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How to make some pearl earring jackets to add some elegance to your stud earrings
I love a stud earring, but sometimes I feel like I need some extra elegance in my outfit… in comes, the earring jacket. This simple and elegant pearl earring jacket can be added to any of your studs to turn them into stunning drop earrings. A versatile way to make your existing earring collection work even harder. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your own pearl earring jackets.
1: Two pieces of 0.8mm sterling silver wire cut to length. I made mine about 5cm long. You can make yours longer or shorter depending on how dramatic you want your look!
You can get some here:
2: Two pearl beads (or any other statement bead of your choice).
You can get some here:
3: A pair of earrings. I used the earrings I made in this tutorial.
If you aren’t up for making your own, you can get some here:
4: A hammer.
If you don’t have an ordinary hammer at home, you can get a jewelry hammer here:
5: A steel hammering block.
You can get one here:
6: Flat nose or Parallel pliers.
You can get some flat nose pliers here:
You can get some here:
7: Round nose pliers.
You can get some here:
8: A file and sandpaper.
You can get a file here:
Follow these steps to make your pearl earring jackets.
1: File the ends of the wire to smooth them out, then use sandpaper to make sure they aren’t too sharp.
2: Put the wires on the hammering block and hammer the ends flat. Make the ends wide enough to stop the bead from sliding off.
3: Use the flat nose or parallel pliers to gently straighten the wire if it is curved like mine. You can achieve this by gently squeezing the wire between the jaws of the pliers.
4: Add the pearl beads to each of the wires.
5: Create a right angle on the ends of the wires using the flat nose or parallel pliers.
6: Curl this bent portion of the wire into a loop using the round nose pliers.
7: Once each earring jacket has been looped, they are ready to attach to your earrings, do this by sliding the studs through your piercings and then adding the jacket to the post at the back before adding the earring backs.
Here’s how the finished earring jackets look with the pearl studs! How cool?!
If you like this tutorial, here are some other earring jacket tutorials you can follow:
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Here’s how to assemble a pair of pearl stud earrings!
Have you ever wanted a pair of pearl earrings, but been curious wether you could make them yourself? Well look no further than this tutorial. We’ve got all the steps to show you how to make your own pair of pearl studs. So cute and elegant. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your pearl earrings:
1: A pair of half-drilled pearls.
2: A pair of sterling silver pearl post studs. I had flat pearls so I used a flat post, but if your pearls are more rounded, I recommend using a cup stud finding. If you want to be extra fancy, you can also buy posts made in solid gold.
You can get some pearls here:
I used these ones:
You can get some similar ones here:
3: Two part epoxy glue. I used Araldite but you can use other brands too.
You can get some here:
4: A piece of scrap wire or something thin for applying the glue.
5: A scrap piece of paper.
6: A skewer or paddle-pop stick for mixing the glue.
You can get skewers here:
7: A pair of earring backs.
You can get some here:
Follow these steps to construct your very own pair of pearl stud earrings:
1: Squeeze the glue out in equal parts onto the scrap piece of paper.
2: Mix the glue using the skewer. You will need to work quickly once your glue is mixed to ensure the glue holds well.
3: Using the thin wire, apply a small amount of glue to each of the pearl posts and the holes in each of the pearls.
4: Place the pearls on the posts and wipe up excess glue
5: Set the earrings aside to dry.
Once the glue is set, and you have added your earring backs, your new pearl stud earrings are ready to wear! A gorgeous and simple DIY that you can do in an afternoon. Here’s what the finished product looks like. Simple and lovely.
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Got two bracelets but want a necklace? Here’s how to convert what you’ve got into something new!
This is a simple tutorial that shows you how to turn two existing bracelets into a choker-length necklace! What a fun way to make your jewellery collection more versatile. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your necklace:
1: Two bracelets, make sure they are long enough when clipped together to fit around your neck. I used a silver chain bracelet and a beaded bracelet.
Here are some silver bracelet options you can buy:
Here are some pre-made options you can buy:
and if you feel like making your own, you can follow this tutorial.
2: A charm, this is optional but you can clip a charm on for extra personality. I used this copper electroformed tiger’s eye pendant.
