Make Earrings from Copper Washers Using Cold Connections

Before: Copper washers

Yesterday we demonstrated how to make earrings out of copper washers but some folks just do not want to (or have the equipment to) solder. No worries! There are many, many designs to make earrings out of copper washers using only cold connections. Today, we decided to continue our copper washer series and share one of a variety of cold connected earring designs we developed while playing around with copper washers.

 Materials
4 copper washers
20-gauge round brass wire

After: Copper and brass earrings by GeltDesigns.com

Tools
Mandrel
Round nose pliers 
Wire cutter
Wire round and cup bur (or flex shaft and cup bur)
Bordering or goldsmith hammer
Steel bench block
Tumbler

Step 1
Make the ear wires using the technique we demonstrated in yesterday's tutorial.

Texture washers with hammer

Step 2
Add texture to the copper washers. Place the washers on the steel bench block and hammer the washers.

Step 3
Use round nose pliers to form four (4) "S" shaped links.

Step 4
Assemble the earrings. Attach the washers using an "S" link. Attach a second "S" link for decoration. Attach the ear wires.

Step 5
Tumble the earrings to add strength to the ear wires and add shine to the copper.

Further Reading
"Mixed Metal Jewelry Workshop: Combining Sheet, Clay, Mesh, Wire & More (Lark Jewelry Books)": Mary Hettmansperger; 2010.
"The Jewelry Architect: Techniques and Projects for Mixed-Media Jewelry"; Kate McKinnon; 2010.

Related Tutorials
Make Hammered Copper Earrings from Washers
Make a Hammered Pendant from Washers 
Make a Heart Pendant from a Copper Washer
Cold Enamel a Washer to Make a Pendant
Make a Stamped Pendant from a Washer
Make a Three Strand Bracelet from Copper Washers
Make a Bib Necklace from Washers
How to Make "Fish Hook" Ear Wires 

Day 96  Month 4. Jewelry from Found Objects.  $ spent to date: 0
Found materials: copper washer, scrap brass wire
New Jewelry a Day.