Figure-8 Pearl Earrings

Skill Level: Beginner/All

Technique: Geometrical Forming

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."

Tip: To make earrings that match perfectly, make them both at the same time, mirroring each step from one to the other.

Materials

• 2 6" pieces 22-gauge square half hard sterling silver wire
• 4 large hole freshwater pearls

Tools

• Flat Nose Pliers
• Round Nose or 6-Step Round Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Pin Vise or Wire Twister
• Ruler
• Extra Fine Point Marker

Instructions

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.
   
   
   

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.
   
   
   

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.
   
   
   

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.
   
   

5. Attach your favorite purchased ear wires, or make them yourself (sample made using ear wires from Beginner Series DVD #3.

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