Upcycle Vintage Clip Ons Into Gorgeous Pierced Earrings
Hi there! How was your weekend? Did you do any vintage shopping? My sweet husband and I hit one fantastic sale on Saturday that had me doing the happy dance.
Even though we arrived after 2 pm, we made some wonderful discoveries: an apple basket filled with aged terracotta pots (for free, actually), six pieces of ironstone, Christmas decorations, two pieces of enamelware, three flower frogs, a stool, a thermos, seven brand new antique hankies, and more!
I also picked up one pair of old clip on earrings, not because my ears aren’t pierced, but because of today’s post. Have you ever seen pretty clip ons for sale and wished you could find a way to wear them? Or maybe you inherited a jewelry box full and have been wondering what you could make with Grandma’s old clip on earrings?
Today I’ve got the answer, and it is oh-so-simple. I’m going to show you how you can upcycle vintage clip ons into pierced earrings in just a couple of steps. I’ve been making them for the past couple of weeks and I am completely hooked! I find it both relaxing and very satisfying.
Here are some other vintage jewelry posts that you might enjoy: an earring holder, a jewelry price guide, flower power enamel jewelry, and a creative way to wear vintage brooches.
Materials to Upcycle Vintage Clip Ons Into Pierced Earrings
Note: This post contains affiliate links for [the same or similar] products used to complete the projects mentioned. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my website, since I receive a small compensation whenever you click on a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you 🙂
Materials List
- Round nose pliers (optional)
- Fish hook earring wires
- Lever back earring wires
- Vintage clip on earrings with a “dangle”
- Needle nose pliers
Here’s an example of fish hook pierced earring wires. You can open and close the little loop at the bottom in order to hang [what I call] a “dangle” from it.
Here’s an example of a lever back pierced earring wire. The little “eye” at the bottom has a slit at the top, which can be turned slightly to the side to allow a dangle to be hung from it.
How to Remove the Dangle from a Vintage Clip On Earring
Remember the “eye” on the lever back earring wire (above)? You’ll find that same eye on many clip on earrings that have a pretty dangle. The arrow points to the split in the eye that you can bend to the side to remove the dangle.
With your needle nose pliers, you’ll bend it to the side and remove the dangle.
This dangle has a jump ring that we’ll use to hang it on a pierced earring wire. I’m going to use fish hook wires because I think they’ll go better with this casual style earring.
How to Open a Fish Hook Earring Wire & Attach Dangle
Use round nosed pliers (if you have them) to open the loop on fish hook wires. These pliers will help you retain the round shape of the loop.
This is what it looks like after you’ve opened that loop. Hook the earring dangle to the loop, reclose it with your round pliers, and you’re done!
You have a beautiful pair of pierced earrings in just a few easy steps.
Other Types of Loops/Eyes on Earring Backs
Not all clip ons have the same type of eye holding the dangle in place. These black chandelier earrings have a simple wire loop. Ditto on the dangle itself.
You can open the loop on the dangle and then easily hang it from a fish hook without having to open the fish hook loop.
Make sure to close the loop on your dangle tightly to ensure it doesn’t fall off. (This one looks like it could be tightened up a bit, LOL!)
Here’s the pretty finished pair. Ready for an evening out with your honey.
How to Open a Lever Back Earring Wire
We saw above that many clip ons have the same eye as the lever backs. To open, just grab the side at the point where it’s split and bend it enough to create an opening to slip your dangle on.
These large silver hoops simply have a hole at the top, but it slipped onto the lever back nicely, and then the eye closed nice and tight.
Ta da!
Here’s another pair that I made recently–one of my favorites!
If you want to give it a try, you can find clip ons at garage sales, thrift stores, estates sales, and even on eBay. I would absolutely LOVE to see your projects–email them to me or post them in Your Vintage Headquarters (my Facebook group). Have fun!
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A slightly safer way to open a closed loop on earrings, whether clip-on or pierced, and dangle/drop pieces is to always twist the loop slightly (at an angle) at the opening, rather than pulling it directly away from the rest of the piece. Gently twisting the loop opens the gap safely and puts less stress on the metal that pulling it apart can exert, which can cause it to break off. The same approach is the best/safest way to open a jump ring, the small circular metal rings that can be used to connect pieces. The open loop can then be closed easily. This approach doesn’t necessarily require round pliers, though they are handy to have for jewelry-making and many other uses.
