Want a quick, elegant pair of earrings to make at home? This guide shows you how to make dangly pearl earrings with Swarovski crystal pearls, threading a few cream rice pearls onto a headpin and finishing them on a simple stud.
It is a beginner-friendly make that takes about half an hour and needs only two tools. As an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, Bluestreak Crystals supplies the complete genuine range of Swarovski pearls, sourced directly from Austria with a smooth, even coating that sits beautifully in a drop. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: 30 minutes for a pair
- Pearls used: Swarovski 5824 rice pearls in Crystal Cream, 4mm
- Technique: Pearls threaded on a headpin with a turned loop and a stud fitting
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities make one pair. Add the pearls and findings to your cart from the cards below. The pliers and cutters are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Swarovski 5824 Rice Pearls 4mm, Crystal CreamThe drops, 6 per earring12 (1 retail pack)
- Sterling Silver Post and ScrollThe stud fittings1 pair
- Silver Plated Flat End Headpins, 1.5 inchOne per earring2
- Round Nose PliersTurning the loops1
- Side CuttersTrimming the headpins1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£3.58 ex VAT
£3.58 ex VAT
£4.99 ex VAT
£3.50 ex VAT
£9.20 ex VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to make dangly pearl earrings
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Tip your 5824 Cream pearls into a tray and have your round nose pliers and side cutters ready.
Step 2: Thread the pearls
Take six pearls and thread them onto a flat head pin.
Step 3: Bend and trim the wire
Bend the end of the headpin over to one side, leave around 3mm of slack, and snip off the excess wire with your side cutters.
Step 4: Turn a loop
Using your round nose pliers, roll that end into a neat loop.
Step 5: Attach the stud
Open the loop with your round nose pliers, hook on the post and scroll, then close the loop again.
Step 6: Make the matching earring
Repeat steps two to five to make the second earring, and your pair is complete. Congratulations, you have made your own simple but elegant dangly earrings, ready to wear with pride.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make dangly pearl earrings?
Thread a few pearls onto a headpin, bend the wire over above them, trim it to about 3mm and roll it into a loop with round nose pliers. Open the loop, hook on an earring post, and close it. Make a matching second earring and the pair is done, in about half an hour.
How do you make a loop on a headpin?
Thread your pearls on, then bend the wire above them to a right angle. Trim it to roughly 3mm with side cutters, grip the end with round nose pliers and roll it into a round loop. Keeping the loop a consistent size on both earrings gives a tidy, matching pair.
What length headpin do I need?
Long enough for your beads plus the loop. Six 4mm rice pearls take up around 24mm, so a 1.5 inch, or 38mm, headpin leaves room to turn the loop. If you add more or larger pearls, step up to a longer pin so you are not left short.
What are rice pearls?
Rice pearls are Swarovski 5824 pearls with a slightly elongated, grain-of-rice shape rather than a round one. Threaded in a row they sit closely together for a soft, textured drop, and the Crystal Cream shade gives a warm, classic pearl look.
Can I make these as studs or hooks instead?
Yes. This design finishes on a post and scroll for a stud, but you can hang the loop from a fish hook or lever back ear wire instead for a longer dangle. Just open the loop, swap the fitting, and close it again.
Can I use different pearls or colours?
Absolutely. Any pearl shape, size or shade works with the same method. We used premium Swarovski pearls here for their smooth, even coating; you can also use our own Austrian made Serinity, Czech made Preciosa or budget Estella pearls.
Make it your own
Add more pearls for a longer drop, mix in a crystal bead, or swap the cream for any shade. To build a set, see our pearl bow earrings and pearl bracelet projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
