How To Make a Surprise Jewellery Candle (Step-by-Step Guide)

Surprise jewellery candles have become one of the most exciting trends in the candle and gift industry. They combine the relaxing glow and fragrance of a scented candle with the thrill of discovering a hidden piece of jewellery inside. Whether you want to create a unique handmade gift, start a small business, or simply enjoy a fun DIY project, learning how to make a surprise jewellery candle is easier than you might think.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know—from choosing materials and safely wrapping jewellery to pouring wax, scenting your candle, and revealing the surprise.

What Is a Surprise Jewellery Candle?

A surprise jewellery candle is a scented candle that contains a hidden piece of jewellery—such as a ring, necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings—embedded inside the wax. As the candle burns, the wax melts down and eventually reveals the surprise.

These candles are popular for:

• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Valentine’s Day
• Mother’s Day
• Weddings and bridal showers
• Luxury gifting

The excitement comes from not knowing exactly what jewellery is inside until the candle burns.

Why Make Your Own Jewellery Candle?

Making your own surprise jewellery candle has several advantages:

1. Customisation – Choose your own scents, colours, containers, and jewellery.
2. Cost-Effective – DIY candles are often cheaper than store-bought luxury versions.
3. Creative Freedom – Match themes like romantic, minimalist, or festive.
4. Business Opportunity – Handmade jewellery and candles are great for selling online or at craft fairs.
5. Meaningful Gifts – A handmade candle feels personal and thoughtful.

Safety First: Important Considerations

Before starting, safety is essential when working with hot wax and embedded items.

• Never place jewellery directly against the wick.
• Always wrap jewellery securely in heat-resistant materials.
• Ensure jewellery is positioned far enough from the flame.
• Use candle-safe containers that can handle heat.

When done correctly, surprise jewellery candles are perfectly safe and enjoyable.

Supplies You’ll Need

Candle-Making Materials

• Soy wax flakes (recommended) or paraffin wax
• Candle container (glass jar, tin, or ceramic)
• Candle wick (cotton or wood wick)
• Wick sticker or hot glue
• Double boiler or heat-safe pouring pitcher
• Thermometer
• Stirring utensil
• Candle dye (optional)
• Fragrance oil or essential oil

Jewellery & Wrapping Materials

• Jewellery item (ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings)
• Aluminum foil
• Heat-resistant plastic wrap or shrink wrap
• Small plastic bag or wax paper (optional)

Tools & Extras

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Paper towels
• Label and packaging materials

Step 1: Choose the Right Wax

The wax you choose affects burn quality, scent throw, and safety.

Best Wax Options

Soy Wax (Recommended)

• Clean-burning and eco-friendly
• Lower melting point (safer for jewellery candles)
• Great scent throw
• Easy to work with

Paraffin Wax

• Strong scent throw
• Higher melting point
• Less eco-friendly

Beeswax

• Natural and long-lasting
• More expensive
• Less fragrance throw

👉 Soy wax is the best choice for beginners and surprise jewellery candles.

Step 2: Select a Suitable Container

Your container must be:

• Heat-resistant
• Non-flammable
• Wide enough to allow safe jewellery placement

Popular choices include:

• Glass jars
• Mason jars
• Metal tins
• Ceramic candle vessels

Avoid thin glass or decorative containers not designed for candles.

Step 3: Prepare and Wrap the Jewellery

This step is critical for safety and quality.

How to Wrap Jewellery Properly

1. Place the jewellery in a small heat-resistant plastic bag or wrap.
2. Wrap it tightly with aluminium foil (2–3 layers).
3. Make sure all edges are sealed.
4. Shape it into a compact bundle.

Why wrapping matters:

• Protects jewellery from wax damage
• Prevents wax from sticking
• Adds a safety barrier from heat

Never leave jewellery unwrapped inside a candle.

Step 4: Secure the Wick

1. Attach the wick to the centre of the container using a wick sticker or hot glue.
2. Keep the wick straight by securing it with a wick holder or placing a stick across the top.

A centred wick ensures even burning and a safe jewellery reveal.

Step 5: Melt the Wax

1. Add wax flakes to a double boiler or pouring pitcher.
2. Heat slowly until fully melted.
3. Monitor the temperature using a thermometer.

For soy wax, melt to 170–180°F (77–82°C).

Never leave melting wax unattended.

Step 6: Add Fragrance and Colour

Adding Fragrance

• Remove wax from the heat.
• Allow it to cool slightly to around 160–165°F (71–74°C).
• Add fragrance oil (typically 6–10% of wax weight).
• Stir gently for 1–2 minutes.

Adding Colour (Optional)

• Add candle dye gradually.
• Stir until evenly mixed.
• Test colour by dripping wax onto paper.

Popular scents for jewellery candles:

• Vanilla
• Lavender
• Rose
• Amber
• Jasmine
• Sandalwood

Step 7: Pour the First Wax Layer

1. Pour wax into the container until it’s about halfway full.
2. Let it cool slightly until the surface is thick but not fully solid.

This base layer helps position the jewellery safely.

Step 8: Place the Jewellery Inside

1. Use tweezers to place the wrapped jewellery into the wax gently.
2. Position it away from the wick, closer to the side of the container.
3. Press lightly so it stays in place.

The jewellery should be placed low enough to be revealed only after several hours of burning.

Step 9: Pour the Final Wax Layer

1. Slowly pour the remaining wax over the jewellery.
2. Leave about ½ inch of space at the top.
3. Let the candle cool undisturbed at room temperature.

Avoid moving the candle while it sets to prevent cracks or uneven surfaces.

Step 10: Cure the Candle

Curing improves scent throw and burn quality.

• Allow the candle to cure for 24–72 hours (soy wax).
• Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before use.

A longer curing time (up to 7 days) yields even better results.

Step 11: Label and Package the Candle

Your label should include:

• Candle scent
• Burn instructions
• Jewellery surprise notice
• Safety warnings

Example warning:

“Burn candle until foil package appears. Remove carefully with tweezers.”

Packaging ideas:

• Gift boxes
• Ribbon or twine
• Branded stickers
• Thank-you cards

How to Reveal the Jewellery Safely

When the candle is burning:

1. Stop burning once the foil package becomes visible.
2. Allow wax to cool slightly.
3. Use tweezers or a spoon to remove the wrapped jewellery.
4. Let it cool completely before unwrapping.

Never reach into hot wax with bare hands.

Jewellery Ideas for Surprise Candles

You can include:

• Rings (adjustable sizes work best)
• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Charms

For business owners, consider:

• Tiered value jewellery (standard, premium, luxury)
• Mystery designs
• Birthstone jewelry
• Zodiac-themed pieces

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Placing jewellery too close to the wick
• Skipping proper wrapping
• Using containers not designed for candles
• Adding fragrance at the wrong temperature
• Burning a candle until empty

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a safe and professional-quality candle.

Can You Sell Surprise Jewellery Candles?

Yes! Surprise jewellery candles are a popular handmade product.

Tips for selling:

• Follow local candle safety regulations
• Test burn every candle design
• Clearly disclose jewellery placement
• Use high-quality packaging
• Build trust with transparent pricing

They sell well on:

• Etsy
• Shopify stores
• Craft fairs
• Gift shops
• Social media marketplaces

Final Thoughts

Making a surprise jewellery candle is a fun, rewarding, and creative process. With the right materials, proper safety steps, and attention to detail, you can create a candle that delivers relaxation, beauty, and excitement all in one.