Pavé Drop Earrings

You'll sparkle and shine at your next special event with these dazzling Sapphire and Crystal drop earrings

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/pave-drop-earrings • Posted by MillLaneStudio

You don't need to be a master jeweler to create expensive looking sparkly jewelry like the exquisite pieces you see at the jewelers. You can easily create the look of pavé-set jewelry with just a few simple materials and tools.

You will need

2 Earring bezels with Loop ETI Jewelry Clay 6 mm Pointy back Crystals Sapphire x 2 2 mm Pointy back Crystal crystal x 50 10 mm Preciosa AB Crystal Drop x 2 Silver Head Pin x 2 Stud Earrings Backs or clip on earrings backs Perfect Pearls Mica Powder Pewter
Tools
Embellie Gellie Toothpick Soft Paint Brush Round Nose Pliers Flush Cutters 5 Minute Adhesive

Project Budget

Time

Difficulty

Description

You don't need to be a master jeweler to create expensive looking sparkly jewelry like the exquisite pieces you see at the jewelers. You can easily create the look of pavé-set jewelry with just a few simple materials and tools.

Instructions

1. 

   Use latex gloves whilst handling the raw Jewelry Clay and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Pinch equal amounts (about the size of a large pea) of Parts A and B and form each piece into a ball. Mix them together until no marbling shows. Press the clay into one bezel and smooth it right out to the edges - it should form a slight dome. Set aside any excess clay.

2. 

   Place the feature crystal into the centre of the clay and then place the clear crystals around it. Use the Embellie Gellie tool to help you place the crystals.

3. 

   My second row of clear crystals is placed in between the spaces below the first row. If symmetry is not your thing, try placing them randomly and in different colours for a fun look!

4. 

   Once all the crystals are positioned you can use a toothpick to gently press them into the clay surface. The girdle of each crystal should sit flush with the surface of the clay. The arrows show a couple which need to be pushed in a little further yet.

5. 

   Now you'll need the soft brush and mica powder in your choice of colour. Dip the brush into the powder and dust it over the exposed clay. Don't worry too much if you dust the crystals too - that can be cleaned off later. I've used Perfect Pearls but Pearl-Ex is a great choice too!

6. 

   You have to look closely to see the difference but the component on the right is dusted with mica whilst the component on the left is the natural resin clay colour. Adding the mica powder gives a nice polished sheen to the clay.

7. 

   Gently brush away the excess powder and set the components aside to cure for 24 hours.

8. Once the clay has cured, you can assemble your earrings. I attached the earring findings with 5-minute epoxy for permanent adhesion - I find this to be the adhesive that works best for me. These earrings were made for unpierced ears so I've used a clip on earring blank but a stud setting would give you the same look. To finish the earrings, string the tear drop crystal on a head pin and turn a simple loop. Attach to the bottom loop of the earring bezel.