Tribal Fan Earrings Tutorial

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue

Designer Tips

Decide which direction to face the (reversible) ethnic fan connectors and charms, and lay out all pieces.
Use a medium-large jump ring (approx. 7mm), attach each charm to the base of the fan connector. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).
Use a slightly smaller jump ring (about 5mm) to connect the earring drop-post to the fan.
Use your favorite earring backs. This pair of earrings is a bit heavy, so earring backs with a plastic flange on the back, help them sit straight when worn. The mechanical grip is these backs is long-lasting; it won't wear out like rubber grips.

Suggested Supplies

1 pair #32-130-08-AB TierraCast Post Earring w/ Ethnic pattern and Loop - Antiqued Brass Plated
2 each #49-965-58-AB TierraCast Antiqued Brass Plated Britannia Pewter Ethnic Ring Fan Link Connector
4 each #49-958-98-AB TierraCast Antiqued Brass Plated Britannia Pewter Ethnic Dart Charm
2 each #49-958-97-AB TierraCast Antiqued Brass Plated Britannia Pewter Ethnic Spike Charm
4 each #46-970-85-6-01 TierraCast Britannia Pewter Raindrop Charm with Swarovski Crystal - Antiqued Brass Plated
Also available as a blank setting, so you can add your color choice of Swarovski raindrop crystal flatbacks.
1 gross [use 1 pair] #33-084-2 or #33-284-2 Gold Tone Earring Backs, with Mechanical Grip and Plastic Flange
1 oz [use 12 pieces] #37-100-6 Antiqued Brass Plated Jump Ring, Round, Assorted Sizes

The earring post, jump rings, and all charms in this pair of earrings are also available in rhodium (silver) plate and bright gold plate, as well as this antiqued brass plate. (Click into the TierraCast "Rhythm" and "Renewal" links in the Related Products tabs of these items, to see other options.)

Tools

2 pairs of flat nose pliers.
I prefer a combination of bent-nose and chain-nose. The angle of the bent-nose pliers makes it easier for me to securely close jump rings. 2 pairs of flat-nose pliers helps me avoid the little dent/pinch marks that round nose pliers often leave on wire.

Jan 1st 2021 Polly Nobbs-LaRue