Hammering Wire Smooth

These are perhaps my favorite earrings that I've made so far.  My husband thought they were really cool too, which I considered a great feat!  :)

I've bent the wires with a round-nose pliers then hammered them with my trusty picture-hanging hammer.  This gives the metal a sort of rough look, which I appreciate.  I've since learned how to make the silver bright & sparkly - even after hammering.  This requires a perfectly smooth ball-pein hammer, which I purchased at our local bead shop for $8.50.  One artist suggested:

1.  Hammer with the ball side first.
2.  Flip the hammer over and use the flat side to finish off the job.

I tried it, and I approve.  More discovery ahead...