These are one of Oaxaca's most popular styles & are called"El Eme",which is the "M" earring..

The base is literally built by hand,that the circular formed fine filigree wire, is designed around.The wire is pulled to a delicate stage & this is what helps to give their wearable weight & intricacy..Each circular form has to be exact,otherwise they are a visual mess..

The wire then has a 'saw' type texture given & added accents of "Diamond cut" wire are added as a border for the "M"..Diamond cutting is another step taken that is done to the wire & this is what gives them their 'diamond like sparkle' when the light hits!

The larger pearls at the top & in the "M" are sewn with wire & you can see in photo 7,the sterling wire that tacks them down.. Tiny seed pearls form the "M" & are sewn in..The irregular shaped pearl dangles are wire wrapped to the bottom,so they are on there good! The shepherd's hook has a catch in the back.