Earring Extravaganza

2004-2005) 1-2" length, 18-24 gauge sterling silver wire, gemstone beads (from left to right: banded agate and labradorite; sunstone and moonstone; sponge coral, turqoise and Indian vintage glass beads; moonstone and garnet; faceted citrine; labradorite; lapis and bamboo coral; faceted carnelian; sponge coral and moonstone) bali silver and silver findings.

These are earrings I made over the last two years to complement a variety of necklaces and bead bracelets. Since I've moved from wearing my hair in a pony-tail to wearing it open they've been neglected a bit as they always get tangled up in hair now, which drives me crazy... The findings are really sold as clasp components for multi-strand necklaces, but work well with the earrings.

I guess my inspiration for the three-part construction was the amazing ear-wear they put on the empress Lucilla in "Gladiator". If you can peel your eyes off Russell Crowe for a minute check out her ears. (Yummy!)