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7 min read
If you are looking for a way to instantly update your outfit for evening, look no further. This season’s selection of bold earrings will add glamour to the simplest of looks. Here is our edit of the 14 best styles, from rustic sea shells to bold drop pearls.
Jewellery has always been my first love. Before I even had my ears pierced, I’d fumble through my mother’s jewellery box in search of 1980s clip-on earrings. They were the real deal – doorknocker style, gold-laden bolsters, which, quite frankly, were a health hazard for a child, but needs must. I’d adhere them to my itty bitty ears and stumble around the house with her oversized heels in tow, in search of an audience to show my new fashions off to.
The resurgence of bold jewels this season piqued my interest once again, and searching for party jewels has become my forte. Eastenders’ Pat Butcher remains my ultimate jewellery muse – she became synonymous with her jangly earrings, and no one wore them quite like her.
It was Bottega Veneta’s drop earrings that spearheaded the overstated earring trend, becoming a byword for chic and selling out at speed. With a £860 price point, they’re certainly an investment piece. Since their debut on Matthieu Blazy’s autumn/winter 2022 runway, similar teardrop styles have been landing on e-commerce sites and gracing the ears of many fashion mavens. It’s no coincidence that earrings have been expanding in size ever since. In addition to these vertical drop styles, we’ve seen a plethora of shapes including organic forms, bashed metal coins, bold spheres and crystal clusters – all of which are the perfect outfit addition for party season.
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I’ve always considered the 80s an iconic era for the celebration of individualism. Interestingly, this is when big earrings were at their height. It was the era of exuberance in every which way – from padded power suiting and puffed sleeves to organza prom dresses and striking high-as-the-heavens curly tresses (think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman). This year’s revival of 80s jewellery elements has a uniqueness that’s juxtaposed with a modern, sculptural design – giving a contemporary feel. It seems the dainty jewellery we’ve all been wearing for so long may be a thing of the past. And this evolution is paving the way for many new and established independent brands to shine.
While most of my clothing is refined, my jewellery tastes are anything but. Recently my collection has extended to include some of today’s most lauded styles. A statement earring – be it a scalloped seashell, hung pearl style or glitzy party piece – is a playful way to instantly elevate any look and adds interest to my capsule wardrobe.
Keep on reading to discover and shop some under-the-radar brands, directional earrings and plenty of bejewelled pieces. If you’re hoping for some festive earrings to complement your party look, you’ve come to the right place.
Monica Vinader Swirl Bold Stud Earrings
Monica Vinader is a company that prides itself on its sustainable methods, from using ethically sourced stones to 100% recycled gold and silver.
Launched in 2008, the brand boasts a contemporary and sculptural style. Inspired by fashion trends, but timeless in appeal.
YSSO Pearl Earrings
YSSO is the brainchild of mother and daughter duo Alexia and Stalo Karides.
Inspired by their Greek heritage, each piece is hand-carved and speaks to the organic and architectural themes from the place they call home. Their pieces are purposefully individual and each pair is guaranteed to be unique.
Wear these with a classic black shift dress for instant dramatic glamour.
Heavenly London Noughts and Crosses Earrings
Madeleine Sangster’s jewellery brand Heavenly specialises in imitation diamonds, with a mission to create luxury sustainable diamond alternatives that are accessible to all.
The brand is also brilliant at producing vintage-style heirlooms, and these chic studs will lift even the simplest of outfits. Pair with a crisp white shirt and jeans to elevate off-duty chic.
Orelia Scrunch Statement Earrings
I’m consistently impressed with Orelia’s design. It’s the brand I always recommend to people looking for fashion-forward pieces at an affordable price point.
The Scrunch Pearl Drop demonstrates how the combination of old and new elements can result in a directional piece that has a sense of timelessness.
Oliver Bonas Angelique Glass Stone Tassel Earrings
I have a style secret: while they may not be the first brand to spring to mind, Oliver Bonas has such an impressive selection of party jewels. Just look at these chandelier-inspired drop earrings.
Although it’s unlikely you’ll be wearing these for everyday, they are the perfect showstoppers to pull out for parties year after year.
Shop Angelique Glass Stone Tassel Drop Statement Earrings at Oliver Bonas, £28
Polene Éole Hoop Earrings
Did you know that the super chic French brand Polène creates jewellery too? Me neither. The brand’s gorgeous leather handbags usually take the spotlight, but its new jewellery collection is something I’m keen to champion – the Éole hoop, in particular.
Handcrafted by Venetian artisans and with a nod to natural elements, each piece is created lovingly. The jewels are also swathed in a gold protector to prevent your pieces from the dreaded tarnish. These are styles to wear and love forever more.
Soru Greta Earrings
Soru is a 2023 discovery of mine. It’s a female-founded brand that handcrafts pieces in Italy, and if one thing is for certain, they are the makers of many a fun-time jewel with colours aplenty.
My tastes are a tad monochromatic, so I adore styles like the Greta earrings. They feature baroque pearls and a curved body, so sweep away from the ear for an elegant silhouette.
Pilgrim Luiza Pearl Earrings
Pilgrim’s offerings are everything you’d expect from a Scandinavian jewellery brand. Cool, contemporary and with a unique spin on classics.
Case in point are these Luiza pearl earrings. I’m noticing more and more boulder-style pearls nowadays, in direct contrast to the typically uniform and regal styles of old.
Due to the long drop, I wear my Luiza earrings with Bardot dresses and tops.
Sézane Sohanne Earrings
French retailer Sézane is best known for producing clothing styles synonymous with the Parisian spirit, but don’t skip on its jewellery or you’ll be missing out.
Pair its wearable fluffy knits and wrap-style dresses with exuberant earrings.
Kitty Joyas Gold Kamala Earrings
Some of my most loved independent designers have been riding the bold earring train for some time now. A case in point is Kitty Joyas, who specialises in the use of recycled materials to create unique and abstract lines in her jewellery.
Her eponymous brand epitomises liberation and celebrating the wonders of the earth, which is further reflected in the brand’s standpoint on sustainability. There are plenty of amazing styles to take your pick from, however, there’s something about its Kamala earrings – simple yet statement – that captivates me.
Daphine Thea Shell Earrings
I love Daphine’s fanned-out Thea earrings, which have a unique ridged scalloped edge.
The design sits on the ear in a way that resembles the mystical appearance of a mermaid. Why not commit to the look with scraped-back hair and a shimmering slip dress?
Bonvo Elea Earrings
Greek designer Maria Leonidopoulou is the visionary behind Bonvo’s creations and the Elea earrings are just a taste of what the brand has to offer.
There’s a recurring theme with Bonvo’s iterations — concave lines, twists and ripples, which mimic organic textures and nature’s many forms. The continuation of the Elea earrings will speak to those with a penchant for jewels and art.
Lil Milan Colpo di Fulmine Earrings
Lil Milan entered the jewellery realm in 2014, although it recently caught the attention of jewellery lovers for its playful styles constructed from natural materials.
Colpo di fulmine means love at first sight. An appropriate name for this drop piece, made in 9k gold with a freshwater pearl.
Each piece is handcrafted in Italy and made with solid gold, ensuring they last.
Cinco Constantine Earrings
Launched in 2017, Portuguese brand Cinco releases a handful of charming styles into its capsule seasonally.
The brand favours minimalist design and timelessness so that its pieces can be worn for generations. The 2023 drop stud iteration is nothing short of excellence.
Images: courtesy of brands
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