Making earwires is fairly simple. All you need is some 20 or 21 gauge wire (I usually use sterling silver or argentium silver, but you could use any kind of metal that doesn’t make your ears itch - in the example photos, I’m using 20g copper), a small round object to use as a mandrel, round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, a rubber mallet, and files or sandpaper to smooth out the ends of the wire.
Cut two pieces of wire the same length (1 1/2-2 inches will work)
Smooth both ends of the wire using a file
Make a loop at one end of the wire using round nose pliers
Wrap the wire around a pen or chapstick, or anything about that size that is round
Curve the end of the wire (optional)
You can choose whether you want to curve the end of the wire or not, depending on the look you want. If there is excess wire, trim it off & again smooth out the end using a file or sandpaper.
If necessary, use flat nose pliers to straighten out the loop
To harden the earwire so that it will stand up to wear, place it on a hard flat surface and whack it a few times with a rubber mallet, or other no-metal hammer. (not shown)
Finished earwires, one with a curved end and one without
If necessary, polish the earwires using any method you like (polishing cloth, tumbler, etc.)
September 4th, 2008 - 11:45 am
What a great tutorial. Thanks for sharing
September 4th, 2008 - 6:20 pm
very cool tutorial!
September 4th, 2008 - 6:43 pm
Very nice tutorial with clear helpful pictures–thanks for sharing this info with everyone
September 5th, 2008 - 2:43 am
Great tutorial … especially because you’re not using anything fancy.
Too bad I’m just too lazy! *lol*
September 5th, 2008 - 5:10 am
Hi,
Found you through a Google search for copper wire. I love tutorial blogs. Will come back again to see what you are up to.
Thanks,
Lois
September 5th, 2008 - 6:21 am
thanks for all the comment love! I have a few more tutorials in the works, let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see.
September 5th, 2008 - 6:53 am
I love this tutorial! I’m only just getting into jewelry making and have been dying to make earrings (just for personal use, not business). This tutorial makes earring wire bending look so easy… But I’m sure it only looks easy because you are a jewelry master!!!
September 23rd, 2008 - 7:45 pm
What a cool tutorial, Leah. You know, I always make my earwires one at a time…never occured to me to do the pair at the same time on the mandral! LOL Nice tip.