The Best Chunky Gold Earrings To Add To Your Summer Wish List
The SS24 runways showcased plenty of oversized earrings to accessorize summer outfits, and many fine jewelers are joining the maximalist movement, says CHARLIE BOYD
While the fashion runways give us many covetable cult items each season, in the world of fine jewelry, things move a little slower. Occasionally, however, there’s a phenomenon that sweeps the industry – and, lately, it’s been the turn of the Bottega Veneta’s drop earrings. Still going strong since their debut on the brand’s FW22 runway, the spherical, pear-shaped earrings have become iconic – worn by everyone from Dua Lipa to Hailey Bieber – and now come in different iterations, including various sizes and color tones.
This chunky aesthetic has long been the hallmark of jewelry designers such as Fernando Jorge, who is renowned for his sculptural approach to fine-jewelry design. The Brazilian designer crafts pieces that intuitively meld to the body and complement its every curve. Jorge’s best-selling ‘Flame’ earrings, for example, have a similarly on-trend teardrop silhouette, invigorated with flowing golden links that resemble flickering candlelight. Paired with a simple black evening dress, a white day dress, or a printed co-ord jumpsuit, they offer the ultimate versatility.
Another maison admired for its almost-architectural earrings is New York-based brand David Webb. The brand’s sleek door-knocker design, and its triple-loop hoops, flaunt oversized silhouettes crafted in gleaming 18-karat gold, and will make an excellent investment purchase. Sorrelina’s ‘Marea’ earrings, meanwhile, are another fine choice, featuring a rippling style, set with scintillating diamonds that emulate sparkling waves lapping the shore – and make them the perfect earrings to pack for a vacation. There is a cohort of designers interpreting the chunky-gold-earring trend with a distinct playfulness, too – from Lauren Rubinski’s chubby hearts, imprinted with ‘Love me’, to Mateo’s clam-shell pearl design. Both will add a touch of whimsy to whatever you wear.
Fashion brands aren’t shying away from offering a refreshed take on the trend either. Bottega Veneta may have led the charge, but many other maisons are following suit. On the runways, Jacquemus, Alexander McQueen and Gucci sent down supersized gold earrings, many of which were asymmetric in style, skimming the shoulder on just one side. If mismatched designs feel too fashion-forward, consider some ultra-chunky hoops – or perhaps Alaïa’s heart-shaped earrings, which feel utterly irreverent thanks to their jumbo proportions.
It’s no surprise that the signature power-dressing earring styles of the 1980s are playing into this trend too, with plenty of chunky knots, pretzel-style loops and coin-shaped designs proving popular. By Pariah’s large ‘Luna’ earrings are a statement design measuring over two inches each; and their reflective surface, satisfyingly shaped like a tactile pebble, effortlessly lights up the face. Jil Sander’s disc-shaped design is similarly statuesque; each sleek circle is subtly stamped with the brand’s logo in miniature – perfect for those who err on the minimalist side with their accessories.
The ultimate aesthetic to look for is a design that you can pop on just as easily in the morning, with a T-shirt and denim, as you could with an evening gown after-dark. At this year’s Met Gala, Teyana Taylor, Brie Larson and Emily Ratajkowski all chose oversized earrings in gleaming gold to accent their elaborate ensembles – but each pair would look just elegant with a chic summer dress, or even a swimsuit. Whichever pair you choose, just make sure it offers that wear-me-anywhere ease.
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