Hammered DIY Chandelier Earrings

If you haven’t tried hammering wire to make jewelry, you’re missing out on a very fun craft. It may look hard to do but it’s really easy! These hammered DIY chandelier earrings took me ten minutes to make. Unbelievable? Well, believe it! A special jig makes the process so much easier. Ready to jump in? Read the tutorial below!

Supplies needed to make your own DIY chandelier earrings:

• 16 Gauge Jewelry Wire (In your color of choice.)
• Earring Hooks (This Findings Kit is a complete set!)
• Jump Rings
• Head Pins
• Beads or Charms
• Bench block or Anvil
• Thing-A-Ma-Jig Wire Working Kit
• Jewelry Pliers Set
• Hammer

Step One. Form the pattern on your jig. You can follow the photo below to see how I did mine. I used one big peg, one medium and a small one on each side. I liked using this wire jig as it made everything much easier. You can use the inexpensive version of this but I feel this metal one is much sturdier.

Step Two. Secure the pegs with the plastic stoppers to prevent the pegs from wiggling while you are forming your wire.

Step Three. Cut a piece of wire and form it around the big peg and the medium peg like an S. Bring down the top end and loop it around the nearest small peg, and do the same for the other end of the wire.

Step Four. Use your round nose pliers and wire cutter to further refine the shape and cut the excess wire.

Step Five. Hammer the curved parts of the DIY chandelier earring flat on a metal surface such as a bench block or anvil. Alternatively, you can hammer it on a concrete surface if you don’t mind the really textured look. You can also achieve a textured look by using a well-used hammer (such as the one used around the house). I like the texture it gives so this is what I use! If you don’t want a really textured look, use a hammer that’s exclusively for jewelry purposes.

Step Six. Match the shapes as close as you can by manipulating the wire.

Step Seven. Attach some details! I decided to use faceted glass beads instead of crystals as I wanted them to be bigger and be more eye-catching.

Step Eight. Finally, attach the earring hooks using jump rings on the top portion of your DIY chandelier earrings and you are done!

And voila! These earrings are not hard to make at all – and while matching each piece exactly is hard at first, it only takes practice (and the jig helps very much!).

I love how these DIY chandelier earrings turned out and I’m sure my aunt-in-law would love them too! It’s perfect to give to that special lady in your life who loves one-of-a-kind jewelry, or you can keep it for yourself.

If you’re not quite ready to attempt these DIY chandelier earrings but want to try out the hammering technique, start out with this more simple hammered earring DIY tutorial.

 I hope you loved this tutorial and are inspired to make something similar – Happy crafting, friends! 

Aki

Aki is an avid DIY-er, crafter and designer. She loves trying out new craft materials, processes, and learning about new ideas. She has a passion for designing printed material as well, from free cards, wallpapers and party items. Follow her crafty adventures over at mintedstrawberry.blogspot.ca where she shares DIY tutorials and free printables.