Big Stone Earrings

Chunky nuggets aren't just for necklaces and bracelets. When used sparingly, they make striking focal points in earrings. Simple designs work best. Accented with a bit of chain or a single jump ring, these rocks won't weigh you down.

What you'll need:

* Bench block or anvil
* Hammer
* Two 18-millimeter soldered jump rings
* 8 inches 22-gauge half-hard wire
* Round-nose pliers
* Two 17-20-millimeter faceted nugget beads
* Pair of earring wires
* Chain-nose pliers


Instructions for Big Stone Earrings



1. On a bench block or anvil, hammer a soldered jump ring. Flip the jump ring over and hammer the other side.





2. Cut a 4-inch piece of wire. With the largest part of your round-nose pliers, make the first half of a wrapped loop. Attach the jump ring and complete the wraps.






3. String a nugget bead and make a wrapped loop perpendicular to the first loop.






4. Open the loop of an earring wire. Attach the dangle and close the loop. Make a second earring to match the first.