I got a request a few months back to do a tutorial on simple wire-wrapping for those new to jewelry-making.  I am so sorry it’s taken me so long to get to it, but here you go: how to wire-wrap a drop earring! 

There are two main ways to connect an earring fixture to an earring hook.  The first and simplest method is to make a simple loop with round-nose pliers.  The end result is simple yet completely functional, as seen here:

[I’m more than happy to do a tutorial on this method if anyone’s interested.]

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The second method creates a more intricate and sturdy result by wrapping the wire around the earring stem a few times.  We’ll be focusing on this latter method today.  For simplicity, I made this pair of earrings with single beads, but you can add as many beads/fixtures to your earrings as you’d like. 

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What you’ll need

• 2 headpins
• 2 earring hooks
• beads
• flat pliers
• round pliers
• wire cutters

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What To Do

1. Stack your bead[s] onto your head pin. 

2. Place your round pliers flush to the bead and bend the head pin back to create a 90 degree angle.  This 90 degree angle is pivotal in creating a nicely wrapped piece.   

3. Reposition your round pliers from a horizontal position to a vertical position. 

4.  Start your loop by using your fingers [or flat pliers] to pull the wire up and over the pliers.

5. Reposition the pliers once more to a horizontal position, and push the head pin all the way around to create a full circle.  Again, it’s very important to have the head pin form a 90 degree angle here.

6. Take your flat pliers and hold the loop in place as you wrap the wire around the stem of the head pin a few times.  I focus on pulling the wire UP toward the loop to create the tightest, cleanest look. 

7. Now wrap the wire down as close to the bead as you can possibly get and then use your wire cutters to pinch off any excess. 

8. Using your flat pliers, reposition the loop to center, and voila!  You’ve got a wire-wrapped drop earring! 

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You can use this fundamental method to create many different types of earrings. 

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Happy creating!  I hope this answers some questions.  If you’re looking for more detail, or would like me to go over something else specifically, please leave a comment below.  I’d love to help in whatever way I can. 

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If you’re interested, check out my other jewelry-making tutorial on how to wrap a briolette. 

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