Learn How to Make Elegant Sterling Silver Earrings that Sell Well

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I am back with a new making video this week, where I show you how to create simple yet elegant sterling silver earrings that sell well. Learn how to get rid of fire scale and learn how to create a nice matt finish. I would love to see you on my Patreon page and hopefully see you in the monthly group call if you are interested in some really special exclusive offers to show my appreciation for your support.
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Jewellery Tools
Files: amzn.to/3ER1tBj
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Piercing saw + blades: amzn.to/39Hj0xD
Raw Hide Mallet: amzn.to/2Zzc6sv
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Blow Torch: amzn.to/39GDy9k
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Tags:
jewellery, jewelry, jewelry making, jewellery for women, jewellery business, jewellery market, entrepreneur, jewellery entrepreneurs, jewelry business, jewelry collection, jewelry entrepreneur, day in the life, day in the life of a jeweler, colours and fonts, jewellers academy youtube, jewellers business, jewellery handmade, handmade jewellery, handmade eco friendly products, sustainable jewelry, sustainable jewelry packaging, branding, branding business, belgian jewellery, Vlog, jewellery Vlog, metalsmith, goldsmith, silversmith, Top 10 jewellery tools

[@megan.collins]

Watch my FREE MASTERCLASS: - Learn the blueprint that I used to build a successful 6-figure jewellery business - www.megancollins.co/register-og-2

[@BobShaffer-wt6cs]

Megan, you are not only a superior teacher but also so darn sweet to listen to and watch. I have learned so much from the many videos of yours that I have watched. I would love to enroll in your Patron program but at 76 years old and on only a pension I cannot invest in education to learn more Jewelery making skills. Hell, I might die tomorrow. Good luck to you and keep doing what you are doing. I wish you the very best sweet lady.

[@megan.collins]

You are so, so kind! Sooo happy you love the content, and so happy to hear you have a passion for jewellery! Please stick around!

[@knokeydv]

I like watching history documentaries on youtube while i am working at the bench

[@megan.collins]

Love this!

[@flyingcheff]

Aloha Megan, love your channel! A tip I recently learned from Lord Christopher of Lionpunchforge (he's the maker of the Haymaker Saw) that you may like: he highly recommends using the entire length of your saw blade, not just the middle half, so as not to anneal your blade in only that area (friction use heat). This makes your sawing easier, and your blades last longer before breaking. He says that if the center of the steel blade is used only, the temper differential change along its length, can cause more breakage. It makes sense and I was happy to get that logical info. Made a positive difference for my work. Hope that is interesting and helpful to you. Best to you!

[@megan.collins]

Hello hello! Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes I am aware that using the full length of the blade is the ideal. In this case the section I was cutting needed to be perfectly straight and it was very small so I opted for cutting it slowly and using less of the blade this time round. But if I'm just cutting a shape out and I will file after I use the full length of the blade. I did not know the science behind it though thanks for sharing super interesting!

[@gracielagonzalez3585]

Hello Megan; I don't understand English but I like your videos. Thanks you from Argentina.

[@megan.collins]

Aaah! I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you! Best wishes to you too 😊

[@jadeheart911]

I did get a Pepe circle cutter and what a game changer ! I make little moons and hammered and domed circles with turquoise dangles ,,,fun stuff !

[@megan.collins]

Sounds great! I'll check them out. Might need to add it to my wishlist 😉

[@jeanwilcox3464]

Love your sense of humor and book of knowledge. I have one. Although im a pencil artist. Its so important to write down what you have done and when. Also the price lists. So many things are involved being an artist. And yet customers don't understand our pricing. I tripped on your channel and think ill stay. Love your work and how you explain everything. Ive only been making jewelry 4 years, wire wrapped. I just made my way to "the torch" .lol so I know I can learn many things here. Bless your heart

[@megan.collins]

Hi Jean, that's so so kind of you!! Thanks for your lovely message! You made me really happy reading this! 🥰 Yes! So important to keep track of everything! I have all my pricing digital as it's easier for me to see it all together. Congratulations on venturing into "the torch" 😅 love that! Enjoy! And thanks for watching 🥰

[@AllisonWills]

I have just found you and I love your style and your videos. You have such a lovely calm gentle nature, it’s a pleasure to learn from you x

[@megan.collins]

Aaah!! Thank you so much! So sorry for the late response. I took a little break from KZbin but am back now ☺️

[@SuzieHQ72]

Thank you. I listen to audio books while making jewellery.