You can get a tiger’s eye charm here:
Follow these steps to make your necklace out of bracelets:
1: Unclip the ends of your bracelet.
2: Latch one of the bracelet clasps to the other end of the other bracelet, you will have a long strand now.
3: If you are adding a charm, slip it onto the clasp at the other end of the strand you just made.
4: Clip the ends of the strand together to form a choker, you can wear it with the charm at the front like this or without the charm for a mixed material effect.
Here’s what it looks like on
And here’s what it looks like without the charm.
What bracelets will you use to make your choker necklace?
If you love using your existing jewellery to make something new, here’s another tutorial for you:
- Turn an old ring into a pendant here and here
- This tutorial shows you how to swap earring hooks for charm connector studs to transform your earrings
- This tutorial shows you how to turn an old jar into jewellery storage
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I keep hearing that chunky chain necklaces are trendy right now… here’s how to make a gold chunky chain necklace that makes a statement.
Here’s how to make a necklace strand for your cute beaded person charm…
Here’s a cool way to use glass charms in your jewelry, a simple pendant necklace!
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How to make some gorgeous chain earrings from scratch!
Have you ever wanted to make your own chain? This lovely earring tutorial shows you how to make your own simple chains from scratch and turn them into a stunning pair of earrings. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which the website might receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials:
1: Two earring posts with charm connectors on them. I used sterling silver ball post findings.
2: Two large jump rings. I used sterling silver.
3: Sixteen smaller jump rings. Mine were made from sterling silver.
4: A pair of drilled gemstone beads. You want beads that are drilled through the top rather than the middle like a typical bead. I used some greenstone disk beads.
5: Pliers. I used my flat nose and parallel pliers to open and close all the jump rings.
Follow these steps to make your gorgeous chain drop earrings:
1: Add one of the large jump rings to each of the beads, use your pliers to open and close them making sure to get the ends close together so that your bead doesn’t fall off.
This picture shows one jump ring in place and the other attached to the bead but not yet closed. 
Both of the beads with closed jump rings in place 2: Start adding some of the smaller jump rings together to form a chain. Do this by sliding a jump ring though a closed one, then closing the next one using your flat nosed pliers. You can see this in the pictures where I join two jump rings together. Create 2 chains that are 8 jump rings long, one for each earring.
The full chain formed with one jump ring left open at the end ready to attach to the bead. 3: Attach the chain to the jump ring attached to the bead, closing it carefully with pliers.
4: Attach the chain to the earring post by opening one of the jump rings at sliding it onto the charm connector, close the jump ring again to secure it.
5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the second earring to finish them off.
Now you have a gorgeous pair of earrings featuring a handmade chain detail. How special is that? Below are some pictures of the finished product!
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Here’s how to make your own Shepard hook earring findings using a wig-a-ma-jig!
I’ve already shown you how to make your own earring findings, here and here. But I haven’t shown you a way to make more traditional earring hooks from scratch. These simple Shepard hook earrings findings are made using some 0.8mm thick wire and a special contraption designed for wire-work called a ‘Wig-a-ma-jig’! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your Shepard hook earring findings:
1: Some cutting pliers to cut your wire to length and trim any excess.
2: A pair of flat nose pliers to do some extra shaping to your earring hooks if required.
3: A Wig-a-ma-jig tool with pegs to create the shape for your earring hooks.
4: A needle file for smoothing the ends of your earrings, some sandpaper can be useful for getting a smooth finish as well.
5: Some wire. I used some copper wire in this demonstration but I suggest using sterling silver wire as it is a more suitable material for sensitive piercings. I used two pieces of copper wire about 0.8mm in diameter and about 8-10cm long. You will have some excess at the end that you will need to trim.
Follow these steps to make your earring hooks:
1: Arrange the Wig-a-ma-jig pins in the following formation, this will form the shape of your earring. The first peg is the bottom loop of the earring hook, the large top peg forms the arch of the earring and the last peg helps make the ‘kick’ at the end of the earring where it goes through your piercing.
2: Place the wire between the first two pegs as indicated in the picture below.
