Definition of Earwire Findings

One type of finding used for earrings is an earwire. As the name implies, an earwire is for the ear and is made of wire. An earwire normally goes through an ear where it is pierced, although there are large earwires or earcuffs that fit around different parts of the ear. The area where a dangle or wire wrap is hung is often called a "loop".

Earwires are also known as "french wires", "earring hooks" or just "hooks".

Earwire Designs

The simplest of earwire designs is a round wire shaped into a curve, with an open loop at the front of the wire to hold a dangle or wire wrap. When sections of the earwires have been flattened, they are called hammered earwires. Very traditional variations of earwires include earwires with coils, with a tiny coil of wire above the loop or ball-and-coil earwires, which have both a bead and a coil above the loop. "Ball-end" earwires are shaped wire with a ball soldered onto the front end; the loop is usually more of a "U" shape than a circle.

Fancier earwires will incorporate granulated beads, bezel-set crystals and other embellishments to enhance their appearance. The use of a twisted wire, with optional oxidizing, is another enhancement made to earwires.

Earwire Materials

Earwires are produced in precious and base metals. The materials most often used by the DIY jewelry community will include:

• Karat Gold-Filled
• .925 Sterling Silver
• Silver Plate over Brass or Surgical Steel
• Gold Plate over Brass or Surgical Steel
• Antique Brass Plate over Brass or Surgical Steel
• Bright Copper Plate over Brass or Surgical Steel
• Antique Copper Plate over Brass or Surgical Steel
• Gunmetal Plate (Hematite/Hematine) over Brass or Surgical Steel
• Black Oxide Plate (Matte Black) over Brass or Surgical Steel

Earring Stops

Rather than risking the loss of one or both earrings, earring stops are recommended. For earwires, the stops are usually a white rubber cylinder with a center hole or clear plastic of a similar design. Stops are inexpensive insurance for those who sell earrings or give them as gifts.

Tools Recommended for Assembling Earrings

Jewelry-grade chain nose pliers or flat nose pliers are recommended for assembling earrings using earwires. (Wire wrapping the dangles or creating your own earwires will require additional tools.) These pliers will be smooth on the inside to minimize any marks transferred to earwires or dangles. An upgrade from normal jewelry pliers to nylon-jawed pliers will prevent accidental marking even more.

Earwires are one set of inexpensive jewelry findings that will let you unleash your personal creativity in jewelry design. The variety of earwire designs available will keep you from getting bored while making earrings.