[@megan.collins]

Same here when I m doing tasks that don't require too much thinking :)

[@ceciliam7144]

Yes, music, a playlist maybe! I love listening to music while I work.

[@megan.collins]

Awesome! I might do one sometime 😉 Thanks for the feedback ☺️

[@ceciliam7144]

@@megan.collins youre background music is nice! For a tutorial works fine yo fully concentrate un the process 💯😃😊. Hope you will be sharing more tutorial projects soon💖. Thanks un advance 💟

[@macoeur1122]

Well "funny you should ask!" I'm in the process of "dreaming up a new phase of life" making jewelry (we spell it this way in the US...You probably know that already)....and in the process of a little forethought on where I want to set up a bench, one of the main considerations is comfort in all of it's forms...and I was JUST THINKING YESTERDAY about where I could set up audio for music and podcasts...I'm dreaming this up down to the minute detail...that's just how I roll...I'm too lazy to get it wrong and have to move everything :) Thank you for all your wonderful videos! I'm also "dreaming" that I was your 1000th subscriber :) (could be!...I did subscribe sometime within the last week!)

[@megan.collins]

Oooo!! How very exciting! The dreaming phase is great and filled with potential! And yes I like doing things right the first time too, but I'm also ok with having to change it if needs be. Podcast sounds exciting too!! Let me know when you start that I'd love to listen!

[@littles64]

Great video and love the earrings..my morning starts out with classical guitar and gradually work my way up to some rock blues and a bit of heavy metal..oh and most importantly coffee…

[@megan.collins]

Sounds like a great slow build up throughout the day! Love it! 🙌

[@allanthompson9695]

The massive shift in price when staring to wholesale is pretty scary, but listening to you really does show that it can be doable. Cheers Megan, all the best.

[@megan.collins]

Yes I know!! I freaked out when I had to do it! But I was reassured by the shop - a reputable jewellery store in London, so was able to do what was needed to work with them.

[@IndigoLindaAnn1111]

Hi Megan. I just wanted to drop you a message to say a HUGE thank you for sharing your content and replying to a question I had on one of your other videos. (I can’t find it now to reply to your reply!! 😂) You are an inspiration and have such a beautiful energy about you. Thank you for taking the time to make your videos and taking the time to reply to us. I’ve been practicing in copper as you suggested and just made my first pair of Moon earrings. I’m so grateful to you and wanted to show some appreciation hence leaving this message. wishing you a beautiful and blessed day lovely soul. Heartfelt thanks and wishing you continued success and happiness in your business and on your journey. Much love, Louise x

[@megan.collins]

Aaaaah! Louise!! You are too kind! Your comment literally made me cry (happy tears) it really touched me! Thanks for sharing. That's exactly why I do what I do and love it! I love being able to help people pursue their passions! 🥰 And yes, good idea to try your designs in copper first and then move to silver and then gold if you like after your comfortable with that. You've got this! 🙌 Much love to you too X

[@trishahernandes7821]

I love your channel, Megan. ❤️

[@megan.collins]

You are so sweet, I am ssooo glad you love it❤️ I’m on Instagram as well if you’re there!😊 @megancollins.co

[@ramonals]

Oh my goodness! Can you share what type of plant you’re holding? It’s gorgeous.

[@catherinemartina6469]

I listen to Parisian cafe music, or audio books and podcasts

[@megan.collins]

Love this!

[@AndyDaviesByTheSea]

Hi Megan I noticed that you have a similar pickle heater to one that I have. I found that every so often my pickle was getting contaminated and I couldn’t understand why. Then it dawned on me that the acid condenses on the inside of the lid of the pickle pot. When I lift the lid off the condensation runs over the stainless-steel rim that is around the edge of the lid and back into the pot. The bolt that holds the knob on the lid is also stainless steel. I very carefully cut the rim off the lid and wound electrical insulation tape around the edge of the glass to protect it. I replaced the knob bolt with a nylon bolt and I haven’t had the contamination problem since. I found that the problem crept up on me with my work getting greyer and greyer until I had to replace the pickle. Now I just have to top it up. There must be a lot of folks that have this contamination problem but simply don’t realise why. I hope this helps you. Kind Regards . . . Andy

[@Suboptimalconditions]

I think you should do the music and making!!! I’d love to pretend we’re making jewelry together! Plus, as far as I’ve heard from your previous videos… you have great taste in music.

