5 Ways To Wear Gold Earrings This Season
One of the most versatile components of any fine-jewelry collection, a chic capsule edit of gleaming gold earrings can be styled to suit any occasion, says CHARLIE BOYD
Stack gold huggies by size
“The huggie earring has become a real hero of earscaping over the past 10 years,” says Emily Johnston, fine-jewelry buyer at NET-A-PORTER. “While round mini hoops that hug the ear are the classic definition of a huggie, today, there are so many variations when it comes to silhouette and sizing – oval shapes, flat links and interchangeable charms are more imaginative than ever,” she explains. “If you’re a sucker for symmetry, then create a neat huggie stack by arranging those with the largest charm at the lowest point of the ear, and gradually reduce the size of the hoops as they climb up the ear, sticking to one gold tone. For a chic final flourish, add a gold ear cuff at the midpoint – this is an eye-catching spot for a diamond-adorned style.” For classic gold huggies, Stone and Strand, By Pariah, Anita Ko and Octavia Elizabeth are go-to brands, while Foundrae’s ‘Heart Beat’ chubby earring – featuring a scintillating diamond rondelle – feels like a rock’n’roll take on the traditional design.
Indulge in rainbow gem and yellow-gold designs
“Once we hit party season, the perfect partner to gleaming gold is plenty of colorful gems,” says Johnston. “Rubies and emeralds add a bold shot of red and green, while sapphires in every hue allow for full-on rainbow styling.” To get the look, Alison Lou’s ‘Madison’ and ‘Cocktail’ studs and huggies can be stacked up the ear with abandon, while Robinson Pelham’s ‘EarWish’ and ‘Orb’ single earrings – featuring hearts, arrows and even hot-air balloons – will add a dash of whimsy to any rainbow theme. “For a knock-out take on rainbow jewels, Diane Kordas’ large 14-karat gold, sapphire and tsavorite single earring is a ‘one and done’ dream,” says Johnston. “It’s the ultimate party earring.”
Opt for minimalist modern pairings
“Sometimes, a minimalist approach to ear styling can be even more impactful when worn with eveningwear than a lineup of maximalist, razzle-dazzle designs,” says Johnston. “The key here is to choose gold earrings where the metal is the main event – sleek and simple huggies or cuffs worn in pairs on one ear are trending.” Melissa Joy Manning, Eéra and Anita Ko offer all-metal cuffs in solid gold, while demi-fine designs by Balenciaga, Laura Lombardi and Bottega Veneta achieve a minimalist aesthetic in either yellow- or white-gold vermeil. “If you want subtle embellishment, stick to a neutral color palette with mini pearls or delicate white-diamond accents,” suggests Johnston. “Kimaï, Yvonne Léon, Gemella and Spinelli Kilcollin offer modern and minimalist diamond-set ear cuffs, while Mizuki, Mikimoto and Sophie Buhai excel at petite pearl designs.”
Choose statement chandelier earrings
“Although stacking has been the overwhelming ear-styling trend of the past few years, with the revival of ’90s design codes, the statement earring – and especially chandelier styles – are trending once more,” says Johnston. “Investing in a standout pair of statement earrings that you can wear on repeat with partywear is a savvy approach – look to ultra-precious pieces by Nikos Koulis, Fernando Jorge and Buccellati. “Shoulder-skimming silhouettes will feel extra-opulent, but if you have multiple piercings, be careful not to distract from the main event by filling your empty placements with plain gold or tiny diamond studs,” suggests Johnston.
Curate a chic constellation
“Constellation piercings still feel fresh and totally unique to each individual – it’s important to work with a piercing professional to ensure you achieve an elegant arrangement of scattered piercing placements that suit your anatomy, as every ear is different,” says Johnston. “Once you have your layout, then the fun can begin. A full earscape allows for total creative freedom, so a varied mix of studs, huggies, hoops, drops and cuffs can be curated to suit each spot.” For classic stud earrings, turn to Maria Tash, Sydney Evan and De Beers, intermixed with delicate drops such as Roxanne First’s ‘The Maggie’ earring, and Jia Jia’s semi-precious gemstone styles. “If you feel overwhelmed by choice, it can help to pick a theme to tie all your piercings together – play around with an all-yellow-gold look, try mixed-gold tones, or perhaps a particular color of gemstone and enamel detailing,” suggests Johnston.