. Pour slowly to prevent air bubbles, which could reveal the jewellery prematurely.

Step 6: Fill the Candle Jar

Continue pouring wax in layers until the candle jar is nearly full. If you want the jewellery to be found within a specific portion of the candle, vary the pour amount accordingly.

1. Allow each layer to cool slightly before pouring the next, as this helps avoid cracks or air bubbles.
2. For the final layer, fill the candle jar just below the rim, leaving some space to avoid wax overflow when the candle burns.

Step 7: Let the Candle Set

Allow your candle to cool completely, which may take several hours. For the best results, leave it to set overnight.

1. Avoid moving the candle while it’s setting to prevent cracks.
2. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch (6 mm) once the candle is fully solid. This helps with even burning and reduces soot formation.

Step 8: Add a Decorative Touch

If you want to make your jewellery candle even more special, consider adding a finishing touch.

• Labels: Add a label with a note about the hidden jewellery for a personalized touch.
• Ribbons or stickers: Wrap a ribbon around the jar or place a small sticker on the lid to make it gift-ready.
• Scent tags: If your candle is scented, add a tag indicating the fragrance to enhance its appeal.

Safety Tips for Jewelry Candles

Jewelry candles are fun, but they require safe handling. Here are some essential tips:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid putting jewellery too close to the wick or jar walls, as this could cause uneven burning or overheating of the glass.
• Use heat-resistant jewellery that won’t be affected by wax or heat.
• Let the user know about the jewelry in the candle, so they can exercise caution and enjoy the hidden treasure safely.

Choosing the Right Jewelry for Your Candle

One of the highlights of jewellery candles is the excitement of finding a hidden gem. Here are some considerations for choosing jewellery:

• Size and Material: Select jewellery pieces that fit well within the candle jar and are made of materials that can withstand candle heat. Silver, gold-plated, or stainless steel are good choices.
• Style Variety: To add an element of surprise, choose a variety of jewellery styles, from rings and necklaces to charms or earrings.
• Packaging: Wrapping the jewellery in foil or a small, heat-resistant pouch not only protects it but also keeps it from being accidentally revealed before the candle burns down.

Benefits of Making Jewelry Candles at Home

Jewellery candles are more than just a DIY project; they’re an experience in creativity and gifting. Here’s why people love making them:

1. Personalized Gifts: Jewelry candles are unique gifts that can be customized with scents, colours, and jewellery pieces to suit the recipient’s style.
2. Sense of Anticipation: There’s an element of excitement in burning the candle down to reveal the hidden jewellery.
3. Creative Outlet: Making jewellery candles is a satisfying, hands-on activity that lets you experiment with colours, scents, and decorations.

Wrapping It Up

Now that you know how to make jewellery candles, you can create your own for personal use or as thoughtful gifts. Experiment with different fragrances, dyes, and jewellery selections to customize each candle. Whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a fun surprise, a jewellery candle adds warmth and joy to any occasion.

Happy candle-making! Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of creating beautiful, treasure-filled candles.