They’re big, showy and want to take centre stage – statement earrings. They could be giant creoles, fancy chandeliers or ethno earrings – distinctive ear jewellery is a must-have for fashionistas. And we don’t just mean on the red carpet and catwalk: trend-spotting trade fairs such as Ambiente can also confirm it. There’s no escaping what is literally this season’s biggest jewellery trend.
The stars have started showing us how it’s done: At the Oscars, Scarlett Johannson chose the tone-on-tone variety, wearing her dreamy green Versace dress with big emerald ear cuffs, while Gwyneth Paltrow accessorised her fairytale pale pink Ralph & Russo gown with striking drop earrings featuring outsized rubellites in a strong berry red. Statement earrings were already among the major accessories with which to make a grand entrance. But now, whether you’re on the red carpet, at a gala dinner, or elsewhere entirely, you too can pick up some earrings without breaking the bank (or breaking into a safety deposit box). Statement earrings are in, and every fashionable jewellery box should have some! Earrings are definitely en vogue, but there are many types to suit every occasion – and every look, from glamour queen to hippy chick, from partygoer to street style guru.
The stars have started showing us how it’s done: At the Oscars, Scarlett Johannson chose the tone-on-tone variety, wearing her dreamy green Versace dress with big emerald ear cuffs, while Gwyneth Paltrow accessorised her fairytale pale pink Ralph & Russo gown with striking drop earrings featuring outsized rubellites in a strong berry red. Statement earrings were already among the major accessories with which to make a grand entrance. But now, whether you’re on the red carpet, at a gala dinner, or elsewhere entirely, you too can pick up some earrings without breaking the bank (or breaking into a safety deposit box). Statement earrings are in, and every fashionable jewellery box should have some! Earrings are definitely en vogue, but there are many types to suit every occasion – and every look, from glamour queen to hippy chick, from partygoer to street style guru.
Another striking feature is the abundance of floral shapes and natural aspects at the forefront of current collections. They might be finely worked pendants or studs in the shape of twigs, leaves or flowers; they might equally be opulent bouquets and posies for the ear. The dominant colours are of natural stones like turquoise and coral, which go beautifully with today’s nude looks and flowing silhouettes in fine fabrics. Ethnic accessories also remain in fashion, worn either with the traditional Woodstock chic featuring loud patterns and bright colours (plus lots more jewellery to boot), or in New Age style including more costly materials such as gemstones and gold, for a more ‘grown-up’ approach.
But back to the stars: what can we learn from them? The perfect way to wear statement earrings is to give them the starring role. Other jewellery should be worn below the décolleté, either as rings or bracelets. The Ambiente exhibitor and designer of Leaf Fine Silver Jewellery agrees: “This season, statement earrings come with pearls or gemstones and should stand alone. They deserve our full attention. The surrounding look should remain reserved. Ideally, you should go for natural makeup, with your hair down or in a pony tail or bun. The best outfit is a top in a single colour, perhaps combined with jeans.” Our final tip, which we gleaned from the best celebrity and catwalk stylists, is: paint your nails the same colour as your earrings. This turns a trend into a cool fashion statement, which says ‘do what you feel, so long as you can carry it off!’
