Easy Ear Wires are Always an Option

No more excuses for running out of ear wires! Once you learn how easy it is to make your own, you'll never have to rely on commercial ones. Homemade ear wires add another design element to your earrings, making your creations uniquely yours. Plus, you'll always be able to finish a pair of earrings.

Ear wires can be made from any wire, but for customers with sensitive ears, stick with sterling or fine silver. Copper or bronze can cause reactions, so choose a precious metal when needed.

Use half-hard wire so your ear wires hold their shape. Soft wire, like craft wire, may be too flexible. You can strengthen ear wires by gently hammering the curve to work-harden them.

20-gauge wire is most common. 21- and 22-gauge wires can work if work-hardened. 18-gauge is possible but may be too thick for some ears.

These techniques don't require soldering just a few pliers, a wire cutter, and some household items. Once you master the basics, you can experiment with shaping and hammering. You can also work directly from your wire spool to avoid waste.

Mandrel pliers let you experiment with different ear wire shapes. Who said they have to be round? Squares, triangles, and ovals can make your earrings stand out.

Materials:

20-gauge wire

Tools:

Sharpie permanent marker or mandrel pliers

Flush cutters

Round nose pliers

Chain nose pliers OR combination pliers

Wire rounder or metal file

Step 1: Using round-nose or combination pliers, turn a small loop at the end of the wire. You don't have to cut it from the spool yet.

Step 2: Grasping the loop in your mandrel pliers, wrap the wire around the pliers. Alternately, wrap the wire around the Sharpie.

Step 3: Trim the wire. Use your round nose or combination pliers to make a slight 45 degree upward bend at the tip of the wire.

Repeat to make a second one.

Step 4: Use the wire rounder to smooth the end of the wire that will go through the ear.

Alternatively, use a metal file to smooth it.