Want to breathe new life into an old, unloved pair of hoop earrings? This guide shows you how to make beaded hoop earrings with Serinity crystal beads and a little brass wire, a simple ten-minute project that turns plain hoops into a chic, sparkly pair, perfect for summer.
It is a quick, beginner-friendly make and a lovely way to upcycle jewellery you already own. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner (simple wire wrapping)
- Time: Around 10 minutes per pair
- Beads used: Serinity 5000 round beads in White Opal Shimmer, 4mm and 6mm
- Also needs: 28 gauge non-tarnish brass artistic wire
What you'll need
Add the beads and wire to your cart from the cards below. The wire and pliers are in our tools and accessories range and are reusable across every project.
- Hoop earrings of your choice (your own)Your base, see note below1 pair
- Serinity 5000 Round Beads, 4mm White Opal ShimmerAlternating beads20
- Serinity 5000 Round Beads, 6mm White Opal ShimmerAlternating beads20
- Artistic Wire, 28 Gauge Non-Tarnish BrassAbout 30cm per earring60cm
- Jewellery Pliers Set of 3Chain nose and cutters1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to make beaded hoop earrings
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Gather everything together and trim your brass wire to length with the side cutters from the pliers set. We cut about 30cm for each earring.
Step 2: Attach the wire to the hoop
Wrap one end of the wire onto the ear post and secure it tightly with the chain nose pliers. Then wrap the wire about 5mm along the outer part of the hoop, the section that sits outside your ear, ready to start adding beads.
Step 3: Add your first bead
Thread a 4mm round bead onto the wire and slide it down to the base of your wrapping. Hold it against the outside of the hoop between your finger and thumb, then wrap the wire once over the hoop to lock the bead in place. Adjust your grip to whatever feels comfortable.
Step 4: Add more beads
Once the 4mm bead is secured and you have wrapped back around, thread on a 6mm bead, slide it down and repeat. Keep alternating 4mm and 6mm beads, wrapping each one in place, until you reach the end of the hoop.
Step 5: Secure the wire
After the last bead, wrap the wire tightly along the hoop for another 5mm. To finish, wrap around the base in the opposite direction, looping through a strand of wire to lock it, then trim off any excess. Your revamped hoops are ready to wear.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make beaded hoop earrings?
Wrap fine wire onto a plain hoop to anchor it, then thread on a bead, hold it against the hoop and wrap the wire over to lock it in place. Add beads one at a time, alternating sizes as you go around, then secure and trim the wire at the end. It is a quick make, around ten minutes a pair.
How do you attach beads to a hoop with wire?
Thread a bead onto the wire and slide it down to where your wrapping sits. Hold it against the outside of the hoop between finger and thumb, then wrap the wire once over the hoop to secure the bead before moving on to the next one.
What wire is best for wire wrapping beads?
A fine, non-tarnish craft wire such as 28 gauge artistic wire. It is thin enough to pass through bead holes and wrap neatly around a hoop, while still holding its shape and keeping its colour over time. Around 30cm per earring is plenty.
How do you revamp old hoop earrings?
Wire-wrapping beads onto them is one of the easiest upcycles. It hides a tired finish, adds colour and sparkle, and turns a plain or unloved pair into something fresh, all without any specialist tools beyond a pair of pliers.
What beads work well on hoops?
Light, round beads sit best on a hoop and stay comfortable to wear. Alternating two sizes, such as 4mm and 6mm, gives a pretty rhythm around the curve. Heavier or very large beads can pull the hoop out of shape, so keep them small.
Can I change the beads and colours?
Yes. Use any beads and shades you like to match your style or outfit. We used our own Austrian-made Serinity round beads in White Opal Shimmer; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech-made Preciosa or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Try different bead colours, a single size, or a graduated run of sizes. For more earring makes, see our seed bead flower earrings and crystal pendant earrings projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