3: Take the long end of the wire and shape it around the large peg to form an arch
4: Loop the short end of the wire around the first smaller peg to form a circle shape, there will be some overlap at the end of the wire.
5: Kink the end of the wire underneath the last peg, there will be a lot of excess wire that will be trimmed later. You can see this pictured in the image above.
6: Take the wire shape off of the pegs. Do this carefully so as not to bend it out of the shape you just made.
7: Use the cutting pliers to trim the excess wire from the end of the earring and the loop overlap.
8: File the ends you just trimmed so they are smooth and won’t poke anyone wearing your earrings.
9: Repeat steps 2-8 for the second earring ensuring that the match.
Here’s my second earring on the jig 
Once I had both earrings made, I did some small adjustments on them using my flat nose pliers to make sure they sat flat and were a nice shape, once I was happy with how they looked, these new earring findings were ready to use in a new earring creation! Below is a picture of the finished set of earring hooks.
Making your own jewellery findings is a great way to elevate your jewelry designs and have them feel even more unique and special. What will you attach to your hand made Shepard hook earring findings?
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Here’s how to add a clasp to any charm to make it a clip on charm!
I like to switch my jewellery around, adding charms to different chains to suit my needs. For this tutorial, I’ll show you how to attach a charm to a bolt ring clasp so that you can clip it easily to another charm, chain, bracelet or earring depending on your desires! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make your clip on charm:
1: A bolt ring clasp. I used one made from sterling silver to match my charm.
2: A charm. I used this sun charm that was a gift from my grandmother.
3: An existing necklace, bracelet or earring. I attached my charm to this snake chain necklace with a fluorite and silver charm.
4: A pair of flat nose pliers for closing the clasp.
Follow these steps to create your clip on charm:
1: Slide the charm onto the open ring at the bottom of the bolt ring clasp.
2: Close the ring using the flat nose pliers.
3: Now you can attach your charm to any piece you like. Here’s mine attached to the fluorite charm and to the chain. How great to add some versatility to your jewelry collection?!
Opening the clasp to attach it to the necklace. 
Here is the charm clipped to the fluorite charm. 
Here’s the charm attached to the snake chain. A note for future posts, I will be posting monthly for the foreseeable future. I hope you continue to enjoy my tutorials.
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Tips to elevate your handmade pieces!
I love jewelry, I love looking at it, I love making it, and I love wearing it. But there are some parts of jewelry that I don’t love. I can’t stand it when a piece is uncomfortable and scratchy to wear, and I also can’t stand poorly constructed jewelry that looks like it will fall apart after two wears, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some things to look out for so that you always make strong, comfortable jewels that you will enjoy for years to come.
Here are my tips for making long-lasting, professional looking and comfortable jewelry:
1: Make sure you tuck away the ends of the tiger-tail wire. I usually achieve this by running the wire through a few of the beads at each end of my beaded designs so that it doesn’t poke out. You can also use a crimp cover which covers any sharp ends of the wire. You can see some examples below.
Look at the ends of this beaded strand, the ends of the wire are hidden under the beads. Follow the tutorial for this necklace here. 
The crimp cover on this earring charm protects you from being scratched by the wire. Tutorial for these earrings here. 2: Avoid using elastic in your designs. Elastic might be easy to put on and take off (and in some cases, is the only appropriate option in terms of accessibility). Unfortunately, this accessibility comes with a trade off, elastic tends to wear out quickly, and you can find your beautiful bracelet scattered all over the floor at the most inopportune moment. I suggest making your beaded jewels with nylon beading thread or tiger-tail wire for a longer life span. I’ve got a post about the pros and cons of different beading materials here.
Here’s a bracelet I found a while ago that was made from elastic. Unfortunately it had broken and been lost to its original owner! 
I’m yet to experience any of my tiger-tail beaded pieces breaking on me, I suggest choosing it if you are looking for durability in your designs. Full tutorial here. 3: Pull your wire tight at each end of your beaded pieces. I’ve noticed with the trend towards beaded jewelry in recent years, beaded tiger-tail necklaces are being sold with large loops at each end. This loose loop can catch on things and lead to breakages. I also personally think it looks sloppy and makes your work seem less polished.
