October Tutorial - Converting Vintage Clip-on Earrings

This month I'm going to show you how to convert clip-on earrings to pierced. This process is quite easy and perfect for those of us who don't wear clip-ons but love vintage earrings which are almost always clip-on.

There are so many beautiful affordable vintage earrings, and as a buyer I was frustrated when most of the ones I liked were clip-on. I tried wearing them, but could only stand them for a short time before they hurt unbearably. (I take off my hat to the ladies who wear them as a matter of course!) When I found out I could change most of them to pierced, it was ideal. 

But there are a few things to keep in mind when you wish to change earrings to pierced:

- Avoid heavy earrings. Sometimes heavy-looking earrings can be surprisingly light, but it's best to hold them before purchasing to gauge their weight. Heavy clip-on earrings, like these gorgeous 1950s rhinestones, usually need the support of the entire ear lobe and the clip, and won't hang right if changed to pierced. 

- Also take into account the shape of the earring. Clip-ons are usually worn more horizontally, while when they are converted to pierced, they most likely will hang from one end or the other. (More on this later.)

- Make sure you check that there is a solid place large enough to glue the posts to.

 

There are several different types of clip-ons. Ones with large clips that hinge on the side...

...and the smaller, leverback style of clips which hinge in the middle. (Screwbacks are similar to this style and can be treated the same way.)

 

Clip-on dangly earrings work well too for this, as long as there is a place to glue the post.

I would recommend experimenting with cheaper pairs first, in different styles, to figure out what works for you. But here's how you do it!

What you need...

vintage clip-on earrings

small pliers

fine grain sanding paper (available at most craft stores in the woodworking and paint section)

earring posts and backs

jewelry glue like E6000

 

1.  First, open the clip and grab it at the base with the pliers.

 

Bend it all the way up.

 

Grip it at the base. Then just bend it back and forth a few times until the metal breaks. You want it to break as close as possible to the earring. But be careful you don't bend or damage the earring while you're bending the clip!

 

Here's what it should look like. If there is a rough edge, use an old nail file or the sanding paper to rub the edge smooth.

 

For the leverback clip type, do the same bending and breaking process.

 

All done.

 

2. Decide where you want to place the post. (This is where experimenting with inexpensive earrings is great, rather than Grandmother's wedding pearls or those $15 antique rhinestones.) The shape of the earring needs to be considered. For instance, this pair as clip-on would look something like this when worn:

As pierced, it would either look like this...

 

...or this, because the post should be towards one end or the other.

Round earrings can work with the post in the center, or off-center.

 

3. After you decide where you want the post, lightly sand the spot where you will affix it. This wears off the shiny finish and will make the glue "take" better.

 

4. Also sand the bottom of the earring posts. You will be able to tell if it is sanded by the duller look of the metal finish.

 

5. Now put a generous drop of glue on the end of the post. If it is easier to control, you can put some glue on a papertowel and use a toothpick to apply. I do reccomend gluing over newspaper or a papertowel in case of glue drips. 

 

Press it immediately and firmly to the sanded spot on the earring.

This glue dries fast, so get it situated quickly and make sure it's straight. If a little peaks through, that's usually ok since it dried clear

 

6. Let them dry face down. I usually let them sit all day or overnight to make sure it is cured, but the glue does dry enough to wear in a few hours, especially with a fan on it.

 

When they're dry, they're done! You can put on the backs and try them on. There's always an element of risk when you try them for the first time, since you're never quite sure how they will look.

 

Some have turned out better than others, and I've had some trial and error, but now I've converted dozens of pairs and can really wear them so I'm happy! Here are some of mine which were once clip-on and unworn, and now loved.

 

Have fun with your thrift and antique store finds!

 

Till next month,

~Kristen - Verity Vintage Studio

Comments

[Karen M]

I make bracelets with the old earrings.

[Lynn Miller]

Love to use my vintage earrings for a bracelet.

[Karen Randall]

I make pendants and brooches with my singles. They're fabulous! So don't throw your singles away, you might be brokenhearted that you lost one - but now you can wear it again.