Brass Teardrop Earrings Tutorial

• 6 – 12mm Crystal Glass Teardrop Beads or any other teardrop-shaped bead. Teardrop Gemstone Beads, for example!
  
• 2 – Brass Finish 3-1 Pewter Connectors

• 6 – 6mm 22 Gauge Brass Jump Rings
• 6 – 5mm 18 Gauge Brass Jump Rings
• 2 – Brass Finish Earring Wires
• 2 Inches brass finish chain
  
• Flush Cutters
• Chain Nose Pliers

Begin by opening the 22 gauge jump rings (the thinner rings) and slipping one bead onto each to create 6 bead charms.  Now these glass teardrop beads are drilled horizontally at the top of the bead, but not every bead is identical – so even using the thin rings may not work on every bead you’ll find on the strand.  If you encounter any resistance stringing the bead onto the ring, just try a different bead. 

I cracked a few of my glass beads experimenting with the ideal size and gauge jump ring, settling on 6mm in 22 gauge.  Larger rings will work fine!  The smaller the ring, the more curved the rings are.  If you enjoy wirework or wire wrapping, that’s an excellent alternative to using rings.

Next, cut 4 lengths of chain 1/4 inch long and 2 lengths to 1/2 inch.  Because you’re working with such short lengths, counting the number of links will probably be the easiest way to ensure that your chain segments are equal lengths!

Connect the chain to the jump ring on your bead, and at the opposite end, use a second jump ring to add each chain to the connector piece.  The two outer holes will use the short chains, and the longer chains will be attached to the center hole.