Everywhere I look these days, I see HUGE earrings.  Big huge hoops, or really long dangle earrings that come just about to the shoulders.  Some seem like they might be hard to wear, but I like the idea.  I think small earring look nice, but it seems that when I actually go looking for a pair to put on, I skim right past the itty-bitties and look for something that swings.  I was looking on a blog of ways to display jewelry, but found myself looking at the jewelry instead of the displays.  Several of the long pairs of earrings inspired me to pull out the beads.  I studied the shapes of the designs I saw and came up with my own with what I had on hand.

I started off simple, and classic with gold and bright blue turquoise.  I used a pre-made hammered matte gold connector and went with my longest gold dangle kidney wires.

The next pair I also used turquoise, in a slightly more green tone.  I added a vintage rough-cut clear glass bead and a pale blue crystal the color of Peruvian Chalcedony.
Then I decided to break out my hammer and hammer out the wires to give a more organic look

Flattening the end of the wire eliminates the need for a headpin, as the wide, hammered part will block your bead from falling off.  It also has a unique look, and sets the design apart from your average beaded earrings.

And then I broke out my Fluorite, a favorite gemstone of mine.  I love the colors, that range from a deep ocean blue, to the palest of mint green.  The ones in this color range remind me of tropical waters and it just soothes the soul.  Fluorite comes in deep amethyst purple, too, and anywhere in between, but I favor the blue-greens.

I alternated the fluorite with Brazilian Aquamarine and Blue Dragon Veins Agate, with gold spacers and topped with a gold glass pearl.  With the 38mm Kidney wires these touch just past 4 1/4 inches, just about at my shoulders.  Just perfect!