[@megan.collins]

I love this!😊 Thanks for sharing this sweet idea!

[@michellejudd2001]

Hi you're videos are great really helpful I just started making and learning with a course at a workshop still finding it a little overwhelming but I'm enjoying it xx

[@megan.collins]

I’m ssoooo happy you’re enjoying the videos!😊 congrats to you in your new endeavor!

[@christinecurry5885]

Thanks!

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

Thanks to you 😊

[@megan.collins]

You're so welcome😊

[@1827handmade]

Thank you for a fantastic video, great tips, love the macro shots being able to see what you are talking about, very helpful. And I love the way they catch the light while you're wearing them!

[@megan.collins]

Thanks so much!! That macro is great! I love it! In some cases it really helps to show and explain better. 😉

[@chriswilly5225]

I am very glad to read you.Houcine from Morocco. Many thanks for your advices. My problem is how and where to find and buy à Turquoise stone for my next pendant?

[@SurajVJewelry]

Very nice

[@texasgigi3684]

Thank you for a great, informative video! I also listen to podcasts. I find myself listening to my father’s favorite music-old school country western-with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. It’s strange because I always listen to top 40’s Pop when I’m driving. But anyway, I find the old classics comforting.

[@megan.collins]

Sounds great! Different vibes for different occasions. There really are some great classics!

[@mahk4374]

Just purchased a soldering kit, saw, bench pin & flex shaft plus a whole lot of metals! So excited to start. Thank you for your channel and your awesome videos!

[@megan.collins]

Woohoo!! That's so exciting!! Congratulations! Have fun with the making! So glad you are enjoying the videos ☺️ Yaaaay!!

[@VanessaABamback]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! It's really great! I do the same....Watch podcasts or vides/movies on my laptop while I'm working at my bench!

[@megan.collins]

Same here! what podcast are you currently listening to?

[@goldiehebrew4ever404]

Hello! I don't know of anyone that teaches as in-depth as you do, it really helps to see business owners helping us beginners how and where to begin. Thank you! I was also wondering where do you purchase your silver sheet metal? I was looking on Etsy and Amazon but I thought why not support the same business you support. Thanks again!

[@megan.collins]

You are so welcome! In terms of metals, depends which country you live in, but Cooksongold is great 👍

[@elainefeather9465]

Thank you Megan , I loved your video and have subscribed . Congratulations on your successful move 😊.I look forward to watching more of your tutorials .

[@megan.collins]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@annh3599]

Thank you Megan!

[@megan.collins]

You're so welcome Ann ☺️

[@isabelleverheyden1176]

Also Bravo for the 1000 followers !!!

[@megan.collins]

Yay! Merci!! 🥰

[@isabelleverheyden1176]

I ❤️love this video Megan ! I really like seeing the process of making these earrings. I might book a workshop to make the same for my sister. Perhaps I can even come with her for a workshop…

[@megan.collins]

Yes!! Please come! That would be great! Let's be in touch!

[@tonyandbevjordan7363]

Thanks for the video. Your workshop looks amazing.

[@megan.collins]

Thank you so much :)

[@debbiegibson8945]

This was very interesting. Thank you for sharing 🙏❤️

[@megan.collins]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@heleenkandelaar]

Loving your channel and jewelry! Can't wait to try this Where can you buy these silver ear pins?

[@kymtaute6926]

When you began making jewellery, how long did it take for you to get all the tools together, I am still having to make only wire jewellery and small recycled pieces of flat silver because I still don’t have all the tools needed it’s been 18 months and I am still buying .

[@1santacara]

Hi,, nice to meeet you!! Love your videos and your mood! I’m starting with this and you are such a good teacher real pleasure to see you.

