Question!

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Okay, so I'm in the process of making two sets of pearl jewelry for my little sister and my niece. My little sister is getting hers for her birthday in February (she'll be turning four), and I haven't decided when to give my niece's jewelry to her (she's four weeks old).

I bought some pink pearls and 14K gold o-shaped clasps. Now I'm trying to figure out what to put it together with.

I intend to make two bracelets, two necklaces, and two sets of earrings. The woman at the craft store near my house suggested thick jewelry elastic, but I'm not sure I want to use such cheap materials. The other option I came up with is sterling silver. In that case, I'm not sure whether I would want to crimp it (I always have trouble with this and there ends up being too much extra space at the end) or solder it (I haven't done this with jewelry before, but it seems like it would be better. I'd just need to get the materials).

What does everyone here recommend for a project like this? The quality of the final product is extremely important to me.

Also, I'm going to buy some gold posts for the earrings-- what's the best way to set a pearl on an earring post?

Thanks for any advice!

Edit: I was thinking about it, and posts may not be the best way to go for the earrings because my pearls are fully drilled-- unless someone has an idea on how to conceal the holes! Maybe someone else can think more creatively than myself on what kind of earrings to use and how to make them. :)