A Guide to Earring Findings

22/01/2018 0 Comment(s) Introduction to Beading for beginners, Tutorials and Mini-Makes,

There are many variations of earring Findings from ear studs to chandelier ear wires. With these ready made findings its quick and easy to create a fabulous earring design. You can even create your own ear wires using our tutorial to make a simple fish hook ear wire. I have listed some of the common earring findings below and how these are best used to make the most of your Jewellery Designs.

Flat Pad Ear Studs

Use these ear studs to create a simple pair of earrings with flat back gems and cabochons. Sand the ear studs surface before glueing to slightly roughen it, this will make the glue stick more easily. The best type of glue to use for these ear studs in an epoxy resin glue. Stick the posts on a piece of Blue tack whilst they are drying to ensure a clean and neat finish.

Used to attach flatback cabochons and diamantes.
Attach components using an epoxy resin glue.
Requires butterfly backing to stay in place.

Chandelier Earwires

Create a cluster effect using these chandelier ear wires with their multi strand connectors. Each chandelier consists of a fish hook earring which has a ring that hangs down from it and has been soldered with several smaller closed rings. These closed rings enable you to attach beads and small charms to create elegant and striking designs which are often very dramatic looking.

Use head pins and Jump Rings to attach small beads and charms.
Create a cluster effect in your earrings design.
Ideal for long crystal earrings.
Gives your earrings a chandelier Shape.

Kidney Earwires

These ear wires are in a kidney shape with a hook that latches them completely shut. The open ring enables you to change the components easily to refresh your earring designs. No butterfly backing is required so they can cause less irritation to your skin. They can give your design an elegant length and look perfect showing off one beautiful bead or charm for a simple piece of jewellery.

Secure earwire, shuts completely.
Ear wires have a kidney shape.
Ring is open for a changeable design.
Adds length to your earrings.

Leverback Earwires

Make your earrings extra secure with these leverback ear wires which feature a hinge that snaps firmly in place. They are easy to use and their fastening means you won’t lose any components. Each ear wire has a slight curvature which sits comfortably on the ear lobes. Most leverback ear wires have a loop hole to attach beads or charms easily.

Secure hinge fastening.
Ideal for heavier earring designs.
Practical and elegant.

Fish hook ear wires

There are many varieties of the fish hook ear wire and it is the most popular earring finding. They are a simple ear wire that is curved and finished with a simple loop making it easy to attach your beads and charms. These ear wires can be found in various metals to suit your design and finished with either a loop or a bail. Once you attach your beads they will drop down ensuring your design stays in one piece. You can make your own fish hook earrings with craft wires using our tutorial.

Earring stays in one piece.
Simple and versatile component.
Many varieties and materials available.

Top tips on choosing your ear wires

The type of earring finding you choose depends on the jewellery design you are creating. Fish hook wires are the most popular ear wire for drop earrings and they are usually the best value for money.

Check the weight of the materials you are using. Heavier components and beads will require a stronger ear wire such as a leverback.
If you are creating a simple drop design, use a kidney or a leverback ear wire. This type is perfect when you are only using one bead or charm per earring.
Always use the correct jewellery Pliers to attach your components and open the rings to the side to avoid misshaping.
Attach rubber stops to the end of fish hook wires to avoid losing an earring and keep it in place on your ear lobes.
Remember its easy and quick to make your own ear wires for a personalized touch. Use coloured craft wire to make a statement!

Learn how to create your own fish hook earwires using craft wire here.