Ear Hooks
Earrings are some of the easiest jewelry pieces to make, and with metal clay, they are extra easy because you just need a few small charms to get started and your earring creations are almost instantaneous. Ear hooks of some kind (also referred to as ear wires) are essential to creating earrings, and there are all different types to choose from.
Figure 6.2 shows three different types of ear hooks that are pretty popular right now. First (moving left to right), are the standard shepherd hooks or fish-hook style ear hooks. The ones pictured have an extra little wire coil above the loop as an added design element. Some of these earring styles also include a ball and coil together, and some have just a loop. The loop is not completely closed, so you can use chain-nosed pliers to open it easily and slip on charms and dangles.
Next (in the center), are lever-back earrings, which are sometimes called Euro wires. The loop may or may not be soldered closed, so this is something you need to check when you purchase these. If they are closed, then just be aware of this because if you want to use wire to connect other components to them, you will need to put the wire onto the loop and wrap it closed while the wire is in the loop of the ear hook. These are great earring findings because they provide a look of sophistication, they are comfortable to wear, and they are much more secure on the ear than shepherd-style ear hooks.
Finally (on the right side), is a cool pair of ear hooks called French hoops. They are hoop shaped, but as you can see, they also have a little loop on one end so you can add charms and other components to them. They have a very modern look to them and more of a trendy appeal. If you enjoy using geometric shapes as design elements, then these hoop type of ear hooks might make a good choice for you when constructing earrings.
Figure 6.2
Pictured are three different types of earring findings: shepherd hooks, lever backs, and French hoops.
Figure 6.2
Pictured are three different types of earring findings: shepherd hooks, lever backs, and French hoops.
Earring hooks come in all kinds of metals; however, I suggest sticking to silver and gold-filled. Plated ear hooks will often wear around the spot where the hook rests in the ear hole. Plus, some people are sensitive to metals, so the purer the metal, the safer for the ear. Surgical steel is also a good choice, but the color is pretty dull when compared to silver metal clay, so the look isn't that great. If you need to wear hypoallergenic ear hooks, check into anodized niobium findings. The metal is normally a dull gray, but it can also be treated so that it turns into colors like blue and purple, which could look pretty interesting teamed up with fine silver charms and beads.
Post a comment