Clip-on earrings are the kingpins of costume jewellery.
The easy-wear pieces are typically worn by those without pierced ears, however, they make for decadent focal points for all.
Opulent drop silhouettes, petite studs, and crystal concoctions are available in clip-on form, which are inherently nostalgic. They have the rare ability to take you back to your grandmother’s dressing room or conjure up images of smoky speakeasies in 1920s New York, where women would file into the Art Deco spaces in their flapper finery and iridescent jewels.
Clip-on jewels are a fairly new phenomenon. While studded earrings have been around since biblical times, their clip-on sisters came onto the scene in the early 20th century. Victorians believed that body piercing was distasteful, yet the upper classes wanted to assert their social status via jewellery. Enter the clip-on earring, which simultaneously establishes the wearer’s social ranking and serves as a puncture-free option for those wanting to avoid the needle.
Clip-ons quickly saturated every store window, with diamante designs becoming particularly popular among flappers in the 1920s and 1930s. Not forgetting that shorter, boyish haircuts were on trend for women during the era, which allowed them to show off their ear candy more easily. Think Great Gatsby's Daisy Buchanan for inspiration.
However, this love affair with clip-on structures was not to last. According to Pauline Buttress in her article The History of Clip-on Earrings: “Rebellious, non-conformist teens and young adults of the 1970s always seemed to opt for the more extreme form of self-expression. The pearl clip-on earrings that were common among girls of all ages in the 1950s were tossed to the wind. To them, clip-on earrings were not showing dedication to the art, and they began the resurgence of pierced ears once more. While today, pierced ears are a common occurrence in young girls and even babies, it was considered an act of defiance back in the seventies.”
Which leads to today. Clip-ons aren’t as popular as studded alternatives, yet they make for brilliant party pieces and conversation starters. As ‘they’ say, don’t follow trends, start them.
Gear up for the season of summer soirees and invest in a pair of dazzling clip-on earrings to steal the show.
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Saint Laurent Gold-Tone Crystal Earrings
Bask in an air of luxury wearing Saint Laurent’s radiant curved earrings. The weighty crystal-studded jewels are made from gold-tone metal and hail from the house’s autumn/winter 2023 collection.
Buy now £660.00, Net-A-Porter
Bimba Y Lola Matte Gold Chameleon and Flowers Earrings
Ensure you remain the centre of attention with Bimba Y Lola’s reptilian earrings. Large gold chameleons sit among sweet floral motifs that are further embellished with white crystal embellishment and a matte finish.
Buy now £85.00, Bimba Y Lola
Vintage Chanel Gold-Plated Hoop Clip Earrings
Susan Caplan is the go-to source for designer clip-on pieces. These authenticated vintage Chanel earrings are a signifier of true It-girl status. Dated back to 1993, the door-knocker designs are gold-plated and feature the brand’s iconic ‘CC’ detailing.
Buy now £1875.00, Net-A-Porter
Valentino Garavani Mermaid Clip-On Earrings
Arguably the most magical design on the list, Valentino Garavani’s Mermaid Clip-On Earrings are set to make a splash at elegant soirees. Crafted from gold-tone metal and showcasing stunning faux-pearl embellishment, the statement jewel will help to unleash your sartorial siren.
Buy now £480.00, Farfetch
Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Crystal Embellished Earrings
Exude high-octane glamour in Oscar De La Renta’s heart-shaped ear candy. Encrusted with sparkling, multi-coloured glass crystals, these romantic clip-ons are set to get pulses racing. Wear your hair up to show them off in all their glory.
Buy now £485.00, Net-A-Porter
Susan Caplan 1980S Vintage Enamel Flower Clip-On Earrings
Clip-on pieces don’t have to be maximalist. Susan Caplan’s vintage enamel pieces hail from the 1980s, and showcase timeless white floral designs in a mod-like style. Pop yours on and channel your inner Mary Quant.
Buy now £65.00, Susan Caplan
Roxanne Assoulin Maxi Gum Drop Gold-Tone Crystal Clip Earrings
Coined the ‘Maxi Dum Drop’ earrings, Roxanne Assoulin’s party-ready gems boast delicious blackcurrant hues. A lilac and violet two-tone design is flanked by an antiquated gold-tone metallic structure. Style yours with a dusting of gold chain bracelets and let the earrings do the rest.
Buy now £135.00, Net-A-Porter
Orelia Vintage Pavé Oval Hoop Clip-On Earrings
Opt for a subtle touch of sophistication with Orelia’s oval hoop earrings. Featuring a modest dusting of crystals and a timeless silhouette, the limited-edition vintage jewels make for a beautiful gift.
Buy now £55.00, Orelia
I’MMANY Strawberry and Golden Flower Clip-on Earrings
Get into the swing of summer with these adorable fruity finds. Succulent strawberries nestled in a bed of gold florals adorn the clip-ons, which will tickle the fancy of any Gen-Z shopper.
Buy now £75.00, I’MMANY
Schiaparelli Charm Earrings
Exhibit your fashion credentials with Schiaparelli. The popular pieces are truly top-tier. Beloved by fashion week goers, the extravagant, surrealist pieces are an investment. The brand’s Charm Earrings are affixed with striking eye-shaped clips, a nose pendant and a Virgo medallion.
Buy now £950.00, Schiaparelli
