To make Christmas tree earrings, you thread a red cube, an amber round, three graduated green pearls and a sparkling bicone onto a flat end headpin, then form a loop at the top and hang it from an ear wire. In this tutorial we build the tree from Swarovski crystal beads and graduated Serinity crystal pearls in Iridescent Green, on gold findings.
As an official Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, every Swarovski bead we supply comes direct from Swarovski in Austria, available to everyone with no minimum order, and the Serinity pearls are our own Austrian-made range. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner, one loop is the only wirework
- Time: About 20 minutes for the pair
- Crystals used: Swarovski bicone, round and cube beads with Serinity pearls in Iridescent Green
- Technique: Bead stringing on headpins with a simple loop
What you'll need
Quantities make one pair, so scale up for more. Add the beads, pearls, findings and tools 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 Cube Beads 5601 6mm, SiamThe red base2
- Swarovski Round Beads 5000 4mm, Smoked AmberThe trunk2
- Serinity Pearls 5810 8mm, Iridescent GreenBottom tier of the tree2
- Serinity Pearls 5810 5mm, Iridescent GreenMiddle tier2
- Serinity Pearls 5810 3mm, Iridescent GreenTreetop tier2
- Swarovski Bicone Beads 5328 4mm, Crystal ABThe sparkling topper2
- Gold Plated Flat End Headpins 2 inchThe earring body2
- Gold Plated Fish Hook Ear WiresThe earring hooks2
- Chain Nose PliersThe right-angle bend1
- Round Nose PliersRolling the loop1
- Side CuttersTrimming the wire1
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 Christmas tree earrings
Step 1: Thread the beads in order
The headpin forms the body of the earring, with its flat head stopping the beads sliding off the bottom. Thread on the Siam cube first, then the Smoked Amber round, then the three pearls starting with the largest, and finally the Crystal AB bicone. From the bottom up you get base, trunk, tapering tree and sparkling topper. The sequence should look something like this:
Step 2: Secure the beads and form the loop
Use the chain nose pliers to bend the headpin to a right angle just above the bicone, which stops everything sliding off. Then roll the wire back on itself with the round nose pliers into a small circle and trim the excess with the side cutters, leaving a closed loop similar to a jump ring. At this point you have a finished pendant: it could hang from a chain as a necklace just as easily as from an ear wire.
Step 3: Attach the ear wire
Using the round nose and chain nose pliers together, gently twist open the loop at the bottom of the fish hook ear wire, thread the pendant on, and twist it closed. Always twist loops open and closed rather than pulling them apart, which weakens the metal.
Step 4: Make the matching pair
Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the second earring and the festive set is complete.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make Christmas tree earrings?
Thread the beads onto a flat end headpin in order: the red cube first, then the amber round, then three green pearls from largest to smallest, and a Crystal AB bicone on top. Bend the pin to a right angle above the last bead, coil it into a loop, trim the wire and hook the loop onto an ear wire.
What beads make the Christmas tree shape?
The tree itself is three graduated green pearls, 8mm, 5mm and 3mm, threaded largest first so they taper upwards. Below them an amber round bead reads as the trunk and a red cube as the base, while a sparkling Crystal AB bicone on top finishes the tree like a star.
What are crystal pearls?
Crystal pearls have a solid crystal core coated in layers of pearlescent finish, which gives them the weight and lustre of fine pearls with perfectly uniform size and drill holes. We used Serinity pearls, our own Austrian-made range, in an iridescent green that shifts beautifully in the light.
Can this design be a necklace instead of earrings?
Yes. After you form the closed loop at the top of the beaded headpin you have a finished pendant, and at that point it can hang from a chain just as happily as from an ear wire. Make one for a necklace and two for earrings and you have a matching festive set.
How do you finish the top of a headpin?
Bend the wire to a right angle just above the last bead with chain nose pliers, then grip the tip with round nose pliers and roll it back on itself into a small circle. Trim the excess with side cutters and you have a closed loop, similar to a jump ring, ready to hang.
Make it your own
Swap the green pearls for white for a snowy tree, or finish with a star-shaped bead instead of the bicone. For more festive jewellery makes, see how to make candy cane earrings, or explore the full Craft Studio.