[@megan.collins]

Aaah! Thank you! So glad to hear that!! 🥰 That makes me very happy

[@melindagarton]

Love this video!! Thank you for sharing.. I am a complete beginner and I am struggling with the sawing technique…😢 do you have any advice on what saw blades to use for different thickness of metal sheet? You cut through your metal like butter 😂❤

[@megan.collins]

Aaah bless you!! It helps having the right size blade. If you just Google it there are charts online and you can see it all there. It will make a huge difference. 😉

[@chadatchison145]

You're a very charming person and really easy to listen too, thank you for these videos. I didn't know the pinkish discoloration I've been getting on the very few pieces I've made was from the copper in the sterling silver. New sub. :)

[@megan.collins]

Hi Chad, I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you!! ☺️ And yes! Firescale!! Not my fav thing about making jewellery 😅 It's really good to not shine the light directly on the piece to be able to see it clearer to be sure you are standing enough to get rid of it. 👌 Thanks so much for your sub!! Really appreciate it! Welcome to the fam! 🤗

[@joancantu1000]

Very Simplistic designs

[@megan.collins]

Minimalist Designs are my style 😉

[@caseyevans3926]

Beautiful Megan, love your video as always.

[@megan.collins]

Thanks so much Casey!! 🤗

[@crystalborealisstudio]

Hi Megan! What table are you using for your bench? It looks sturdy. Do you like it?

[@megan.collins]

It's a self made one. I love it! Bought the wood from a hardware store and cut it myself. 😉

[@catherinemartina6469]

Hi do you have a link for the plastic circle stencil

[@BreathOnAWindow]

An awesome video! ✨✨✨

[@megan.collins]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it! 🤗

[@sharonwaller6716]

Hi Megane I've finally book a silversmith course in 2 weeks time just setting up my spare room as s work shop

[@megan.collins]

Hi Sharon, yay, that's awesome I'm so excited for you! Getting setup and started is so so much fun!! 🤗 Feeling excited for you! Hihi ☺️

[@sharonwaller6716]

@@megan.collins thank you I can't wait, always wanted to advance to silver. I also make wire wrapped jewellery, I had a stall twice a week at the hospital before lock down. I've only ever used silver plated wire. I'd like to quit my job on the ambulance service as I'm worn out after 17 years in service.

[@megan.collins]

@@sharonwaller6716 Wow!! Yes I hear you! After 17 years in service, it sounds like a good time to do something for yourself now too. ;) Silver is so much fun! And you have the experience of doing a market, all great!! :)

[@liessmeekens7579]

I love your videos, you live in Belgium, me too, where do you buy your materials, tools, silver, ... Thank you for answering 😍

[@megan.collins]

Hello hello, oh how nice! I actually have most of my tools from when I lived in London. But a good starting point is Cooksongold France or Germany for a wide range of tools and materials, but depending on what you are looking for there are specialized shops too.

[@usmanismail7024]

Best lition abdul karee basit sure rehman recitatation repeated on u tube.

[@megan.collins]

👍

[@patredden4557]

Great video, thank you.

[@megan.collins]

You're so very welcome, so glad you enjoyed it! 🤗

[@robinmiller395]

Thank you! Are you wearing the earrings you just made?

[@megan.collins]

I am glad you liked it. Yes, I wore them at the end to show how they look but obviously I disinfected them before shipping them

[@tonyandbevjordan7363]

What brand is the steel wool please? Bev.J

[@jeanwilcox3464]

I wish I had your worth area!!

[@megan.collins]

I slowly built it up over the years. Made the bench myself though. It's in one of my older videos. Think it might be the Hobby versus jewellery business one.

[@elizabethhorton1935]

Can I ask how you make a backing for this type of Earring?

[@megan.collins]

Hi Elizabeth, usually I buy them, but when I do make them, I use 0.8mm wire, file the ends accordingly. One smooth and one to solder. I the use a ring clamp and a triangular file to create the groove for the butterfly. Hope that makes sense. 😉 I should do a video sometime showing how.

[@elizabethhorton1935]

@Megan Collins a video would be fantastic unfortunately I am struggling to picture what you have described

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya Megan, thank you for a wonderful video, you're very good. I would use paste flux/solder to solder on the back, it helps hold it up. Fire scoff is great for preventing fire scale in the first place, keeping just about all the oxygen off your surface. Is it borax and denatured alcohol that you paint on, burn off the alcohol, then solder? I know Soham Harrison YT channel showed it. Stay safe, Steve...

