3 Tips to Simple, High Quality Earrings
by Lady Mockingbird.
(Upstate, New York, USA)
JMJ Facebook Mini Challenge “10 Minute Earrings”
Hand matched freshwater potato pearls fancy spear head pins and hand forged earwires .925 Sterling
I’ve always been a big fan of simple and understated in the jewelry I wear and in what I make to sell. I admire those folks who can pick up something chunky, big or bold and wear it without looking like the jewelry is wearing the person instead of the other way around.
I am not able to carry it off well at all. So this earring challenge is right up my alley.
Narrow spear head pins more Swarovski Crystal Elements and hand forged earwires .925 Sterling
The secret to getting a simple and quick pair of earrings to look like high quality jewelry is no secret at all. Attention to detail is very important. I like to make sure of 3 little things that make a big difference.
1. Cleaned and polished ear wires & Head pins. I tumble all of my hand made findings in stainless steel shot with a drop of dawn dish-washing liquid before I use them to make earrings.
2. Smoothing off any rough edges, especially on the ends of the ear wires. The part that goes through the pierced hole must never scratch the wearer on the way through. This can cause the start of an infection, and your client’s assumption that she’s developed a metal allergy.
3. Quality materials. It can sometimes be more costly to purchase and use cheap quality materials. One big reason is that you may not be able to sell your product at a price that will pay for your time.
Pretty Floral Head Pins with Swarovski Crystal Elements and hand forged earwires .925 Sterling
Another is that lower quality materials tend to wear poorly and you may never hear back from the customer who loved your piece when she bought it, but was later disappointed when the finish wore off after only a few wearings.
You won’t get a repeat sale and she might tell her friends about her disappointing experience with your work.
Lady Mockingbird
Mockingbird Lane Wire on Etsy
