Soaring

Thunderbird Charm Earrings with Gemstone Dangle

Skill LevelBeginner

TechniqueWire-Working

Time1-3 Hours

The Thunderbird charms in these earrings stand out even more on a gemstone backdrop.

The TierraCast Western Winds collection is filled with beautiful pieces inspired by the Southwest. These earrings feature the Thunderbird charm from the collection. Thunderbirds often represent power and strength in Native American cultures. When paired with gemstones, they make an even more powerful statement. You can see more jewelry made with the Western Winds collection in this Artbeads Cafe episode.

Step-by-Step Instructions Expand All Steps

Choose the gemstone pendant you want to use for your earrings. We do not carry the pendants TierraCast used in this example, but we have similar options listed in our Perfect Product Pairings below. Then, use 24 gauge Silver Artbeads Designer Wire to make a wrapped loop at the top of the pendant.

Wrapped Loop Tutorial
Messy Wrapped Loops Video Tutorial

Add your pendant to a TierraCast silver-plated brass medium oval open jump ring. With the jump ring still open, add the TierraCast antique silver-plated pewter Thunderbird charm so that it rests on top of the pendant. Add the TierraCast 8mm rhodium-plated pewter dome earring post to the jump ring so that the dome faces to the front of the earring. Close the jump ring.

Opening and Closing Jump Rings Video

Repeat steps one and two to make the other earring.

List of Components
TierraCast 8mm Rhodium-Plated Pewter Dome Earring Post (RB-1000, qty 1)
TierraCast Antique Silver-Plated Pewter Thunderbird Charm (SA2531, qty 2)
TierraCast Silver-Plated Brass Medium Oval Open Jump Ring (S-0018, qty 2)
Artbeads Designer Wire - Silver Non-Tarnish 24 Gauge (36 ft. spool) (ADW0049, qty 1)

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Nice choice! All or most of the products needed for this project are shown below with quantities. Sometimes we sell out of components and aren’t able to order more from the manufacturer (we know, it is very disappointing to us, too). Use the opportunity to mix up the design and make it yours by substituting similar products or altering the entire color scheme—it’s up to you!