revised: 96/12/26

MAKING BEADED EAR RINGS

String Of Beads
Earings made from beads can be made in several different ways:

Using Headpins:

A head pin is a thin metal rod with a cap at the base. It resembles a sewing pin that has a blunt tip. They come is several lengths and widths, and are available in base metal, silver, gold filled, and 14K gold. The base metal variety tends to be thicker then the gold filled, silver or 14K gold types.

In order to use head pins, you will need a wire cutter and a fine-tipped round nosed jeweler's pliers.

  1. Choose the type of head pin you will use.
  2. Thread some beads onto the pin - some beads (especially pearls) may need to have their holes widened using a bead reamer.
  3. Using the wire cutter, cut of excess head pin material leaving about 1/2 inch of pin.

    Placing Beads On Headpin And Trimming Pin

  4. Using tip of your round nosed pliers, bend the top head pin material perpendicular to the ear ring.
  5. Using a thicker part of your round nosed pliers, grasp the head pin near the top bead and roll the head pin into a loop. You may have to finish the loop using the fine tip of the pliers.

    Note: Making a well formed loop takes some practise, so start with the inexpensive base metal head pins and work on your technique.

    Bending Top Of Headpin and Making Loop

  6. Attach the newly formed loop to the jump ring or loop of an ear ring loop or post.

Ear Rings Using Threaded Beads - Circular and Vertical

You can make ear rings using the same stringing techniques described in this tutorials for necklaces - the endless loop, bead tips, and knotted loops or strands. Simply make your beaded strands and attach - either by jump ring or directly - to the connector hole found on all hoop type ear ring findings.

Studs

A stud is an ear ring for pierced ears that (instead of a connector hole or jump ring) has either a cup or a small post for attaching a single bead or pearl, or a cabachon (a flat piece of gem stone or mineral). To use a stud, you must obtain half-drilled beads or pearls - these are beads whose whole is drilled only half way through the bead. Simply dab a little jewelers epoxy on the tip of the post and slide the half drilled bead or pearl onto the post and seat. The epoxy will lock the bead or pearl permanently into place.

For cups, simply glue a bead or pearl in place.

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