Gold Pearl Drop Earrings Tutorial

I found a great gold pearl necklace at the thrift store and decided to make a pair of earrings out of it. On New Year's Eve I quickly whipped up these earrings to match my sparkly gold and black outfit. They were so quick and easy to make - why not share!?

What you'll need:

• an old 'pearl' necklace
• 2 earring wires
• 2 headpins or 3 inches of 18-20 gauge wire
• 4 inches of metal chain
• a jewelry multi-tool or wire cutters and round-nose pliers

Cut the beads off your necklace, being careful not to cut or scratch the beads you want to use. Many necklaces have a knot between each bead, so it can be tricky.

Place each of your beads onto a headpin and clip the top with your wire cutters. Then form a loop with your round-nose pliers, but don't close it yet!

I cut my 2 pieces of chain to approximately 2 inches, but you can cut yours to the length you would like. Use longer pieces for a more dramatic effect.

Now slip one end of your chain onto the loop you made with your headpin and close the loop with your pliers. Then slip the other end of the chain onto your ear wire. Easy! New earrings here you come!

What about you? Have you ever transformed a piece of jewelry that you scored from the thrift store? Or perhaps an old piece of your grandmother's costume jewelry? I'd love to hear about it!