Because I am an expert jewelry designer and marketer, I am approached often by my clients about making earrings.
Whether you want to make a pair for yourself to match that perfect outfit, as a gift for a friend or to sell at a craft show - Whatever the case may be, here are a few simple steps on making earrings.
Step 1 - Pick out the Findings What component would you like to use? There are hoops, studs, hook earwires, threads and even clip ons.
I would recommend going to your local craft or bead store, or even a large chain like Michaels for the materials.
Or if you are an online enthusiast I would HIGHLY recommend the online wholesaler Firemountain Gems as they have loads of decorative earring components that are inexpensive.
If you are having trouble deciding what style you want to make, I would look through a magazine or catalogue or find a pair that you have in your jewelry box to model your pair after.
Step 2 - Make sure you have the supplies.
-2 pairs of round nose pliers (I use 2 pairs simultaneously but you can also substitute tweezers) -2 Head pins (Eye pins will work if you want to make an extra fancy drop on the bottom.
The headpins are also available decorated) -A few jumprings depending on how long you want them to dangle -Some crystals / gemstones / beads / charms (This is where you can be very creative and chose the style and color you are looking for) Step 3 - Chose the Style Earring Decorated Hoop For a first timer, I would chose the simplest which would be a decorated hoop.
You can purchase the sterling or silver plated hoop in the size you want, and then just bead the gemstones, pearls or crystals on the hoop.
Once you are finished, you just take the round nosed pliers and bend the clasp to secure the beads from sliding off.
Hoop with Charm Follow the instructions above, but you can add a charm in the middle.
If the charm does not have a ring, just use a jumpring to attach it to the hoop.
Hook Earwire with Basic Charm This is another VERY simple earring.
All you have to do is chose a small charm (you can use a stone, a charm, a crystal whatever you like).
If the charm has a ring or bale, you just hook it to the earwire.
If it does not, you will need to add a jump ring to attach the two findings.
Hook Earwire with a Decorated Dangle I prefer this style as it always fits someone's ear.
With studs, you risk the chance of the post being too short.
If you use a hook earwire, you have a couple options to work with.
You can use a headpin (decorative ones look best) and you can bead the crystals, spacers, whatever along the headpin.
Make sure you leave enough room at the top of the headpin to attach it to the ring at the bottom of the ear wire.
Once you have decorated the headpin with the design you like, then use the pliers and bend the top piece into a loop and attach it to the earwire.
Basic Stud with Drop This one is very simple as well because you can buy the stud already made with the ring along the bottom to attach the charm, crystal or headpin.
Just make sure you purchase the stud with the built in jumpring and the drop (crystal recommended) has a hoop/bale at the top that can be attached with pliers or tweezers.
Chandelier OK so this one is a bit trickier and you may want to try the basic ones first before attempting the chandelier but with some practice, you will be on your way and it can look very expensive.
All you need to do is purchase the findings of the chandelier earring that already has the rings along the bottom.
Then you take your jumpring and attach the crystals, pearls or gemstones to each individual ring making it a chandlier.
You can also get very creative and multi layer the piece creating an even more dramatic chandelier.
I hope you find these simple steps helpful and I wish you luck in designing your earrings! For more jewelry tips please visit my website below.