Jewelry Making Tutorial: Geometric Earrings Featuring Wire Links, Swarovski Crystals, and Ear Threads

July 12, 2019

Ear threads have been around for years, but they are still a relatively unknown earring finding. If you have never used ear threads, here are some details for their use and a free earring-making tutorial.

Most ear-thread styles consist of a straight post, followed by fine chain, and end with either a ball or jump ring. The straight post “threads” through the ear piercing and the chain portion sits in the ear. You can adjust the earring length by adjusting the chain’s placement. Smartbeads or traditional wire keepers can be used to keep the earrings securely placed when worn.

Ear threads are easily adorned. In fact, the only jewelry-making skills you will need to make our geometric “Symmetry Earrings” is the ability to open and close jump rings and string beads. Just follow these step-by-step instructions:

Suggested Supplies

2 each 16mm Swarovski 6106 Pear Pendants (I used #06-106-16-16)
2 each 8mm Swarovski 6430 Classic Cut Pendants (I used #06-430-08-15)
2 each 5mm Swarovski 5328 Faceted XILION Bicone Beads (I used #05-328-05-15)
2 each 4mm Swarovski 5328 Faceted XILION Bicone Beads (I used #05-328-04-15)
1 pair Ear Threads (I used #53-001-3)
2 each Gold Fill Links and Connectors (I used #44-050-75-63)
2 each Gold Fill Links and Connectors (I used #44-050-75-73)
4 each Gold Fill Jump Rings (I used #37-391-550)
4 each Gold Fill Jump Rings (I used #37-391-446)
4 each SmartBeads (I used #24-998-04)

By the way, also available are sterling silver links and connectors!

Necessary Tools

#69-271-08 EURO TOOL Glitter, Flat-Nose Jewelry Pliers
#69-271-03 EURO TOOL Glitter, Chain-Nose Jewelry Pliers

Lay out the jewelry components in order of assembly. This is particularly helpful because some parts layer over each other and the assembly can be a little confusing.

Twist open the 5mm jump ring and string on the crystal pear pendant. Close the jump ring securely.

Use a 5mm jump ring to connect the ear thread, round link, and marquise link.

Use a 4mm jump ring to connect the 5mm “pear” jump ring to the 5mm “ear thread/link” jump ring.

Here is another view of the 4mm jump ring connecting together the assembled pieces.

Arrange the links and crystal so they hang properly. (This design could be used as a simplified version of this earring project.)

Twist open a 4mm jump ring. String the classic cut pendant onto the jump ring then attach it to the marquise link. Close the jump ring securely.

String first a 5mm bicone bead, followed by a 4mm bicone bead onto the ear thread. String a SmartBead onto the ear thread to secure the bicone beads in place.

The second SmartBead will serve as an earring keeper. When not in use, it can be strung on the ear thread for storage.