I recently styled and shot and editorial photo shoot to showcase some statement necklaces that I had made for my research. While I had a few earrings to photograph in the collection, they were not coordinated with the necklaces. Therefore, in order to balance the necklaces I created four simple golden earrings. I wanted each pair to contribute to the overall styling while allowing the necklaces to remain the primary focus. Although all four designs share warm gold tones, they explore different materials including rhinestones, plated iron, coated acrylic and brass.
Golden Sphere Earrings
These were the simplest of all four earrings. I picked coated lightweight acrylic beads that were about an inch wide. With a spherical form wrapped with spiral ridges, it created depth and visual interest without having to add other decorative elements. I looped them to simple handmade hooks and let the size and shape do the talking.
Coin Drop Earrings
For this design, I drew inspiration from traditional Indian jewellery. I combined teardrop shaped metal studs with Lakshmi kaasu (coin) made of plated iron. To introduce subtle movement in these golden earrings, I used small pearl accents. I did not use these for the shoot as they looked overtly traditional. But they might come in handy when I wear a traditional coin necklace (Kaasu malai) and need earrings.
Concentric Disc Statement Earrings
As the first two earrings were completed within minutes, I had some time on my hands. Therefore, I cut brass sheet into circles, hammered them for both texture as well as hardening and punched holes. I connected them to metal studs with concentric raised rings to create simple earrings with form repetition.
Aurora Crystal Studs
These are not exactly golden earrings. But I needed a pair with rhinestones to match some of the necklaces and so I made them using rhinestones with an Aurora borealis finish. I have been experimenting quite a bit with UV resin these days and felt that it would be the fastest way to make sturdy rhinestone earrings.
I chose an eye or almond MDF base and covered it with golden paint, after which I glued iridescent rhinestone cup chain. I filled UV resin in the between spaces and cured it. I glued earring posts to the back, painted the visible areas with gold paint and sealed with UV resin once again. I have worn them a couple of times since the shoot and the resin gives the posts a strong hold until traditional glues. Their compact size makes them easy to pair with larger necklaces, adding brightness around the face without distracting from the main jewellery.
Since I made all these golden earrings the evening before the shoot, I kept them simple and made them with whatever materials I had in hand. The earrings turned out lightweight, making them practical for extended wear during the shoot.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
What do you think?