I think this anklet with tightly finished ends looks a lot neater than a loosely looped wire. You can follow the steps to make your own anklet here. 
Don’t leave big loops like this on your jewelry pieces, they can catch on things and don’t look as polished. 4: Try to use precious metals! I spent a long time making jewelry using findings made from base metals. While these materials are cheaper and great for when you’re starting out, I think investing in fine metals such as sterling silver, is a great way to elevate your designs and make them seem more polished and professional.
A sterling silver clasp elevates this beaded bracelet. You can see the tutorial for this bracelet here. 
Sterling silver wire goes a long way! Some silver wire can be transformed into many sleek, minimalist jewellery designs with minimal effort. Tutorial to make these here. Here are some sterling silver materials you can buy and use in your designs:
5: I don’t always follow my own advice, but when you are making beaded pieces with pearls, it can pay to spend some extra time knotting your beading thread between each pearl. This technique not only protects the pearls, it also stops you from losing them all in the case of a breakage! I have’t made a pearl knotting tutorial yet, but I think there will be one on the way soon so keep an eye out.
This pearl bracelet features individually knotted pearls. So there you have it, a few tips and tricks to elevate your jewelry making to that next level! Please note that this post contains affiliate links.
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Do you love simple earrings made from fine materials? Here’s how to make a pair of hammer detail threader earrings!
I find it very satisfying to make my own jewellery using precious metals! This tutorial shows you how to turn some sterling silver wire into a gorgeous pair of threader earrings with a hammered detail at the front! This tutorial will outline all the tools you’ll need to make your earrings, as well as all the steps to follow to create your own special pair. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make these earrings:
1: Two pieces of silver wire, each about 5cm long.
2: A steel hammering block.
3: A hammer. I used a jewellery hammer, but if you don’t have one, you can make use of a small household hammer.
4: Some cutting pliers to cut the wire to length.
5: Your flat nose pliers to straighten out the wire.
6: A pen or something round to use to shape your earrings.
7: A piece of sticky tape.
8: A file or sandpaper to smooth the ends of the wire. I used both to make sure my earrings weren’t too sharp.
Follow these steps to make your wire threader earrings with a hammer detail:
1: If your wire has any kinks, straighten the pieces out by gently squeezing them with your flat nose pliers. In this instance, it is better to use flat nose pliers that don’t have any texture on them.
2: Check that your pieces of wire are the same length. Trim accordingly to make sure they are equal using your cutting pliers.
3: Hold the wires on the steel block and hammer the ends until you have a texture you like.
Here are the hammered wires, the hammering is quite subtle. 4: Take the hammered wires, holding them together so that they are equal, and tape them to the pen or other round thing you are using to make the earring shape.
5: Gently bend the wires around the pen to form a curved arch shape.
6: Remove the tape and take the earrings off the pen. You can shape the earrings a bit more by squeezing the ends together gently.
7: File the ends of the earrings with the file and sandpaper to make sure that there are no sharp ends.
The earrings before the ends are filed and sanded. 
The earrings after filing and sanding. Now your earrings are complete and ready to wear! So cute! Here are some pics of the final product 🙂
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How to make textured arch threader earrings
Here’s how to add some extra flare to your threader earrings… add some texture! Use a hammer to add some glittery facets to your wire threader earrings.
You will need the following tools and materials to make your earrings:
1: Cutting pliers to cut your wire to length.
2: Two pieces of wire. I used some sterling silver wire approximately 4.5cm long.
3: A steel block.
4: A hammer.
5: A file.
6: Tape.
7: A pen or something else that is round to shape your wire around.
Follow these steps to make your textured wire threader earrings:
1: Hammer the wire so that it is textured on all surfaces. Do this by hitting the wire lightly with the edge of the hammer.
2: Once both pieces are textured line them up and tape them to the pen.
3: Bend the wire around the pen to form a curved arch shape.
4: Take the wire off the pen.
5: File the ends of the wire until they are smooth.
Once your earrings are filed they are ready to wear! How cute are these little arch threader earrings?!
