Chain, Jewelry Wire & Gemstones Earrings Jewelry Making Project -- Page 6

Step 28:  To connect the low wall bezel findings to the body of the earrings we use 20 or 22 gauge wire to make a figure 8 connector.  The 8mm low wall bezel finding is connected using a standard figure 8 connector.  Instructions for making the standard figure 8 connector can be found here.  Use that connector to connect the 8mm low wall bezel finding to the middle loop in the bottom wire component. 

Step 29:  The connector between the 10 mm low wall bezel and the middle loop in the top wire component is a rather special variant of the figure 8 connector.  In order for the 10 mm gemstone to hang in the center of the body of the earring, you need a connector that is slightly longer than normal.  Make an open loop for the top of the connector using the technique described starting here.  From the bottom of that open loop, allow 1/8" to 3/16" of straight wire then make a second open loop at the bottom.  The finished wire component will appear as shown above-left.  Use this special figure 8 connector to connect the 10mm low wall bezel finding to the middle loop in the top wire component. 

Step 30:  Because we used 18 gauge wire for the top wire component, our lever back ear wire findings won't easily connect to the middle loop in the top wire component.  In order to connect between the lever back ear wire finding and the earring body, make a modified figure 8 connector as described here.  Use 20 or 22 gauge round wire.  The modified figure 8 connector will allow you to modify the orientation between the ear wire finding and the earrings so that the earring hangs at the angle you want.  To adjust the connector, use two pair of bent chain nose pliers and grasp each end of the connector with one pair of pliers and twist slightly as required.  This can even be done while the connector is in place on the earrings as long as you have thin jaws on your chain nose pliers.  The lever back ear wire findings that we recommend are item 0117 in gold-filled and item 0421 in sterling silver.  With gemstone earrings we really recommend these lever back ear wires because they prevent the earrings from coming off and possibly getting lost. 

Step 31:  The last step in assembling these earrings is to add the chain.  We recommend a medium size chain like our item 2606 in gold filled or item 2613 in sterling silver.  The chain is connected to the loops in the bottom wire component by open jump rings.  We made our own jump rings using 20 or 22 gauge wire.  Please select here to view our instructions for making the jump rings.  You will need to make four jump rings.  If you choose to purchase jump rings, you can purchase either size small or medium open jump rings (not soldered).  You can view our selection of jump rings here.  To connect the chain, open a jump ring, connect it to one end of the chain, then connect the jump ring to the appropriate loop in the bottom wire component and close your jump ring.  The shorter of the two chains needs to be 3 inches long.  The longer of the two chains needs to be 4 inches long.  When you have connected both ends of both chains, you are done. 

After you have completed these earrings, now you have to decide if you will take orders.  Our experience is that this design is very popular.  We think that these earrings would sell in a jewelry store for several hundred dollars.  In craft shows and other markets, we think that $70 would be appropriate.  We suggest pricing these earrings at three times the price of your materials.