Frit-Happens !

Jewellery => Jewellery tips, techniques and information => Topic started by: Enchanted Cobwebs on November 02, 2014, 05:14:49 PM

Title: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: Enchanted Cobwebs on November 02, 2014, 05:14:49 PM
Hi
At the market today a customer gave me a pair of sterling silver (possibly plated with rhodium) earrings that she received as a gift from her future daughter in law. Unfortunately she doesnt have pierced ears but doesnt want to embarrass by saying she cant wear them. This lady has asked me to do what ever I can to convert them, made her aware that I may ruin them but she wants me to try. She did buy several clip on earrings from me though ;)

So, searched and cooksons have some converters but tbh they look a bit naff. Before I go and bend the posts into loops has anyone any suggestions on what might work, or has anyone used the converters, maybe I'm being a bit hasty? Any advice will be gladly received.
Thanks
Helen
Title: Re: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: mizgeorge on November 02, 2014, 06:12:44 PM
Hard to say without seeing them Helen - but I'm not convinced I'd be altering the posts as this would usually change how they hang.

Can you take a quick picture?
Title: Re: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: Enchanted Cobwebs on November 03, 2014, 08:10:12 AM
Just set up ready to take a photo, rarely the battery runs out but it has so its on charge now! I will take a photo tonight when I'm back from the day job.

Have seen some other converters that let the post go through a loop underneath https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/99586995/s00160-1-pair-brass-clip-on-pierced?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=pierced+earring+converter&ga_ref=auto6&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery the little stud would be below where it was designed to be


Cooksons ones - http://www.cooksongold.com/Base-Metal/Silver-Plated-Ear-Clip-Convertor---Pack-of-10-prcode-N2K-104S the stud will be in the right position but there is a tube which will make it protrude.

Contemplating cutting off the post and using glue but the back is open so not much to glue onto!
Title: Re: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: Enchanted Cobwebs on November 03, 2014, 07:30:39 PM
Hopefully this is a photo of the little stud earrings. The posts are more to the top rather than central
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Enchanted_Cobwebs/studstoalter2_zps97f9cff7.jpg) (http://s783.photobucket.com/user/Enchanted_Cobwebs/media/studstoalter2_zps97f9cff7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: mizgeorge on November 03, 2014, 09:12:47 PM
If they're definitely silver, I think the simplest route would be to lift the prongs, remove the stones then snip off the pins completely, file smooth and solder to a clip fitting.

Alternatively, or if you're not completely sure about the metal, I'd still snip off the pins and use a good two part epoxy to glue them to a clip fitting. If necessary, use a cupped style (without a peg) as you can flood this with epoxy to maximise the contact - it won't matter if this touches the stone - in fact it would give more strength to the join.

I think if you try to convert the pins to hoops they'll always hang badly as they'll tip forward.
Title: Re: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: Enchanted Cobwebs on November 03, 2014, 10:05:32 PM
Quote from: mizgeorge on November 03, 2014, 09:12:47 PM
If they're definitely silver, I think the simplest route would be to lift the prongs, remove the stones then snip off the pins completely, file smooth and solder to a clip fitting.

Alternatively, or if you're not completely sure about the metal, I'd still snip off the pins and use a good two part epoxy to glue them to a clip fitting. If necessary, use a cupped style (without a peg) as you can flood this with epoxy to maximise the contact - it won't matter if this touches the stone - in fact it would give more strength to the join.

I think if you try to convert the pins to hoops they'll always hang badly as they'll tip forward.

Thank you!
I'm not certain they are sterling, they look to shiney, thats why I thought they may have been rhodium plated, no stamp that I can see either. Will go with the epoxy route, thanks for the advice
Helen x
Title: Re: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: Moira HFG on November 04, 2014, 04:09:03 PM
How do the Cookson's converters work? Do you have to bend the post to a right angle?
Title: Re: Converting post earrings to clip on
Post by: Enchanted Cobwebs on November 04, 2014, 05:45:39 PM
Quote from: Moira HFG on November 04, 2014, 04:09:03 PM
How do the Cookson's converters work? Do you have to bend the post to a right angle?

You put the post down the tube at the front then bend in 2 places sort of half way then just at the join to make the stud face forward. The others look like the post goes through at a normal angle below the ear lobe. I ordered some of both as they may be useful for future and might offer the lady the chance to see if these will work before I glue her earrings permanently!