This is a great, simple ear wire. It's very easy to modify this design, to better reflect your own style.

Step 1: Tools and Supplies

-2 lengths of 1 2/4" long wire. I'm using 19g sterling. The most common sizes are 19g, 20g, and 21g. I also recommend using half-hard, or even full-hard wire. Hammering can often be skipped if you use hard or half-hard wire.
-Flush cutter (I prefer Tronex brand, but use what you can find and afford)
-LARGE round nosed pliers (I'm using Wubbers classic round nose). Normal round nosed will be too small, and you will have to add a mandrel to your tools.
-a nail file for smoothing the ends of the ear wires
-a small bench block
-a small hammer with a smooth face, or a rawhide/rubber mallet

Step 2: Form the Hanging Loop

Grasp the end of one of the wires with the very top of the large round pliers, and form a loop.

Step 3: Form the Ear Curve

Grasp the wire just behind the hanging loop, with the largest part of the large round nosed pliers, and form the top of the ear wire, as shown in the photos.

Step 4: Bend the End of the Ear Wire

Use the end of the chain nose pliers to grasp the end of the ear wire, and form a gentle bend, as shown. Depending on your personal preference, you can leave this step off, or do the bend farther up the wire.

Step 5: Hammer the Wire

Gently hammer the wire, mainly at the back side of the part that goes through your ear. But make sure to hammer the entire thing, to harden it, so that it doesn't easily bend out of shape. If you don't like the textured look, hammer it with a rawhide or plastic mallet.

Step 6: Tighten the Loop, and Re-shape If Necessary

I've shown how the hammering process widens the gap of the loop. Use your chain nose pliers to gently pinch this back together. Then use your round nosed pliers to re-shape the curve of the ear wire, if necessary.