It’s a well-known fact that jewellery can truly make or break an outfit.
Trading in a pair of plated pearlescent hoops which are doomed to make your ears turn green for a pair of earrings which represent high-level craftsmanship and graceful beauty can transform an ensemble as simple as jeans and a white t-shirt into high fashion.
Marylin Monroe may have sung about diamonds being a girl’s best friend, but we’d take any extra-large, sparkling cuffs, earrings and matching necklace to complement a fuchsia-pink look if given the opportunity. Diamonds of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes proportions are an unaffordable extravagance for the majority of the population, anyway.
Fun fact, in that unbelievably iconic scene, Ms Monroe isn’t wearing diamonds at all. Her iconic accessories are paste diamonds, which consist of polished and expertly cut glass ‘jewels’ adapted to resemble the precious gemstone. In reality, it’s the sheer size and stack of jewellery set against the actress’ wonderfully vibrant costume which has had such a lasting influence.
Statement jewellery needn’t be garish nor ostentatious. Contemporary jewellery designers make use of organic shapes and authentic jewels to create luxurious pieces of art which elevate ensembles instead of serving as out-of-place distractions. Finding a middle ground between extra-large paste diamonds and artistic elegance is the key. Monroe did it, and you can too.
While simple studs never go out of style, earrings seem to be getting the supersize treatment as of late. Balmain’s fall/winter ’23 runway included planet-sized glittering orbs and hoops which miraculously remained attached to models’ ears.
Daniel Roseberry’s signature surrealist aesthetic has made itself abundantly clear throughout his recent collections for Schiaparelli, with sizeable underwater and anatomical motifs represented through golden jewellery.
Yet there’s only so much our poor ears and wallets can take. If, like us, the anatomy of your body and finances are both ill-equipped to sport runway-size earrings – we’ve got you covered.
We’ve curated a selection of the best statement earrings to elevate your look in 2024. Keep scrolling to let the hoops do the talking.
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Khaite medium Olivia hoop earrings
We’ve been seeing a trend towards rustic brassy earrings on the runway recently. These sculptural hoops by Khaite are realised in an antique gold-tone achieved with the help of 18ct gold-plated brass and have been designed for pierced ears. We love how these earrings look as though they have been chiselled from stone and dipped in a pool of molten gold.
Buy now £870.00, Farfetch
Alexander McQueen Orchid Earrings
Described as “an abstract interpretation of the beloved flower”, these supersized orchid earrings by Alexander McQueen would’ve worked wonders on the MET Gala’s recent “Garden of Time” themed red carpet. Antique silver-toned hardware cascades down from the orchid’s spiky centre to create a dramatic yet soft silhouette which grazes the shoulder blades.
Keep in mind that these earrings aren’t sold as a pair, so you’ll have to grab two for a matching set. Otherwise, enjoy the beautifully asymmetric look created by just one statement earring.
Buy now £790.00, Harrods
Thome Earrings
Rixo’s Thome earrings are the perfect golden summer accessory. If recent trends are anything to go by, boho is on its way back. Get ahead of the curve with these effortlessly chic and carefree jewels which are sure to compliment your warm-weather florals. Pair with a psychedelic print headscarf if you’re feeling truly bohemian this season.
Buy now £75.00, Rixo
Rainbow Veto Aqua Hoops
Crafted from ethical, lab-grown diamonds, cultured sapphires and rubies, these luminescent aqua hoops by Lark & Berry will have you feeling like a mermaid princess. The glorious ombre gemstones gradually shift in colour and are percolated by glittering diamonds.
Buy now £570.00, Lark & Berry
Oscar de la Renta Alphabet gold-tone crystal single earring
Embrace your inner forest fairy with these crystal alphabet earrings by Oscar de la Renta, which have a unique bark-like texture and are embellished with pearlescent crystals.
Each letter earring is sold separately, so you can either enjoy a purposeful asymmetric aesthetic or form a matching pair with your first and last name initials.
Buy now £145.00, Net-A-Porter
Lizzie Fortunato Gold-Plated Organic Hoop Earrings
Available in a myriad of gorgeous colours to suit your personal style, Lizzie Fortunato’s gold-plated organic hoops consist of two gold-plated brass tips and an oceanic, green resin hoop which connects them. They’re also offered in pink, orange, blue, clear and more.
Buy now £135.00, Liberty
Harris Reed Handpicked Serpent Mismatch Earrings
Harris Reed’s recent collection with jewellery brand Missoma consists of undulating silhouettes and magical motifs. These mismatched serpent earrings are crafted from 18ct recycled gold plated on brass, baroque pearl, black onyx and black cubic zirconia and are suspended from a Georgian-inspired hand.
Buy now £335.00, Missoma
Sterling King Cindy Crystal Drop Earrings
Created to look like perfectly crumpled metallic petals, these crystal drop earrings by Sterling King serve as a piece of contemporary art. They’re made from ceramic-coated brass with clear crystal and measure an impressive 10cm dangling. We think they’d make a brilliant gift for fans of artists such as Jeff Koons.
Buy now £252.00, Revolve
Needle & Thread X Soru Sweetheart Rose Drop Earrings
Lovers of all things coquette will go crazy for the sweetheart rose drop earrings by Needle & Thread x Soru. Four shimmering, pink crystal-adorned hearts gradually decrease in size to form these delicate yet playful accessories which are sure to add a touch of personality to any formal ensemble.
Buy now £220.00, Soru
Completedworks Float pearl drop earrings
Each string of undulating, textural pearls on these droplet earrings looks as though it’s been plucked straight from the hair of a mermaid. Featuring pink, white, freshwater pearl and baroque pearl, you’ll quickly tick off some of the most coveted varieties of the jewel in just one purchase.
Buy now £260.00, Farfetch
Large Pink Floral Vintage Cameo Earrings
Regency core just got even better thanks to these delightful vintage-inspired earrings by The Pink Reef. We adore how a pair of painted roses descend from a trio of bejewelled, golden blooms to create miniature works of art. You’ll feel like a walking historic gallery with these earrings hanging from your ears.
Buy now £180.00, Wolf & Badger
Schiaparelli Anatomy Earrings
Schiaparelli’s mismatched anatomy earrings are the surrealist extravaganza you’ve been saving up for. Building on Elsa Schiaparelli’s historic love for all things anatomical, the statement earrings feature a golden tooth motif and an extra-large resin eye.
Buy now £1761.42, Schiaparelli
Original Red & Gold Cherry Earring Jackets - Liz Fox Roseberry
Those for whom Schiaparelli’s gorgeous creations are out of budget will rejoice for wonderful handmade earrings by Liz Fox Roseberry. Sister to Daniel Roseberry, incumbent creative director for Schiaparelli, Liz was also blessed with the creative gene.
She is known for her wonderfully affordable double and single cherry stem earrings, which have been taking TikTok by storm. All handmade earrings purchased from Liz Fox Roseberry’s Etsy store also come with a free pair of studs.
Buy now £35.10, Etsy
