Hi Steph,
Could you maybe change the stringing method?
Most earrings are easier to make with eye pins and head pins, than actual stringing cord.
Take a look at the Earring Design Ideas in our Gallery for some ideas. I'll try to add some more there today, specifically one using a spacer bar.
Gallery link:
http://www.rings-things.com/gallery/index.html
Or, if you send the picture to me(polly@rings-things.com) I would be happy to offer some ideas that fit the stringing method you're using.
--Polly