Making a wrapped French hook from scratch


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One of the things I don't like about mass-produced French hook earwires is that the loop on the bottom is split so it can be opened to attach an earring. This makes sense, but produces an earring that if caught on clothing or yanked on by a child, can come loose from its earwire. I prefer to make my own earwires that can't be pulled open.

		I use 20 gauge half hard Sterling Silver. Some people prefer 22 gauge, but I find it a little too flimsy. Cut off two pieces about 2.5-3 inches long.
With round nose pliers, create a complete loop about one inch from the end of each wire.
		This is what it should look like.
Open up the loop slightly.
		Hook your earring through the loop, reclose the loop, and bend the longer side of the wire so it is at a 90 degree angle to the shorter.
Using your chain nose pliers, grab the loop so both sides are secure.
		Make two wraps with the shorter wire, until the remainder is pointing to the back of the earring.
Snip off the excess.
		If you are using dead soft wire, you will need to work harden the metal so the ear wires are not so squishy soft. If you are using half hard, you can skip this step. Make a small 90 degree bend near the end of the wire.
Grab the wire at the bend with the chain nose pliers, and twist the wire on its axis about 10 times. This will work harden the wire.
		Using the chain nose pliers, and getting as close to the double wrap, bend the wire slightly forward toward the front of the earring.
Locate a round pencil. If you are a nerd, you may choose to use one like this, hehe. Qapla', hehe.
		Bend the wire around the pencil, starting at the wrap, until there is only about a 3/16 inch gap between the loop and the back of the wire.
cut the wire to the desired length, and make a small bend outward right at the end.
		This is what it should look like.
Finally, using a jeweler's file, round off the end.

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