DIY Briolette Dangle Chain Earrings: A Simple and Elegant Tutorial

Updated at: 21/03/2025

Dangle earrings are a timeless accessory, capable of instantly elevating any outfit. But finding the perfect pair, perfectly priced, can be a frustrating search. Why not create your own? This tutorial guides you through the surprisingly simple process of crafting elegant briolette dangle chain earrings, offering a unique and personalized touch to your jewelry collection. Forget expensive boutiques – you'll discover the joy of handmade elegance, perfectly tailored to your style. These earrings boast a sophisticated, eye-catching design that's surprisingly easy to replicate, even for beginners.

With just a few readily available materials and a little patience, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can transform simple components into stunning, wearable art. Prepare to be captivated by the delicate shimmer of the briolette gemstones as they gracefully sway with every movement. Ready to embark on this rewarding crafting adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and begin creating your very own pair of exquisite DIY briolette dangle chain earrings.

Safety Guidelines

  • Always use jewelry-making pliers specifically designed for delicate work to avoid damaging your findings or injuring yourself. Avoid using regular pliers.
  • Be mindful of sharp components like jump rings and wire. Handle them carefully to prevent cuts or scratches.
  • If using any adhesives, ensure they are appropriate for jewelry making and allow adequate drying time before wearing to prevent the adhesive from coming loose or causing skin irritation.

Methods: Creating Chain Earrings with Briolette Dangles using Wire Wrapping

Tools Needed

  • Ready-made chain
  • Ear wires
  • Briolette dangles
  • Wire
  • Snippers
  • Round nose pliers
  • Chain nose pliers

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chain

    • Measure and cut the desired length of the ready-made chain.
    Measure and cut the desired length of the ready-made chain.
    Prepare the Chain

  2. Create the First Briolette Dangle

    • Prepare a piece of wire, approximately a third of the way down the briolette dangle.
    • Create a 'U' shape with the wire, crossing it to form a loop.
    • Wrap the wire around to secure the loop, creating a dangle.
    • Make a coil at the top of the dangle.
    Make a coil at the top of the dangle.Make a coil at the top of the dangle.Make a coil at the top of the dangle.
    Create the First Briolette Dangle

  3. Attach the Dangle to the Chain

    • Attach the dangle coil to the chain, positioning it a couple of links above the bottom.
    • Use round nose pliers to hold the loop while using chain nose pliers to wrap and secure the coil to the chain link.
    • Close the wire ends neatly.
    Close the wire ends neatly.Close the wire ends neatly.
    Attach the Dangle to the Chain

  4. Create and Attach Remaining Dangles

    • Repeat steps 2-8 for the remaining briolettes and chain.
    Repeat steps 2-8 for the remaining briolettes and chain.
    Create and Attach Remaining Dangles

  5. Attach to Ear Wires

    • Attach the finished chain to ear wires.
    Attach the finished chain to ear wires.
    Attach to Ear Wires

Tips

  • Don't worry about being perfectly precise; slight imperfections add to the handmade charm.
  • Eyeballing the placement of the dangles creates a more organic and less uniform look.

Read more: 4 Genius Ways to Back Your Faux Leather Earrings (No More Ugly Backs!)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Briolette Spacing

Reason: Improper measurement or inconsistent knotting can lead to uneven spacing between the briolette beads, resulting in an unbalanced look.
Solution: Carefully measure and double-check the spacing between each briolette before knotting, ensuring consistent distances.

2. Weak or Easily Broken Knots

Reason: Using insufficient knots or an improper knotting technique makes the chain fragile and prone to breaking, leading to lost beads.
Solution: Employ secure knotting techniques like a surgeon's knot and double-check each knot for firmness before moving on.

FAQs

What kind of wire should I use for making the Briolette dangle earrings?
For Briolette dangle earrings, you'll want to use a lightweight yet sturdy wire like 20-22 gauge craft wire or even beading wire. Avoid anything too thick as it might overwhelm the delicate briolette.
How do I prevent the Briolette from swinging too much or hitting my face?
To control the swing, consider using a shorter length of chain or wire for the dangle. You can also add a small jump ring just below the briolette and attach a tiny bead or charm to add weight and subtly reduce the movement.