Finally got something scanned & ready to post! No, the top ring doesn't join in this lop-sided manner. It's not connected on the sides at all, but neither earring wanted to stay put on the scanner. It actually does hang properly when worn.

Tatted & beaded earrings made for my supervisor at work.

Pattern: free-tatting.com/?p=10#more-10 by Anastasia Maltseva.
Thread: Navy, size 10 (don't remember brand, but most likely one of the standard crochet cottons found at Wal-Mart).
Beads: random unmarked beads from local bead stores