How Do You Put Jewelry In A Candle?

Jewellery candles have become increasingly popular for their combination of sensory enjoyment and excitement, offering not only a beautifully scented candle but also the thrill of discovering a hidden piece of jewellery inside. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want to create a personalized, meaningful gift, learning how to put jewellery in a candle can be a fun and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right materials to embedding the jewellery safely and creatively.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Candle Wax: You can use soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax depending on your preference. Soy wax is eco-friendly and burns clean, making it a popular choice.

• Wicks: Cotton wicks are the most common option. Make sure to choose a wick size that suits the candle jar or mould you plan to use.

• Jewellery: Small pieces of jewellery such as rings, necklaces, or bracelets work best. Make sure the jewellery is heat-resistant and won’t be damaged by the melted wax. It's also important to ensure the jewellery isn’t made of materials that could be harmful when exposed to heat.

• Candle Fragrance (Optional): Adding fragrance oils can enhance the sensory experience. Choose from a variety of scents, but be mindful of the strength—some oils are more potent than others.

• Candle Dye (Optional): If you want to add colour to your candle, make sure to use dye specifically made for candles, as other colourants can clog the wick or create uneven burning.

• Molds or Containers: You can use glass jars, metal tins, or silicone molds depending on the shape and size of the candle you’re making.

• Heat-Resistant Wrap (Aluminum Foil or Plastic Bag): To keep the jewellery safe and easy to retrieve, you’ll need to wrap it securely in a heat-resistant material like aluminium foil or a small plastic bag that can withstand the heat of the melted wax.

  
  

2. Choose the Right Jewelry

Not all jewellery is suitable for placing inside a candle, so you’ll need to carefully choose pieces that can withstand heat and won’t be damaged when exposed to wax. Ideal options include:

• Sterling silver or stainless steel: These materials are resistant to heat and won’t tarnish when placed inside the candle.

• Gold-plated jewellery: Gold-plated items can also work, but be cautious as the heat may affect thinner plating layers.

• Avoid delicate gemstones: Some gemstones, such as opals or pearls, can be damaged by heat, so avoid placing these inside the candle.

Once you’ve selected the jewellery, make sure it’s small enough to fit comfortably inside the candle and can be easily wrapped.

3. Prepare the Candle Mold or Container

If you're using a glass jar or metal tin for your candle, make sure it’s clean and dry before you begin. Here’s how to set up your mould or container:

1. Attach the wick: Place the wick in the centre of the mould or jar, securing it with a wick holder or by using a dab of melted wax at the base to keep it in place. You can also tape the top of the wick to a pencil or chopstick, which can be laid across the top of the mould to keep the wick centred as you pour in the wax.

2. Prepare the jewellery: Wrap the jewellery securely in aluminium foil or place it in a heat-resistant plastic bag. This will ensure that the wax doesn’t stick to the jewellery and make it easier to retrieve. Make sure the wrap is tight to prevent the jewellery from shifting around in the candle.

   
   

4. Melt the Wax

To melt the wax, use a double boiler method to avoid direct contact between the wax and the heat source, which can cause uneven melting or burning. Here’s how:

1. Set up a double boiler: Place a heat-safe bowl or pot over a pan of simmering water. The steam from the water will gently melt the wax in the bowl or pot.

2. Melt the wax: Add the wax flakes or blocks to the top part of the double boiler. Stir occasionally as the wax melts, making sure it doesn’t overheat. The ideal temperature for most waxes is around 170°F to 180°F (75°C to 80°C), but always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific wax.

3. Add fragrance (optional): If you’re using fragrance oil, add it to the melted wax once it’s fully liquefied. Use about 1 ounce of fragrance oil for every pound of wax, depending on how strong you want the scent to be. Stir well to distribute the scent evenly.

4. Add colour (optional): If you’re using candle dye, add it to the melted wax and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Remember, a little dye goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

   
   

5. Pour the Wax and Add the Jewelry

Once the wax has reached the proper temperature and is fully melted, it’s time to pour it into your mould or jar.

1. Pour the wax: Slowly and carefully pour the wax into your container, leaving about half an inch (1.25 cm) of space at the top. Be mindful of the wick as you pour, ensuring it stays in the centre.

2. Place the jewellery: When the wax has slightly cooled and started to firm up, insert the wrapped jewellery into the candle. Be careful not to place it too close to the wick, as this can interfere with how the candle burns. Ideally, place the jewellery about halfway or three-quarters down into the candle, ensuring it will be revealed only after some burning time.

3. Let the candle set: Allow the candle to cool and harden completely, which can take a few hours depending on the size of the candle and the type of wax used. Avoid moving the candle while it’s cooling to prevent any cracks or uneven surfaces.

   
   

6. Trim the Wick and Finish the Candle

Once the candle has fully hardened, trim the wick to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm). This will ensure that the candle burns evenly and doesn’t produce excess smoke. If you notice any imperfections in the surface of the candle, you can use a heat gun or hairdryer to gently melt the top layer and smooth it out.

7. Testing and Enjoying Your Jewelry Candle

Now that your jewellery candle is complete, it’s time to test it out. Light the candle, enjoy the fragrance, and wait for the wax to melt down and reveal the hidden treasure inside. Depending on the size of the candle and how often it’s burned, it may take several hours or even days before the jewellery is fully revealed.

Once the jewellery is visible, use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the foil or bag from the wax. Unwrap the jewellery and clean off any remaining wax, and you’ll have a beautiful piece of jewellery to enjoy along with the memory of the unique experience.

Conclusion

Making your jewellery candle is a fun and creative way to combine the joy of DIY crafts with the excitement of hidden surprises. By following these steps, you can create a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one or a unique decorative item for yourself. With the right materials and attention to detail, you can craft a candle that not only smells wonderful but also holds a special hidden treasure.