How to Make a Fragrant Jewelry Candle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Candles have been a cherished source of light and ambience for centuries; in recent years, they’ve evolved into something even more special. Jewellery candles, for example, combine the art of candle-making with a surprise hidden treasure: a beautiful piece of jewellery that’s revealed as the wax melts. Adding fragrance to the mix enhances the experience, creating a multisensory treat. If you want to make your fragrant jewellery candles, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the following supplies:
- Soy wax (or other wax of your choice)
- Fragrance oil (choose your favourite scent)
- Candle dye (optional, for colour)
- Jewellery (wrapped securely in a heat-resistant bag)
- A glass container or jar (for your candle)
- Double boiler (or microwave-safe container)
- Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature)
- Wick (cotton or wooden wick works best)
- Hot glue gun (or wick holder)
- Stirring utensil (wooden stick or spoon)
- Pouring pitcher (for easy pouring)
- Measuring cup (for fragrance oil)
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Making candles can be messy, so make sure to protect your work surface with newspaper, wax paper, or a disposable tablecloth. Have all your materials within reach, as you’ll need them as you go along. Set up your containers and make sure you have enough space to let the candles set and cure.
Step 2: Choose Your Jewelry
The fun part about making a jewellery candle is the surprise element. Pick a small piece of jewellery that fits in your candle container and that won’t be damaged by heat. Common options are rings, earrings, or necklaces that can be wrapped in a heat-safe material like aluminium foil or a small bag designed specifically for candle-making. These bags are often made of heat-resistant polyester, and they keep the jewellery safe as the candle melts.
Step 3: Measure and Melt the Wax
Start by measuring the amount of wax you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is to fill your container with wax and then double that amount to get a rough estimate of how much wax to melt. Soy wax is a great choice for jewellery candles because it melts at a lower temperature, making it safer to use with jewellery.
To melt the wax:
- Use a double boiler or microwave to melt the wax. If using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water, place the wax in the top pot, and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
- If using a microwave, heat the wax in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each interval until the wax is fully melted.
The ideal temperature for pouring soy wax is around 140-150°F (60-65°C), so use a thermometer to monitor the temperature as it melts.
Step 4: Add Fragrance Oil and Dye
Once your wax has melted, it’s time to add fragrance oil and any colourants. The recommended amount of fragrance oil is about 1 ounce per pound of wax, but this can vary depending on the brand of fragrance oil and your scent preferences.
Add the fragrance oil to the melted wax, stirring gently for about 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s fully incorporated. If you want to add colour to your candle, now is the time to introduce dye. A few drops of candle dye will go a long way—start with a small amount and add more if you want a deeper colour.
Step 5: Attach the Wick
While your wax is cooling slightly, prepare your wick. Using a hot glue gun, attach the bottom of the wick to the centre of the jar or container where your candle will sit. Make sure the wick is secure, as this will help prevent it from shifting as the wax is poured.
You can also use a wick holder if you have one, but the hot glue method is simple and effective. Ensure that the wick is centred in the jar to ensure an even burn once the candle is lit.
Step 6: Insert the Jewelry
Now it’s time to place the jewellery inside the candle. If you’re using a heat-safe bag, place the jewellery inside and close the bag securely. Gently lower the bag into the wax container, ensuring that it’s positioned at the bottom and won’t move around when the wax is poured.
The jewellery should be placed in the centre of the candle for maximum visibility and to ensure it doesn’t touch the sides of the container. If you’re using a smaller container, you may need to adjust the placement slightly.
Step 7: Pour the Wax
Once your wax has cooled to around 130°F (54°C), it’s time to pour it into the container. Slowly and carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared jar, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Pouring too quickly or too hot can cause the wax to splatter or the jewellery bag to shift, so take your time and ensure the wax is evenly distributed.
After pouring the wax, allow it to cool for about 30 minutes before checking for any air bubbles or cracks. If you notice any imperfections, you can top off the candle with additional wax.
Step 8: Let the Candle Set
Allow your candle to set and cure for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results. During this time, the wax will harden, and the fragrance will fully bind to the wax. The jewellery will remain hidden inside, waiting to be revealed when you light the candle.
Step 9: Trim the Wick
Once the candle has fully set, it’s time to trim the wick to about ¼ inch. This will ensure a clean and even burn when you light your candle.
Step 10: Light and Enjoy
Your fragrant jewellery candle is now ready to be lit! As the candle burns, the wax will melt away, slowly revealing the hidden jewellery inside. Be sure to monitor the candle as it burns, and never leave it unattended.
Once the jewellery is exposed, carefully remove it from the wax and enjoy your beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece! It’s a fun and luxurious way to combine the soothing properties of candles with the excitement of a surprise gift.
Tips for Success
- Choose high-quality fragrance oils: Make sure you use fragrance oils specifically designed for candles, as some oils can cause issues with burning or melting.
- Use appropriate jewellery: The jewellery you choose should be heat-resistant and small enough to fit comfortably inside your container.
- Ensure proper wick size: A wick that’s too small may not burn the candle properly, while a wick that’s too large can cause excessive flickering or burn too quickly.
Conclusion
Making your fragrant jewellery candle is a fun and creative project that adds a personal touch to any space or occasion. By following this guide, you can create beautiful, scented candles with a hidden surprise, making them perfect for gifts, special events, or a little indulgence for yourself. With a little practice, you’ll be crafting custom candles in no time, each one unique and ready to unveil a beautiful piece of jewellery inside.