[@megan.collins]

Hi Steve, I have used the solder paste in the past but prefer the chips. 😉 Less messy and quicker to use. But I know people who prefer the paste. Thanks for the suggestion though and the fire scale tip. I will look into that though. ;) Wishing you a wonderful start to the week. Stay safe, Megan ;)

[@stephencoster9532]

@@megan.collinsthank you dear lady, you too, and both stay safe, Steve...

[@stephencoster9532]

@@megan.collinsI knew I forgot something, congratulations on 1K, you deserve every one of them, actually, a lot more. I listen to books on CD from the library when I'm making. Steve...

[@stephencoster9532]

@@megan.collinshiya, I do love solder paste for chain though. I use a broken saw blade to put it on, and we always have them, I've found that using the blade is great for only putting on very small amounts, you know how hard it is to clean off excess on a chain link? If you use easy there isn't enough to show up as there is so little to be a different colour. That doesn't quite sound right... It's the extra copper in easy tarnishes more, but there is a lot less chance of overheating to the point of melting the link. I think I know what I mean, or what you thought you heard me say isn't always what I meant. Steve...

[@megan.collins]

@@stephencoster9532 Hi Steve, that is interesting indeed about using easy paste for the chains! Thanks for that tip! And thanks for the congrats! Appreciate it and your kind words and support!

[@nealkarraker5468]

Hi, may I suggest very humbly that use of music isn’t necessary in your videos. You have a nice voice and are , at times drowned out by your background music. So many feel we need to be serenaded while learning something new, but I have a different opinion. Just you is enough, best wishes to you😊.

[@megan.collins]

Thanks for your feeeback! Glad you enjoy the videos and will consider lowering the volume next time😉

[@nealkarraker5468]

I didn’t mean all of your vid’s background was too loud, but some did overpower you. However, my personal preference is none when listening and watching to someone like you that has something to offer. I’ve worked with metals all my life, but I can always learn. I wish you the best with your endeavors.

[@wormemc]

Just made a couple of these thanks for the idea. Hopefully they sell this week. Prices?

[@megan.collins]

Glad you liked the video

[@1santacara]

Hello , great videos!!! One question do you buy the silver earring pods already ready to soldering? Thanks Laura

[@megan.collins]

Hello hello, Glad you enjoyed the video! I buy the posts pre-made usually to save time. But you can make them too with a triangular file and a ring clamp. 😉

[@michaelbias3451]

Watch a movie while I'm working it cuts down on the boredom

[@megan.collins]

I do that sometimes too :) although lately I have been really enjoying listening to podcasts.

[@jeanwilcox3464]

I have scissors for my sheets of copper. Is saw better?

[@megan.collins]

It depends on what you are cutting and how precise you need it. The shears bend the metal, so I only use those if I don't mind that. ;)

[@melissasolis5370]

Watch KZbin or listen to oldies

[@megan.collins]

Sounds great 🤗

[@nadia19621]

Ma tagliare con forbici o piccole cesoie no? Io faccio così e faccio prima.

[@megan.collins]

I use a piercing saw to cut the shapes out first. ;)

[@shawnm3839]

I like your face

[@katewagner8327]

Turn down the music !!!

[@megan.collins]

I can't go back in time unfortunately. Like everything in life, it's a learning curve. So please remember I'm human too and I'm not perfect. But I do my best to help people build jewellery businesses. But I cannot go back and edit old videos so no point commenting that on all videos. I challenge you to make a KZbin video and get everything perfect from day one! I'm sorry, but I'm really tired of hearing negative comments about things I can't do anything about! "Do your hair and makeup" "turn the music down!!!" I'll do me and you do you. If you don't like it, don't watch. I don't appreciate the rudeness!!! I'll be blocking you so you don't see any of my content if I see another rude message from you. It's really not necessary! I will not be polite about your rudeness anymore. Enough now!

[@2124bella]

the music is so loud that one cannot hear you over it

[@megan.collins]

So sorry about that. I will try to keep it lower in future :)

[@catherinemartina6469]

I want to say something but do not want to offend. As a person who is neurodivergent I find it so challenging to watch an instructional video with music running while the person is instructing.

[@megan.collins]

I'm so sorry that's tough for you! But thank you for the feedback, this is good to be aware of

[@Gazz_R]

Thanks for the tutorial.

[@megan.collins]

You're so welcome 🤗

[@chriswilly5225]

Thank you for the advices. Houcine. Morocco

[@megan.collins]

You’re so very welcome!😊