May 11 2007
by Damien Zielinski

Follow this easy 4-step guide to make a simple set of wire-wrapped gemstone earrings in no time!

Note that any semi-precious stones and jewellery beads can be substituted for the pink Swarovski crystals and dyed freshwater pearls used in our demo pair, and if you don’t have a set of wire cutters, nail clippers, like those in the videos, will get the job done.

Step 1

Thread the sterling silver wire through the Swarovski crystal bead and use the tip of the round-nose pliers to curl a small loop at the end. Use the wider part of the pliers to flatten and close the loop tightly. Then curl another loop at the other side of the Swarovski crystal bead, and use the pliers to hold the loop steady while you wrap the wire completely around the base of the loop with your hand. Then trim off the excess sterling silver wire with your wire cutters and nail clippers. Repeat this process twice more until you have 3 Swarovski crystals with wire loops at both ends- one small one to stop the bead from sliding off, and one slightly bigger wire-wrapped one to connect to the pearl.

Step 2

Now thread the sterling silver wire through the pearl bead and make a wide open loop so you can easily slide on the 3 Swarovksi crystal beads you prepared in Step 1. Use the pliers to hold the loop steady at the point right above the attached Swarovski crystals, and wrap wire completely around to close and fasten the loop. Trim off the excess sterling silver wire . Then slide the pearl down and make a loop at the other end. Wrap wire around to close and fasten the loop, and trim off the excess.

Step 3

Next you’ll need to thread the sterling silver wire through the last crystal bead and the loop at the top of the pearl bead. First make a broad, open loop to get the pearl connected, and then wrap the sterling silver wire around tightly to seal the loop. Trim the excess wire, and make another wire-wrapped loop at the top end of the crystal. This loop will connect the whole earring to the hook. You’re almost there!

Step 4

Earring hooks come with closed loops, so use the tip of the chain-nose pliers to open the hook’s loop. Thread the earring onto the hook, and then use the pliers to close the loop back up; for more leverage, you can use the broader part of the pliers.

You’re done! Now start again at Step 1 to make a second earring to finish the pair.