Girandole Earrings

Maggie Meister
Sunday, August 10th,  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Advanced

Girandole Earrings were popular during the late 1600s and the 1700s.  The earrings were popular all along the Mediterranean Era and each region seems to have a unique individual style.  They were laden with precious and semi-precious gems and quite large and lavish.  Because of the size and weight, the pieces of the earrings were removable so that different designs could be made according to the taste of the owner.  While traveling in Sicily, I found many pairs of antique girandole earrings.  The Sicilian style used small seed pearls – as they did in most of their jewelry from this period.  These earrings were inspired by the Sicilian style.  Using peyote and right angle weave, we will make components or embellish components to make a piece which can be moderated to fit your style.

Intermediate:  Knowledge of Peyote is essential.

Supply List:

1.       15 grams of cylinder beads (Delica or Toho)

2.       5 grams of size 15 seed beads to match or complement the cylinder beads

3.       2 grams of size 15 charlottes

4.       6 drop pearls (size) with vertical hole

5.       1-2 strands of 2 or 3 mm garnets or semi-precious stones

6.       40 (approximately) size 2 or 3mm round Swarovski crystals

7.       16  garnets or semi-precious stones, 4mm in size

8.       One pair of ear wires

9.       8 soldered jump rings (gold or silver) -   mm in size

10.    22 gauge wire – about 12 inches to make the hooks for the earrings

11.   Beading thread

12.   Size 10 beading needles and size 13 beading needles