How to Convert Clip Earrings to Post Earrings

If you have pierced ears, you may find a pair of clip-on earrings that you love and find to be stylish (vintage earrings were often in the form of clip-ons). While you can always take them to a jeweler to be converted into post earrings, if you don't want to spend the money on a professional, you can convert the earrings yourself with the right tools and supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Clip earrings
• Adhesive remover
• Flat nose pliers
• Clean rag
• 50-grit sandpaper
• Epoxy
• Earring posts
• Earring backs

Instructions

1. Apply adhesive remover around the base of the clip where it is attached to the back of the earring. Let the remover sit for a minute and dissolve the glue. Grip the base of the clip with your flat nose pliers and gently work one end of the jaw of the pliers under the clip as you turn and pull upward. Go slowly until the clip detaches so that you don't damage the earring itself.

2. Scrape and wipe away the leftover adhesive and adhesive remover with a clean rag and wipe the earring dry. Sand the back smooth with a piece of 50-grit sandpaper if there are any rough spots. Make sure the back of the earring is completely smooth and dry.

3. Apply a thin layer of epoxy to the center of a flat earring post and press it to the back of your earring. If the earrings are larger than a half inch in diameter from top to bottom, you will need to glue the post closer to the top edge of the back of the earring. Otherwise, glue the post right in the center of the back of the earring. Apply gentle pressure to the post for one minute and wipe away any excess glue that seeps out.

4. Allow the epoxy 24 hours to dry before you put the earrings in your ears. Stick earring backs on the posts behind your earlobes so you don't lose the earrings.

References

• Blue Velvet Vintage: How to Retrofit Vintage Earrings