Where to find pearl drops?

[perlmutter]

I would like to find removable pearl drops to add onto my diamond studs. Can't seem to find them on any site of recommended vendors. Are they typically a special order item? I'm looking for FW or SS in a lighter color like white or cream.

Also, I tried looking locally to decide whether I want a short or long metal chain and what size pearls to go with my studs but also having difficulty finding drops in the stores to try on. Any thoughts on long vs short look? What about proportions to diamonds? Pictures would be very helpful.

TIA!

 

[Red]

Hi - I would purchase the pair of pearls myself and have my local jeweler set them to make the drops. There is a picture of a pair I had done a few years ago in this thread.

https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7316

My jeweler was able to customize the length of the metal so that the pearl hangs just at the bottom of my earlobe. I can wear these drops with other larger gemstone studs so that the metal wire is completely hidden. As you can see, there would be quite a bit of variation in the length of the drop wire, depending on your earlobes and holes. So, best to have them made just for you from a set of pearls you pick yourself.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I think if you call one of the online vendors they could give you information on drop shaped pearls they have in stock.

 

[perlmutter]

Thanks for responding Red and Pearl Dreams. I was looking for something already put together similar to this so I can try out the look first.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STERLING-SI...60901?pt=US_Fine_Earrings&hash=item23283a3dc5

I don't really need 3 pairs so I'd rather spend less just to see what works.

 

[pattye]

perlmutter, I've sent you a pm.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

For what it's worth, those are super-easy to make!

All you need is 2 drilled pearls, 2 head pins (I use 24 gauge) a pair of round-nosed pliers and a wire cutter.
Here is a video that shows the technique to make a simple loop:

I have another video, and more to add, but can only include one video per post. See the next post.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Or you can make a wrapped loop for greater security:

If you want the earring to hang lower, you can do it 2 ways:

1. Leave more of the head pin before making the loop-- see the head pin in this photo (except you'd want to make a larger loop-- by wrapping the wire over a wider part of the round nose pliers):

Edit: I did not make the above earring.

2. Use a bit of chain. I made some pearl (and other) earring jackets for myself recently --I wanted them a bit longer so I included a bit of chain so they dangled lower.
This earring has just under 1" of chain.

The chain is attached to the wrapped loop of the head pin on the lower end:

and to an open jump ring on the upper end:

The stud passes through the jump ring and then through the hole in your earlobe.

 

[KarinK]

Pearl Dreams, those are all so CUTE!

- Karin

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thanks! I didn't make the one with the leverback.

I also made some earring jackets using lab corundum dangles-- these were top drilled so I wrapped the wire (26 gauge gold filled):

The earring jacket dangles give me more ways to use my many small studs. I used to buy small studs years ago but as I got older, I wanted larger...and my lobes dwarf the small studs, LOL.

This video shows you how to wrap a briolette (or a pearl that is top drilled). If you make the loop larger than they show, you can dangle the bead on a hoop earring, or use it as an earring jacket with a stud:

Really, you can do a lot with a few materials.



Sorry for hijacking the thread but I really wanted to say how easy it is to make the earring drops/dangles, if you would rather not have to pay $$$ for someone to make them for you.
You don't even need expensive materials. You can use brass wire, base metal head pins, even cut apart a base metal chain from a consignment shop or a dollar store. In fact, I highly recommend learning the techniques with the cheapest materials. Then you are not afraid to make a mistake and waste expensive wire.

 

[perlmutter]

Wow, Pearl Dreams. You're very good at making jewelry. Unfortunately, I have 2 left hands when it comes to manual tasks.