Could I get some pointers on how to make my own pearl earrings please?

[~Crystal~]

Hello all!

I am newly registered on this forum though I have long been a non-registered lurker, absorbing all the helpful information that has been posted

Lately, I have developed this interest in wishing to try my hand at making my own pearl earrings (I want some dangly ones!). Several years ago, I did spend a period of time playing around and making costume pieces with swarovski and sterling silver, but all I ever did was use tigertail, headpins and eyepins.

Can anyone give me some pointers here? From what I gather, all I need are half drilled pearls, findings from an online store like Bellafindings and some vigor glue... Yet I feel like I don't know enough to really get started yet!

I've noticed that while Bellafindings sells a huggee range of earring bits and pieces, they don't state the size a lot of the tme, of things like the length or width of the pin/peg? that goes into the drill hole. Is there a standard size that such things are made to? Is there a certain length/pearl size ratio that I have to keep in mind to make sure that it's secure?

Any tips and pointers would be greaatlly appreciated!!

 

[purlgurl]

Hi & welcome Crystal!
We all have to start somewhere, and making costume pieces gets you used to handling the tools. If you are unsure about measurements, email or call to ask before you buy. Most suppliers are only too happy to explain their items, as you will become a returning customer if they are helpful. Some suppliers even send chocolates with your order! Are there any beading stores where you are? It can be helpful to handle the findings, and have someone show you through a selection. Best of luck on your pearl journey, and enjoy!

 

[pearlescence]

If you want to get started quickly then get a strand of elliptical (rice) pearls and carry on with them as you would have with beads (you will find a few pairs to match up on most strands anyway)
Where are you?

 

[~Crystal~]

Chocolates are always a good way to make a girl happy!!

I think I will start sending out some emails to enquire then

I am located in Australia (Sydney). While I do know of a few beading stores from my days of crystal bicones, I'm afraid (from memory) that they only stock base metal findings I know it's a lot more expensive, but I would like to try working with precious metals. It would be a good idea to start with the cheaper stuff of course, but I already have so much jewellery myself that I've either made or purchased that I'm afraid I wouldn't wear it... and though I love to give what I make away to my friends, many of them are allergic to anything but gold!

I have never tried to make jewellery involving glue before though and am very curious about how difficult this would be I think I may take the above advice and buy some cheap freshwater pearls to try things out on.

When looking for half drilled pearls to work with, do I look for pearls with drill holes of the same gauge as the finding that I am using? It seems that that may be a bit tight... but then how much smaller should it be than the size of the hole? And how long should the part that goes into the hole be, relative to the size of the pearl?

I feel like such a dummy asking questions like these, but I want to find out as much as possible before I begin and start buying things in the wrong sizes!

 

[pearlescence]

You need to wait for Nerida or Bernadette and the other 'down unders' to weigh in since they know the local situation re findings and so on. Certainly you need not buy from another country I am sure, with the implications for customs and other taxes added on (and customs might even take a dim view of chocolate in an import...?)
Once you have the right glue it isn't difficult and I have never had an issue with peg size (maybe I have just been lucky?)
rather than work in gauge for the metal and mm for the pearls it might be better to stick to mm. and you will want a peg smaller than the drill hole or it won't go in
the tighter the fit the shorter too, to allow for trapped air at the bottom of the half drill

 

[BeadersSecret]

Hi Crystal, welcome to the forum.

You can buy eye pins for half drilled pearls at either House of Jewellery
Or A and E Metals both located at 6/89 York st Sydney.

If you already have the pearls they can advise you what gauge of pin to suit the pearl.

BTW I always use twenty four hour araldite to glue my pearls, as the five minute can come unstuck with heat.

 

[pearlescence]

Cheers Bernadette!

 

[Hanaleimom]

BTW I always use twenty four hour araldite to glue my pearls, as the five minute can come unstuck with heat.

What kind of epoxy remover would you use to remove it? Does Attack work?

 

[BeadersSecret]

From what I have heard (so its second hand) - Attack works very well.

My first attempt - is to gently heat the gold\silver and let the heat break down the bond - if that fails I have a jeweller that I have a good rapport with and he tackles the tough ones for me (truth be known I think he does the same thing - he's just more persistant at it).

 

[~Crystal~]

Thanks Bernadette!! I'll stop by those two stores sometime soon!