Chain, Jewelry Wire & Beads Earrings Jewelry Making Project -- Page 11

Alternative Design Continued:  

The alternative design shown at right uses the 2 inches of commercial chain on each side, the  same as our prior alternative, and uses the brace pattern with three beads from the basic design, but includes two brace components instead of just one.  The bottom of the earring is made in exactly the same manner as our basic design.  The chain segments for either side are cut to two inches long and added to either side of the bottom wire component.  The figure 8 connector is added to the top and connected to both segments of commercial chain and to the ear wire finding.  At this point you basically have a completed earring.  The final step in this alternative is to make a second brace and connect it to the chain about 3/4" above the first brace component.  The finished earring appears as shown at right. 

The beads used for this alternative were Swarovski Crystal AB beads in 4mm round and Swarovski Crystal AB Beads in 6mm round sizes.  The ear wire finding that we used was item 0117 from our Internet store.  The chain we used for these earrings was our medium, oval, gold-filled chain, Item 2892.  The wire we used was 20 gauge 1/2 hard gold-filled wire, item 3017 or alternatively item  3272.  The head pins we used were item 0270, but these very thin head pins are not recommended for beginners.  For beginners we recommend item 0069.