Prevent ear threads from falling out!

[joanie663]

I have made several pairs of earrings using ear threads.  I love them but on occasion one will slip out of my ear and fall out.  I've tried putting post backs (both plastic and regular sterling silver) thru the thread to hold the earring in place but the thread is too thick for the post back to go on easily.  Do post backs come in various thicknesses or is their any other way to hold the ear thread in the ear?

Thanks '>

[marym]

Hi Joanie!

I'm glad you asked this question.. "threads falling out" seems to be the biggest earthread issue to date.  We've found two solutions- either works well.

First- French Wire Keepers.. they are little buggers so I suggest offering more than the standard two per pair for people who drop them or lose them.  They fit tightly- some people seem to prefer using a Bead/Pearl reamer to enlarge the rubber hole a bit.  

That same technique can also be used with our Sterling Smart Beads.  I recommend these for the "higher-end" earrings.  These smart beads have a rubbery center that grips the thread any where you put them.  Usually the hole does not have to be reamed... but we did get one report from a customer who got a batch where the rubber center hole was too small or tight to slide easily.  Try them before you ream them so you don't actually make the hole too large.

There are endless earthread discussions on the About.com jewelry making forum as well.  You can find many more helpful tips there too.About.com Jewelry discussion board

Hope this helps!  Let us know if you need anything else!

-Mary
Rings & Things staff