Fern Hoop Earrings

by TierraCast on 06/01/23

Additional Images:

Project details:

The wonderful thing about TierraCast's natural pewter finish is there is no plating to get in the way of bending, curving, or otherwise manipulating. This project turns our Fern Links into hoops!

Skill Level: Beginner-intermediate (some metalsmithing experience recommended)

Finished Size: Approx. 1 1/4"

Designer: Tracy Proctor

↓ Step-by-step

↓ Buy the supplies

Supplies you’ll need:

2 Fern Link
4 Beaded 3mm Spacer
2 Gemstone 4-5mm Rondelle Bead (Turquoise shown) 2 Bead Bumpers, 2mm
2 1 7/8" pieces of Sterling Silver half-hard wire, 20g

Tip: If your ears are not sensitive, try 20g German style wire as a less expensive alternative.

Tools:

ring mandrel chain nose pliers round nose pliers flush cutters cup bur or emery board (optional) rawhide mallet (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Pick up 1 fern link and press firmly around ring mandrel between size 8 and 9 marks. The loops of the link should be about 7/8" apart.

Step 2

Adjust hoop shape slightly if needed to align loops.

Step 3

Curve 1 piece of wire around mandrel at size 8 mark.

Step 4

Use round nose pliers to curve 1 end up (to outside of curve) into a simple loop about 1/8" in diameter.

Step 5

Attach loop to wide end of curved fern link.

Step 6

String 1 spacer, 1 gemstone bead, and 1 spacer onto wire and slide them to loop. Place 1 bead bumper onto wire and slide down to beads to secure them in place.

Step 7

Use round nose pliers to make a curve in the other end of the wire 1/8" from the end. Adjust curve and length as needed for earring to open and close well.

Step 8

Use cup bur or emery board to gently file down sharp edges of wire end.

Step 9

Optional: place wire portion flat on a work surface and hammer lightly with a rawhide mallet if work hardening is desired.

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