The unsung heroes of
earrings, ear-wires are what most people think of as ‘just hardware’ for their
beautiful earrings. Alas,…they are not. At least not in my opinion. And, once you
read this article and start noticing earring wires, you might change your mind
and quite possibly your ‘ear-wire’ opinion (or form your own).
For starters, although I prefer
to start with a positive instead of a negative comment, I’m going to share with
you my dislike of ‘store-bought’ (i.e. traditional/manufactured) earring wires.
(Manufactured Earring Wires - Compliments of Pinterest)
They are, to
me, the bane of practically all earrings; distracting from the most beautiful
designs and, for lack of a better term, ‘trashing’ them.
(Oohhh,….I’m feeling the flack from this
sentence already!)
Have you ever seen a pair
of the most beautiful earrings with your favorite gemstone or the most unique
and intriguing design that stopped you in your tracks only to see them hanging
from a pair of sterile, manufactured, cheap-looking earring wires, thus mucking
up their astonishing beauty?
Admit it. You've noticed.
They distract from the designer’s beautiful work of art which takes hours
of intricate work, skill and education. Not to mention patience – some of these beauties take days
or weeks to create, start to finish! And, if you’re the kind who notices, they
completely take away from the overall beauty of the finished piece of jewelry.
It’s as if you’re viewing
this gorgeous painting in the Louvre and then you happen to notice the frame
and it’s some slick, manufactured looking, no character square piece of #*@!$
engulfing this fine work of art.
Yes, I probably should
have used my inside voice there, but seriously folks,….I’m calling ‘foul’!!
Here’s a solution:
If you’re a jewelry designer, create your
own.
I’d wager to bet that if you are capable
of creating beautiful works of jewelry art, a simple earring wire design is going
to be a breeze for you.
Or, if you feel you don’t have the time for this, as time is money and the most efficient way of doing things saves money, purchase some well-crafted, quality, hand-made ear wires from another designer or someone who does this on a regular basis (No, I no longer do this).
Or, if you feel you don’t have the time for this, as time is money and the most efficient way of doing things saves money, purchase some well-crafted, quality, hand-made ear wires from another designer or someone who does this on a regular basis (No, I no longer do this).
Another thought is to make a few different ear-wire
designs on your own, consistent with your style of jewelry / earrings and have
them cast in bulk, thus ensuring the same outcome time after time.
They're bound to become a ‘signature’ piece in your designs, just as your clasps or your logo tags may have become and will help set your designs apart from others’ and make your jewelry distinguishable.
They're bound to become a ‘signature’ piece in your designs, just as your clasps or your logo tags may have become and will help set your designs apart from others’ and make your jewelry distinguishable.
Having clients who mentioned how they prefer my simple ear wire designs over ‘store-bought’ ones; sayingthey add a touch of class to the design and feel stronger and of better quality, makes me feel I am delivering the best over all product and design to my customers.
I’m quite curious to know how many people really do notice the ear-wires of earrings.
Whether you’re someone
who loves wearing earrings, a seasoned jewelry designer, or a retail or boutique
establishment, please jump in and leave a comment below telling me what you
think.
Who knows,…maybe it’s just me.
Until
Next Time,
Peace,
Love, Pearls and “Great Earring-Wires”, Baby!!
Cheers,
~Shel~
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Michelle Ludlam-Buettner (Shel) holds a Graduate Pearls Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is a Certified Pearl Specialist through the Cultured Pearl Association of American (CPAA). In addition to creating her own jewelry line, she is also a freelance e-commerce copywriter specializing in the jewelry and travel industries who can often be found fawning over pearls in her spare time. Follow Shel’s blog at MiShelDesigns.net or see what she’s snapping over on Instagram
@pearlgeek.
Questions and inquiries welcome at Shel@MiShelDesigns.net
Wholesale Inquiries please list "wholesale" in the subject line.
Questions and inquiries welcome at Shel@MiShelDesigns.net
Wholesale Inquiries please list "wholesale" in the subject line.
