Home / Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques / Making Matching Freeform Earrings

Making Matching Freeform Earrings

by Dale Armstrong
Question;

I have been doing some freeform wired earrings lately. I have tons of fun with the first one and always agonize over getting the second one to match! Is that just the nature of the beast when doing freeform work, or is there a trick I'm not aware of? Also, is 20-gauge the best for earring wires?

-Val in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin
Instructions
Answer:

Making your own ear wires is an essential skill for wire artists. On uninspired days, you can make a large batch in your preferred metals and still count it as productive work!

"Freeform" means an asymmetrical shape or design that doesn't follow conventional composition rules. By definition, a freeform pair won't match perfectly if they did, they wouldn't be freeform but symmetrical.

The best way to make earrings match is to work on both at the same time, doing one or two steps on one, then the other, until finished. Freeform earrings are harder to match, but that's the beauty of the style. It challenges your skills, especially when making mirror images.

If earrings are labeled freeform, it lets customers know they won't match exactly. Plus, earrings are worn on different sides of the head, so both aren't fully visible at once.

Wire gauge choice depends on you and your customer. Most traditional designers use 21-gauge, but you can offer both 20 and 21-gauge options for different piercing sizes.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

Wire
Shop Now
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
  • G2-503
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): Making Findings

Reviews

Login to post a Review
Login to be the first to review this Tip!