bead earrings with eyepins

Hi - I've been making gemstone beaded earrings with two or more sections of eye pins.  I'm pleased with them, except for the fact it's difficult to get them to hang exactly straight - a combination of slightly differenct diameters of bead holes so that they tend to droop to one side, and of the eye pins I'm making.  Any tips from more experiences wire-workers?  Thanks!

[Metalman]

Since you mention making your own eyepins, my first thought is to get some larger and additional sizes of wire. Then when you make up the eyepins, match the diameter up to the bead holes for a better fit.
I also keep a variety of tubing sizes in the studio. Then, if I need to, I can line the inside of a large holed bead with tubing which helps stabilize the eyepins as they run through.
Hope this helps

[Luann Udell]

I use small beads inside beads with big holes--anything from small seed beads to vintage tube beads.   They work great to stabilize a head pin, eye pin, even stringing material.  

In fact, I sent in this tip to Bead & Button magazine years ago, and they still use it in their "tips" booklet!  (My small claim to fame...)

[marym]

Great idea!!

Thanks Luann '>

-Mary

Thanks to both of you!
I did think of putting tiny seed beads into the beads with larger holes, but since the inside of the silver Bali beads is often irregular, the seed beads don't always do the trick.  Having different gauges of wire handy makes a lot of sense -  I'll give that a try.  I appreciate the help!