I've always like the idea of mixing bead work with metal components. Estelle of Petit Bout de Chou has a pretty mandala inspired earrings tutorial which shows off ombre colored beads within metal  rings.   You do not have to use the graduated color scheme at all if you prefer a patterned look.

The earrings are lovely but what made this design pop was the use of larger rings which were hung from the same ear wire loops.

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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