To make pearl drop earrings, you thread graduated pearls onto a flat-end headpin, smallest first, bend the wire at a right angle above the largest pearl, roll it into a loop and hang the drop from an ear wire. In this tutorial we use Swarovski crystal pearls in Crystal Dark Coral, four sizes from 6mm to 12mm on gold findings, a rich, warm combination that suits the festive season beautifully.
This is one of the easiest builds in jewellery making and a reliable best seller for jewellery makers at any time of year. As an official Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, every pearl we supply comes direct from Swarovski in Austria, available to everyone with no minimum order. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Absolute beginner, two pliers moves
- Time: Fifteen minutes for the pair
- Crystals used: Swarovski crystal pearls 5810 in Crystal Dark Coral, 6mm to 12mm
- Technique: Graduated threading on a headpin with a simple loop
What you'll need
One pack of each pearl size covers the pair with spares for future sets. Add the 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 Pearls 5810 6mm, Crystal Dark CoralThe bottom tip of each drop2
- Swarovski Pearls 5810 8mm, Crystal Dark CoralSecond from the tip2
- Swarovski Pearls 5810 10mm, Crystal Dark CoralSecond from the top2
- Swarovski Pearls 5810 12mm, Crystal Dark CoralThe top of each drop2
- Gold Plated Flat End Headpins 2 inchThe body of each earring2
- Gold Plated Fish Hook Ear WiresThe earring hooks2
- Chain Nose PliersThe right-angle bend and loop opening1
- Round Nose PliersForming 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 pearl drop earrings
Step 1: Thread the pearls in order
The gold-plated headpin forms the body of the earring, with the flat head stopping the pearls sliding off the bottom. Thread the pearls on smallest first, going up a size each time, until one of every size sits on the pin and the 12mm pearl is at the top.
Step 2: Secure the pearls and form the loop
Use the chain nose pliers to bend the headpin at a right angle just above the largest pearl, locking the pearls in place. Then roll the wire back on itself around 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. On its own this component is essentially a pendant, ready to hang from earrings or a chain as a necklace.
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 and thread on the pendant. Always twist loops open and closed rather than pulling them apart, which weakens the metal and makes the loop likely to break later.
Step 4: Make the matching pair
Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the second earring and the set is complete.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make pearl drop earrings?
Thread four graduated pearls onto a flat-end headpin, smallest first, bend the wire at a right angle just above the largest pearl, form a small loop with round nose pliers and trim the excess. Twist open the loop on a fish hook ear wire, hang the drop, close the loop, and repeat for the pair.
What order do you thread graduated pearls?
Smallest first. The flat head of the pin stops the first pearl sliding off, so the smallest sits at the bottom tip of the drop and each pearl steps up a size until the largest sits at the top, just under the loop. The taper reads beautifully when the earring moves, widening towards the ear.
How do you finish a headpin with a loop?
Bend the wire at a right angle just above the last bead with chain nose pliers, which locks everything in place, then roll the wire back on itself around the tip of round nose pliers into a small circle and trim the rest with side cutters. The closed loop behaves just like a jump ring.
Can a pearl drop hang from a necklace instead?
Yes. The threaded and looped headpin is essentially a finished pendant before the ear wire goes on, so the same component can hang from a chain as a graduated pearl necklace drop. Making a third while you have the pliers out turns the pair into a matching set.
What colour pearls go with gold findings?
Warm tones sit most naturally on gold. Crystal Dark Coral brings a rich red warmth that makes gold glow, deep browns and bronzes feel autumnal, and creamy whites turn classic. Cooler greys and blues are not wrong, just bolder, reading as a deliberate contrast rather than a blend.
Make it your own
Crystal Dark Coral on gold is rich and warm, but the same fifteen-minute build works in any palette: creamy whites on silver for a bride, deep greens for Christmas. For more quick earring makes, see how to make Christmas tree earrings and heart drop earrings, or explore the full Craft Studio.
