January 23, 2018 / How To

4 Trendy Earring Making Ideas

Be inspired by our 4 trendy ideas for earring making to spice up your jewelry collection. Explore earring findings and techniques you'll need. ...

Statement earrings are in! Check out our ideas for the jacket and front & back trends. We show you how to use our new clutches with drop rings along with fashionable post earrings, tassels and more.

Tired of the same old designs? Spice up your jewelry collection with unconventional and trendy earring making ideas.

Earring jackets are fun to wear for any occasion, whether it's swinging tassels in the daytime or dangling geometric designs for an elegant evening. You can buy earring jackets already made or create your own with charms and tassels. Here are a few we've created using large flower clutches with rings or swoop earring clutches. Each earring took less than 5 minutes of assembly time, which makes them perfect as production pieces and wonderful gifts for family and friends.

Clutches used in the designs:

Earring clutches

Dangling Arrows & Pearls

Dangling arrows and pearls earrings

Who doesn't love arrows? The tiny arrow posts look great on the front of the lobe but the large arrows behind the ear accompanied with bright white pearl drops add a charming mix to these dangling earrings. Perfect for a pleasant day out shopping or a stroll along the beach!

Cut three chains in differing lengths. String the first link of each chain onto a 4.5mm jump ring with the longest chain in the center. Then use a 3mm jump ring to connect your tassel to the loop on the earring clutch. Use a 3mm jump ring to attach a pearl drop to each of the shorter chains and the arrow to the long chain.

Tip: Hang small heart charms for Valentine's Day.

Items used:

  • 4 = 4mm Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle (Item #: S604P)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 3.7x24mm Arrow Charm with ring (Item #: SN356)
  • 6in = Sterling Silver 1.6mm Double Cable Chain (Item #: 21138)
  • 8 = Sterling Silver Jump Ring 3mm OD 22ga Open (Item #: SJ63)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 9.4x10.6mm Large Flower Clutch (Item #: S844)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 4.5mm OD 20ga Open Jump Ring (Item #: SJ845)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 3.3x8.4mm Tiny Arrow Post Earring (Item #: S6339)

Swinging Bar Blank Drops

Swinging bar blank drop earrings

The reflection of light emanating from these tiny textured bar blanks make them ideal for a fun-filled night out on the town or a nice meal at an upbeat local eatery.

Cut four chains in differing lengths. String the top link of each chain onto a jump ring. Use the jump ring to connect your tassel to the loop on the earring clutch. Use a jump ring to connect one hammered stick drop to the end of each chain.

Tip: Add a touch of sparkle with CZ posts.

Items used:

  • 2 = Sterling Silver 4mm Ball Post Earring (Item #: S624)
  • 7in = Sterling Silver 1.6mm Flat Cable Chain (Item #: 21318F)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 9.4x10.6mm Large Flower Clutch (Item #: S844)
  • 8 = Sterling Silver 2.4x6.9mm Hammered Stick Drop(Item #: TK246301)
  • 10 = Sterling Silver Jump Ring 3mm OD 22ga Open (Item #: SJ63)

Textured Washer Swoops

Textured washer swoop earrings

Wear these anywhere. The large bright circle posts complement the textured narrow washers. The swoop hugs the earlobe so the dangle extends from behind. Great earrings for any time of the day!

Insert the post into the swoop earring clutch. Use a jump ring to connect the hammered circle to the loop on the swoop.

Tip: Add more washers for a layered look.

Items used:

  • 2 = Sterling Silver 10mm Pad Post (Item #: S3610)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 18mm Hammered Circle (Item #: S10012)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 4mm OD 20ga Open Jump Rings (Item #: SJ84)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 4x17.8mm Rhodium Plated Ear Clutch Swoop Ear Jacket (Item #: S7566)

Simply Glamorous Triangles

Simple triangle earrings

These small triangle posts on swoop-back clutches with triangle charms are the perfect accessories for a quiet romantic meal or fancy dinner party. Simple and elegant.

Insert the post into the swoop clutch. Use a jump ring to connect the triangle charm to the loop on the clutch.

Tip: Change the dangling charm to customize your earrings.

Items used:

  • 2 = Sterling Silver 6.7x23.6mm 24ga Triangle Accent (Similar items: SL254, SL229)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 4.5mm OD 20ga Open Jump Ring (Item #: SJ845)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 3.3x13.1mm 24ga Spike Earring Post (Item #: SL253R)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 4x17.8mm Rhodium Plated Ear Clutch Swoop Ear Jacket (Item #: S7566)

Earring Card Punches

Earring card punches

Show off your earrings! Create simple earring holder cards to show off your beautiful designs.

The earrings shown here are super quick to make with one of our ready made tassels. Just open the ear wire loop, slide the tassel onto the loop, and close it back again. The cards are just as easy: Use a pre-cut card or make your own, then center it inside the punch and press down.

Tip: Nothing screams professional like custom jewelry cards.

Lapis Lazuli Tassel Earrings

Items used:

  • 2 = Sterling Silver 12.7x26mm 21ga Half Flat Earwire (Item #: S307)
  • 2 = Sterling Silver 8.2x55.4mm Lapis Lazuli Tassel (See available tassels)

Get inspired with these other earring making articles from Halstead and subscribe today to continue building your jewelry business each week:

How to Create Your Own Earring Collection

Two Ways to Create Sterling Silver Tassels

Guide to Earring Findings

Written By: Erica Stice
Erica is the former Studio Coordinator at Halstead. She spent 14 years with the company across a variety of departments but fell in love with metalsmithing. Erica's top tip for new metalsmiths is: "Practice! Be patient with yourself and have fun with it. Don't be afraid to ask questions. All of us at Halstead enjoy helping people whether it's questions on products or technical help in the studio. We're here for you."