Project time does not include neither the time to bake nor cool the cupcakes. Project time does not include the time for fondant projects to dry. Note: to make gum paste, break about 1/4 teaspoon of Ready-To-Use Gum Paste into very small pieces. Dissolve pieces in about 1 tablespoon water. Let rest about 1 hour. Mixture will be ready to use even if some pieces have not dissolved.

Make rings two days in advance. Tint 6 ounce fondant Gray. Knead 1/2 teaspoon of Gum-Tex into Gray fondant. Use gum paste mold to mold mesh, chain link or square chain border to make 24 bands. Unmold according to package directions. For mesh border, use ruler and fondant trimmer to cut only two rows of dots. For each ring, use trimmer to cut, 2-3/4 inch long. Use cornstarch-dusted dowel rod to wrap rings around. Use lightly dampened brush to secure ends together. Lightly press together and flatten slightly where gem will sit. Keep flat to dry overnight. For gem backs, use gray fondant and jewelry fondant and gum paste mold to make eight of each ring setting. Unmold according to package directions. Let dry overnight. For gems, reserve some White, then tint 3/8 inch ball of fondant each Kelly Green, Royal Blue, Red, Sky Blue, Rose, Topaz, Violet and Peridot. Use jewelry fondant and gum paste mold to make eight each round, square and gems. Unmold according to package directions. Let dry overnight.

Assemble rings one day in advance. Use Silver pearl dust/lemon extract mixture and brush to paint all rings and settings. Once dry, brush with dry Silver pearl dust. Use matching color pearl dust/lemon extract mixture and brush to paint all gems. For light colored gems, brush with White Pearl Dust. Prepare gum glue adhesive following recipe directions. Use brush and gum glue adhesive to attach gems to backs and then backs to band. Let dry overnight.

Prepare cupcake batter following recipe directions. Bake and cool cupcakes. Prepare buttercream icing following recipe directions. Use spatula and icing to ice tops of cupcakes smooth.

Press rings in center of cupcakes. Place cupcakes on stand.