Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry. I was playing with some scrap wire one day.

Figure 8 Pearl Earrings

by Jill Gentry
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Wrapping
  • Skill Level: Beginner
I was playing with some scrap wire one day. The original earrings were made of two pieces of wire. I then thought it would be neat to have it all on one wire. So I set about making them and came up with these "Figure-8 Pearl Earrings."
Special Instructions: To make earrings that match perfectly, make them both at the same time, mirroring each step from one to the other.

Materials

22 Gauge Square Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-22SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 12.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $3.12
  • Gold Club Price: $2.34
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5-5.5mm Round Black Fresh Water Potato Pearl Large 1.2mm Hole - 16 Inch Strand
PRL-13
  • Lesson Quantity: 4.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.87
  • Gold Club Price: $12.65
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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Flat Nose Wire Pliers
G2-506
  • G2-506
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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3.6 Volt Automatic Wire Twister (Cordless Screwdriver)
G5-15
  • G5-15
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $42.97
  • Gold Club Price: $32.23
Out of Stock
12 Inch Stainless Steel Ruler
G7-30
  • G7-30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.23
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Marker -extra fine
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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Instructions
Step 1
Straighten, measure and cut two pieces of 22-gauge wire, each 6" long; use a pin vise or automatic wire twister and individually twist each piece. Make a small loop at the end of each piece of twisted wire, and slide one pearl onto each wire. Hold each wire with chain nose pliers immediately after the pearl, and use fingers to make a 90° bend.
Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 2
From the bend just made, measure 1¼" and mark. Use flat nose pliers to bend at this mark (about 100°), forming a Z. Slide the second pearl onto each Z wire.
Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 3
Again, use chain nose pliers to hold the wire immediately after this second pearl, and use fingers to bend the wire up and angled under the Z wire, forming an X.
Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 4
Slightly open the loop on the pearl end of the wire and attach it to the crossing Z wire; close firmly. At 1" above this junction, place second step of 6-step rounds (or similar location on round nose pliers) and use them to make a bend, heading the wire end back toward the bottom pearl. Trim this end if necessary, so that when another small loop is made at this end, it will attach immediately next to the first pearl.
Jill Gentry's Figure 8 Pearl Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 5
Attach your favorite purchased ear wires, or make them yourself (sample made using ear wires from Beginner Series DVD #3. )