How to Make Earrings at Home

Earrings have been a popular fashion item for centuries. The ancient Egyptians crafted earrings from gold. Greek history shows that they added gemstones in an array of colors to the gold hoops. In more recent times, a wide variety of materials have been used to make earrings. Gold and gems are still popular, but so are silver, plastic, glass and wood. Many people prefer surgical steel for posts and hoops for its hypoallergenic quality. Making earrings at home is an option for people who would like custom jewelry pieces. All the materials needed are available at craft stores. The art does require practice and patience.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pairs of jewelry pliers, one with cutting blades.
• 2 earring pins with loops at one end
• 2 charms
• 4 3mm seed beads
• 2 barrel beads
• 2 earring hooks
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. 

   Use pliers to open the loop on the earring pins. Put one charm on each loop. Close loops with pliers.

2. 

   Thread one seed bead on each pin, followed by a barrel bead and ending with the last seed bead. This is what the earrings will look like when completed.

3. 

   Grip the pin just above the beads with one pair of pliers. Use the second pair of pliers to form a loop that closes close to the beads. This loop must be the same size on both earrings for uniformity.

4. 

   Check to be sure both earrings are the same length. Adjust loop size and placement as needed. Clip excess wire with cutting blades. Open loops and slip on earring hooks. Close loops. Twist earrings so that the charms face forward when worn.

5. Clean hooks with rubbing alcohol before wearing to prevent infection. Oils from skin and dirt from the tools can collect on the metal.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose charms that are not too heavy for your ears. Wearing heavy earrings can cause stretching or tearing of piercing holes.