Thanks for the professional tips, Leslie–much appreciated!! As soon as I get the chance, I’ll note your comment in the body of the post 🙂
I love this project, Diana! Such a fun idea…thanks for sharing!
Aww thanks so much, Linda!!
This is fascinating, Diana! But do you have any ideas for how to upcycle clip earrings that do not have a dangle? I’ve run across a few of those and could use some ideas. Thanks!
I do Mrs. T!! But that’s a future blog post–hopefully in October. If you can’t wait til then, email me and I’ll give you a couple of ideas 🙂
I have the same question. Hoping some instructions will come.
Hi Sherry! I never did get around to that post, LOL. I make rings, magnets, and necklaces with vintage clip ons that don’t dangle. I use E600 glue to secure them to ring findings, strong round magnets, and necklace bails. You can also make bracelets with them, using special bracelets that you can glue them onto. I still hope to write a blog post about the process 🙂
Since I make jewelry, and I don’t mind handling thousands of little things, I am the one who prices all the jewelry that’s donated for our annual rummage sale. Many things are broken, and very simple to repair, or repurpose in another unique piece of jewelry. These are easy fixes for clip-on earrings, but it’s those with attached clips that really make it hard to change. I’m always looking for ways to do this.
Do you mean the clip ons that have no dangle? Just a clip or screw back? I mentioned to Mrs. T (above) that I have a couple of fun ideas for those coming up. They’re almost as addictive as creating today’s pierced earrings 🙂
Hello. I am trying to find you on Etsy. What is your shop name ? Loving your sites.
Hi Muriel! If you’re looking for some upcycled pierced earrings, they can be found in my Vintage Blog Shop under “Jewelry”: https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/adirondack-girl-heart-vintage-shop/
Here’s my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/adirondacgirlatheart
You can find me on eBay here: https://www.ebay.com/usr/adirondackgirlatheart7
You can buy my eBooks here: https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/adirondack-girl-heart-shop/
Thanks for dropping by 🙂
I have made a few vintage earrings this way, but am often making new earrings. I must be buying cheap cheap fishhook wires caz I break them when bending them as much as you did. I literally held my breath when you were bending them! I hate clip on earrings as they hurt and I love danglies! Great tutorial!
Thanks Kathy! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial. I have had pretty good luck bending them as I do, but as Leslie K. mentioned above, there’s a safer way to do it. That is by bending the loop to the side. Good to know, right?!!
What a great idea, and thanks for the info on how to make the switch! Well done, as usual!!
Aww thanks so much Dana–glad you liked the post 🙂
Thank you for this! I have a box full of clip-ons that just aren’t selling. This will be a good winter project. Now please show us that ironstone!
I’d love to see some of yours after you make some, Melissa 🙂 If I could remember which ironstone I bought where and when, I’d show you, LOL. Are you a member of Your Vintage Headquarters (my FB group)? Cuz I posted some photos of some ironstone I bought recently…
Hi Diana,
Do you remove the old clip on from the earring or leave it on? I’ve found some old clip-ons I’d like to try this on. I’m looking forward to seeing how you repurpose those that don’t have dangles.
Hi Florence! I’m not sure I understand your question, but if you watch the video, that should answer any questions you have. I’m hoping to post about projects for button-type clip ons soon 🙂
I’d never have thought to detach the dangle from the clipon earring and reattach as you showed. Thanks so much!! Connie
You’re so welcome Connie! Happy crafting 🙂
As for replacement fishhook findings breaking while you’re manipulating them, the problem is likely the quality ( or lack thereof) of the findings. A major craft supply store changed the brand they were carrying to one that I had previous experience with, and it wasn’t good! Those findings were hard to work with, and broke more often than not. I stocked up on the ones which were being closed out, and told management that I wouldn’t be buying the new brand (initials B L). I rely on Rio Grande for findings now.
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and expertise with us Pat–it’s much appreciated!
PS: using two pairs of pliers to open and close loops gives you more control and is easier on the metal. Always buy the best tools you can afford!😊