Whether you are dressing for a formal event or adding elegance to an everyday outfit, this guide shows you how to make crystal pendant earrings with Swarovski pendants. Using sparkling pear drops, it is one of the simplest, quickest jewellery projects there is, and the results look effortlessly glamorous.
It is a beginner-friendly make that needs no beading, just two findings and a pair of pliers. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner (quick two-step assembly, no beading)
- Time: Around 15 minutes
- Pendants used: Swarovski 6106 pear pendants (22mm) in Light Sapphire Shimmer
- Findings: gold plated stirrup bails and shepherd's crook ear wires
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 below make a pair. Add the pendants and findings to your cart from the cards below. The bails and ear wires come from our jewellery findings range, and the pliers are reusable across every project.
- Swarovski 6106 Pear Pendants, 22mm Light Sapphire ShimmerOne per earring (sold in packs)2
- Gold Plated Stirrup Bail, 6mmGrips each pendant2
- Gold Plated Shepherd's Crook Ear WiresA matching pair1 pair
- Round Nose PliersOpening bails and rings1
- Chain Nose PliersClosing bails and rings1
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 crystal pendant earrings
Step 1: Attach the pendants to the bails
Gather your materials. Using round nose pliers, gently ease open a stirrup bail: slide the closed pliers into the bail and open them just enough to clear the pendant's hole. Fit the bail over the drilled hole of the pear pendant, then use chain nose pliers to close it carefully, without pressing so hard that you mark the metal. Repeat for the second pendant.
Step 2: Attach the pendants to the ear wires
Using round nose pliers, gently push open the ring at the bottom of an ear wire, just wide enough for the bail to fit through. Always push the ring open sideways, never pull it apart, as pulling distorts the shape. Hook on the bail loop, then close the ring securely. Repeat for the second earring, and your pair is complete.
Where to buy genuine Swarovski crystals
As an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, Bluestreak Crystals supplies the complete genuine range of Swarovski pendants, sourced directly from Austria with consistent quality and reliable colour matching, so your earrings sparkle with authentic brilliance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make pendant earrings?
Attach a crystal pendant to a bail, then attach the bail to an ear wire. It is one of the quickest jewellery makes there is: no beading or loops to turn, just two findings to open and close with pliers. Make a matching pair and you are done.
How do you attach a pendant to a bail?
Use round nose pliers to gently ease open a stirrup bail, sliding the closed pliers into it and opening them just enough to clear the pendant's hole. Fit the bail over the drilled hole, then close it carefully with chain nose pliers, taking care not to press too hard and mark the metal.
How do you open a jump ring or loop without bending it?
Always push the two ends sideways, one towards you and one away, rather than pulling them apart. Pulling distorts the ring so it never closes neatly again. Open just wide enough to slip your bail or loop through, then push the ends back until they meet.
What is a stirrup bail?
A stirrup bail is a small finding that grips the drilled hole of a pendant and gives you a loop to hang it from. It is an easy, secure way to turn a loose crystal pendant into a wearable drop for earrings or a necklace.
What tools do I need to make these earrings?
Just two pairs of pliers: round nose pliers to open the bails and rings, and chain nose pliers to close them neatly. No glue or beading thread is needed for this project.
Can I change the pendant and colour?
Yes. Swap in any pendant shape or colour you like, and match your ear wires in silver, gold or rose gold. We used premium Swarovski Light Sapphire Shimmer pear pendants; you can also use Czech-made Preciosa, our own Austrian-made Serinity, or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Try a different pendant shape, colour or metal to suit your style. For more elegant makes, see our heart pendant necklace and pearl earrings projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
