DIY Network

Shell Hoop Earrings by Gia Barsocchini From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-502

Host Jackie Guerra is joined in this third segment by Hollywood makeup artist and jewelry designer, Gia Barsocchini, who looks to the sea for inspiration. The shell, coral and freshwater pearl earrings she assembles are fabulous enough to wear on the red carpet and casual enough to wear with those designer jeans.

Experience Level: Intermediate

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Guest Gia Barsocchini, a Hollywood makeup artist and jewelry designer, joins host Jackie Guerra to create a lovely pair of pearl earrings.

Materials --

Two 4-2/4" pieces of 22-gauge half-hard gold-filled wire
Two earring hooks
10 large sized fresh water pearls
2 medium sized pieces of Mother of Pearl
Quantity of assorted small shells, pearls, turquoise, or other small shells you would find in the ocean
1 pkg. of natural color silk cord, 2 meters (assorted shades if you wish)

Tools --

Knotting tool (thin, long stick)
Wire cutter
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Shell Hoop Earrings

1. Begin with taking your hoop and curving it into a half circle and take your round nose pliers at the end of the wire and roll down to make a little hoop.

   
   

2. Start stringing some beads or small doughnut shaped shells onto wire to cover a 1/2" of wire (figure A).

   
   

3. String one large pearl onto the wire.

   
   

4. Cut a 10" piece of silk cord and tie into a double knot onto wire (you will be alternating shell, cord, shell, cord, etc.)

   
   

5. String some shells or pearls (does not matter what order you do -- be creative!) onto cord, make a loose knot at the bottom of the cord and use knotting tool to move knot right below the shells (figure B). You might need to double knot or triple knot it.

   
   

6. Repeat step #5 until you have at least eight strings finished and you have alternated a large pearl, silk cord, and have used all five pearls on one hoop. Using one continuous silk cord to make the eight strings of beads saves threading the needle each time and saves on the cord (figure C).

   
   

7. Finish by stringing some more shells or beads onto wire hoop so that you cover 1/2" of wire.

   
   

8. Repeat step #1 to unfinished end of wire. Close both ends of wire shut.

   
   

9. Take a 7" piece of silk cord and string medium piece of Mother of Pearl in the middle of the cord. Tie a double knot at the top. (Taping the large Mother of Pearl down will prevent it from sliding around while you are typing it down.).

   
   

10. Put ends of cord through wire loops and tie into another knot. You might need to triple knot it. Leave a little space so you will have room for the earring hooks (figure D). Cut off excess cord.

    
    

11. Attach earring hooks.

    
    

12. Use this same technique and your own creativity to create beautiful earrings (figure E) for any occasion.

GUESTS :

Gia Barsocchini
Gia Marie Jewelry Design
Website: www.GiaMarieJewelry.com