Not everyone likes long dangles. An easy way to shorten the overall length of earrings is just to switch out ear hooks to stud earrings. This might seem obvious to experienced jewelry makers but my years as an instructor has taught me never to assume everyone knows!
As you can see from the picture below, there is quite a difference in the distance from the ear hole to the component. The ball stud earrings connects to the component with just a jump ring so the distance is short. The hook style ear wire plus jump ring or pinch bail makes the component hang by at least twice the length!
The top picture shows one of the Art Nouveau inspired wood cuts coming soon to my Etsy store. This particular design is licensed from a talented graphic designer I admire!
Below is my hibiscus wood cut shown with the two styles of earring findings. It all comes down to personal preference which one to choose. The longer dangle will have more movement. It is also quicker to put on the hook style ear wires than stud earrings.
Instead of metal stud earrings, consider wood ones especially when pairing with wood cuts! These are my holed wood stud earrings. You just glue on the posts with pads at the back. Choose big backs if fiddling with putting on stud earrings is not your thing. (See my past post for the best glue to use).
The holed studs are shown teamed up with Simple Leaves Collection (these designs also licensed from other graphic designers).
There is nothing wrong with using regular ear wires if you prefer wood designs plainer and longer! The pinch bails and jump rings which fit my wood cuts are available in my supplies section.
Before You Go:
- How to Sand, Stain, Paint and Seal Laser Cut Jewelry Designs
- Charming Double Hole Wood Connectors - Frames and Florals
- Stop Clasps from Moving to Necklace Fronts!
Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
Great tip, Pearl! If only it were as easy for those of us without pierced ears. (We're definitely an under-served market and a great market opportunity. If someone would make pretty/dainty and comfortable clip earring findings in sterling silver and 14K GF, he/she would make a fortune!) :D
ReplyDeleteThere are sterling silver and goldfilled clip on earrings findings! Just check on Amazon or Etsy!! Perhaps the screw type might be best as you can adjust the pressure.
DeleteThanks, Pearl! I find the screw-clip findings uncomfortable (too much pressure on a small area), and the clip findings I've seen all have either a straight wire with a slight curve at the top, which I think are ugly, and the typical clips with a large (6 mm) half-ball at the front (boring and often detracts from the design of the earrings. Even one with a 4 mm full ball, which I've seen in brass and plated clip earring findings, would be much nicer. :)
DeleteAh, now I understand what you have to deal with!
Deletelove the stud "cover" designs! I don't wear stud earrings much because they poke me in the head when i'm on the phone, very uncomfortable! and, i'm on the phone at work a lot. :)
ReplyDeleteI need to remember to make them for sale though....
That is too bad about studs for you. But absolutely market them!
DeleteI used to have the same problem with larger clip-ons. I'd end up taking my left one off as soon as I got to work, and putting it back on when I left for the day.
DeleteWood studs look great but the glue is often the issue. I have tried e6000, glue gun and fusion glue. They all break off after a while. which glue do you recommend for wood?
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend Starbond glue medium - see this past post for the link (scroll down)
Deletehttps://www.beadinggem.com/2019/05/how-to-sand-stain-and-paint-laser-cut.html
I have tested it out extensively and wear wood studs myself. It is strong and durable. Highly recommended.
Great tip! I admit it never crossed my mind and rarely make stud earrings on the whole!
ReplyDeleteMany people are not allowed to wear dangles at work so studs are a good alternative. I wear both types.
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