Dear Allan,
I’ve worn an ear cuff for many years and I’ve made and sold a few
over that time as well. The one I’m wearing now is made of 14ky gold
flat stock that is 18 gauge- 1mm thick. The bar that goes around my
ear is 3mm wide, and the inner diameter of the cuff is 9.5mm. The
opening measures 4.5mm. It is basically a “C” shape.
In my experience, if you are going to make stiff ear cuffs, like the
one I’m wearing and that I have described above, there is definitely
fitting involved. One size does not fit all. I’ve had better luck at
art shows selling cuffs that are made of thinner material- probably
22 or 24 gauge. These will have a certain amount of flex to them,
which allows for more variation in ear shapes/sizes. If I make them
out of this type of material, I will create something other than just
a basic “C” shape- I’ll add some curves or swirls or width to give
the cuff more dimension and stability, while still being somewhat
flexible.
I would also say that sterling cuffs sell better than 14k gold ones.
People love my current cuff- 14k with a .20ct diamond in it, but they
don’t want to pay very much for what is often times viewed as a “fad”
type accessory. I’d be sensitive to what your market will bear and
create accordingly.
Take care, and e-mail if you have other questions.
Brenda
Nesheim Fuller Designs
http://www.sunrisejewelryoriginals.com