DIY Briolette Gemstone Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 04/02/2025

Briolette gemstones, with their captivating, faceted teardrop shape, lend themselves beautifully to elegant and eye-catching jewelry. Their unique cut, catching and reflecting light in mesmerizing ways, makes them a truly special choice for earrings. If you're looking to add a touch of sophisticated sparkle to your wardrobe without the hefty price tag of designer pieces, then crafting your own DIY briolette gemstone earrings is the perfect project. This guide will teach you how to create stunning, bespoke earrings that you'll be proud to wear, showcasing your creativity and personal style.

From selecting the perfect gemstones to the final delicate touches, we'll walk you through each stage of the process with clear instructions and helpful tips. Forget expensive jewelry stores; this step-by-step guide will empower you to create a beautiful pair of briolette gemstone earrings, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any occasion. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 26 gauge wire
  • gold head pins
  • gold earring wires
  • gold rings
  • chain nose pliers
  • round nose pliers
  • wire cutters
  • briolettes
  • rondelles
  • labradorite gemstones
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a well-ventilated area when working with jewelry-making supplies, especially if using any potentially harmful adhesives or metalworking tools.
  • Handle gemstones with care to avoid chipping or scratching. Use soft cloths or gloves when necessary.
  • If using wire or jump rings, be mindful of sharp edges. Use pliers carefully to avoid injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Briolette Hanger

    • Cut a 2.5-inch piece of 26-gauge wire and feed it through the top drill hole of a pear-shaped briolette.
    • Fold the wire over the top of the briolette to create a hanger.
    • Wrap the wire around the center of the briolette twice to secure it.
    • Cut the excess wire and use chain nose pliers to tighten the wraps.
    Cut the excess wire and use chain nose pliers to tighten the wraps.Cut the excess wire and use chain nose pliers to tighten the wraps.Cut the excess wire and use chain nose pliers to tighten the wraps.Cut the excess wire and use chain nose pliers to tighten the wraps.
    Prepare Briolette Hanger
    • Use round nose pliers to create a loop at the top of the wire.
    Use round nose pliers to create a loop at the top of the wire.
    Prepare Briolette Hanger

  2. Attach Briolette to Ring

    • Attach the briolette hanger to a gold ring.
    • Secure the ring to the briolette hanger with two wraps of wire and trim the excess.
    Secure the ring to the briolette hanger with two wraps of wire and trim the excess.Secure the ring to the briolette hanger with two wraps of wire and trim the excess.
    Attach Briolette to Ring

  3. Prepare Rondelle Dangle

    • Attach a labradorite rondelle to a head pin, creating a loop at the top.
    Attach a labradorite rondelle to a head pin, creating a loop at the top.
    Prepare Rondelle Dangle

  4. Attach Rondelle to Ring

    • Attach the rondelle to a gold ring and secure it with two wire wraps.
    Attach the rondelle to a gold ring and secure it with two wire wraps.
    Attach Rondelle to Ring

  5. Create Second Earring

    • Repeat steps 1-9 to create a second earring.
    Repeat steps 1-9 to create a second earring.
    Create Second Earring

  6. Assemble Earrings

    • Attach the completed earring components to earring wires.
    Attach the completed earring components to earring wires.
    Assemble Earrings

Read more: Twisted Wire Spiral Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • When wrapping wire around delicate gemstones, be gentle to avoid breakage.
  • Use the flat side of the wire cutters to create a flush cut.
  • Ensure the head pins fit through the beads before beginning.
  • Open earring wire loops carefully to avoid deformation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Glue Application

Reason: Uneven glue distribution on the briolette or the earring findings leads to an unbalanced look and potential detachment.
Solution: Use a toothpick or a fine-tipped applicator to carefully distribute a small amount of glue evenly across the contact surfaces.

2. Incorrect Wire Wrapping

Reason: Loose or poorly executed wire wrapping can cause the briolette to become unstable or fall off, compromising the earring's durability.
Solution: Use pliers to firmly secure the wire wraps, ensuring multiple tight coils around the earring findings for a strong and secure hold.