Three-stone cluster earrings: faceted rock crystal

Make a pair of earrings with faceted rock crystal beads. The chosen setting is as follows: metal wire and gold-colored earring settings. The design includes 6 beads.

Level: accessible with basic assembly skills · Estimated time: 35 minutes · Result: one pair.

What you need

The main reference for this design: Faceted Bead Strand - Rock Crystal (8 mm). The quantities indicated correspond to the jewelry, not to the entire strand or batch sold.

• 6 beads to be taken from the Faceted Bead Strand - Rock Crystal (8 mm).
• 2 matching earring settings, hooks with their stoppers.
• 6 flat-head nails of 44 mm, 0.4 mm wire compatible with the holes.
• 2 joining rings of 4 mm for the connections, except for hoop earrings to thread.

The tools

Two flat-nose pliers with smooth jaws, one round-nose pliers, one wire cutter suitable for metal, a bead mat and a ruler.

Before you start

The quantities describe exactly the presented model. Check the size on a temporary assembly before finishing. If you change the number of beads, you are creating a different design from the one on the cover.

Test the passage of each reference on the wire held: the outer diameter of a bead does not give the size of its hole. Prepare the components on a bead mat and follow the instructions for wires and endings. The supplies without a link are to be gathered separately.

Step-by-step guide

1. Compose the pair

Prepare two identical groups of 3 beads. For each ear, follow this order: 3 faceted rock crystal beads. The quantities in the list cover the entire pair.

2. Prepare the settings

Compare the shades of the two groups. Try the passage on the wire or stem before starting and check the hold of the closures.

3. Form the six dangles

Thread the bead on the nail, whose head must be wider than the hole. Bend at a right angle a few millimeters above the stone, form a loop with the round pliers, then wrap the tail twice around the stem. Cut and fold the tip with a smooth pliers. Prepare six dangles in total, then divide them into two identical groups.

4. Gather each cluster

Hang the three dangles of one group on the same ring. Place the middle stone in front of the other two without completely hiding their contours, then connect the ring to the hook.

5. Check the symmetry

Hang the two earrings side by side, check the attachments and place the stoppers on the hooks. The pair must feature the same stones in the same order.

The detail that makes the finish

Check the number of beads before closing: 6 faceted rock crystal. The two earrings follow the same order and feature identical lengths.

Your finished jewelry

Check each attachment with a gentle pull. Pass a fabric over the metal parts: no point should catch. Wipe the stones with a soft cloth and keep the wires away from household products.

Find the references used: Faceted Bead Strand - Rock Crystal (8 mm). Natural stones feature variations in shades from one bead to another.

To prepare your next creation, find the faceted bead strands from Minéraux d’Ailleurs.