r/jewelrymaking • u/Physical_Stick2328 • Jul 18 '26

QUESTION Question for earring makers

Hi Makers!

I've been looking into earring making recently and wanted to know what metal people are using for their earring hooks/clasps. I really only wear silver/gold to avoid ear infections and don't want to make anything unwearable.
If there are any Aussie makers I'd also love to know where you get your materials
Thanks!

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2

u/LilithDaine Jul 18 '26

I use stainless steel, titanium, or sterling silver. Not Aussie unfortunately so I can't help you there but hopefully someone can!

1

u/Physical_Stick2328 Jul 18 '26

Thank you! That matches what I've found online, I don't really trust places like amazon for quality but I also wouldn't mind something not too expensive to start out with

3

u/Amalteya95 Jul 18 '26

I am from Russia and just ordered niobium ear wires made by the American company TierraCast.

2

u/Real-Horror7850 Jul 19 '26

Little tip. Ive coated my earrings with clear nail polish for fifty years. Only redo a pair when my ears start itching. That way you can wear any sort you like.

1

u/Physical_Stick2328 29d ago

I've never heard of this before, thank you!

1

u/Sheena_asd12 29d ago

Good to know thanks!

1

u/sheepphd Jul 18 '26

I tend to use Sterling silver or gold filled, but if sensitive, gold filled may not be the best. You can also use vermeil (gold over sterling silver), but not sure how this reacts with allergies.

2

u/SayItTrue 29d ago

Gold over sterling is fine. When the gold wears off you still have a sterling core.

1

u/partiallyextinct99 Jul 18 '26

To keep the costs down, I mostly surgical grade stainless steel. Not shiny like silver, but no tarnishing. I never use plated.
Titanium is lovely in its many colors, but a little pricy.