DIY Vintage Inspired Pearl Earrings

I have a serious slight obsession with vintage jewelry. I particularly love big, pretty earrings from the 1950s and 1960s. I usually end up using them to make necklaces and bracelets though because they are always too big for my ears and look a little silly on me. This weekend, I came across a pair I really liked and thought I could probably make something that looked similar, but much smaller.

I don't know why I haven't thought of this before! I played around with some simple bead weaving ideas for a few minutes and came up with these.

You will need:
10 - 4mm pearl beads
16 - 11/0 gold seed beads
2 - small pearl (or similarly colored) beads for the back of earring
2 - earring post backs
fishing line (or clear bead thread)
E-6000 glue
Big eye beading needle (optional)

Note: Since these earrings are tiny (finished they measure about 10 or 11mm across the middle) I am using larger beads in the tutorial below. It doesn't change anything - they are just easier to photograph clearly!

Start by threading four pearls and 4 seed beads onto a piece of thread, placing a seed bead between each pearl. Then, form a circle by taking the end of the thread (the side that ends with a seed bead) and threading it back through the first pearl.

Next, string one seed bead and one pearl onto one side of the thread. String one seed bead onto the other side and then thread it through the pearl on the other side.

String one seed bead onto each side of the thread. Then, take each side and thread it through the pearl on the opposite end.

When you pull each side of the string taut it will form the shape above. This next part is where you might want to use a beading needle. You don't need one, but because the beads are so small it might make it easier. Pass each side of the string through several beads, making sure to end them at the same place so you can tie a knot.

Tie a knot, then thread the string through a couple beads to secure it, and cut off the excess string.

Put a little glue on the knot. Then, flip the bead over and put some glue in the middle. Place your small bead there and press to make sure it's secure. The only point of putting this bead here it to fill in the hole and make a somewhat flat surface to glue the earring back. I just happened to have a bead the right size that would work, but if you don't maybe use a couple smaller beads.

Put a little glue onto the flat surface of the earring post and press it to the back of the earring. Hold it for a couple seconds to make sure it's secure, then sit it face down to dry.

Since the front of the earring isn't flat, I put mine face down in some beads to hold it upright while it was drying. Let them dry overnight and you're all done!

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