I Don't Have My Ears Pierced, and I Wear This Vintage Style Instead—3 Brands That Get Clip-On Earrings Right
I'm 23, and I don't have my ears pierced. No, this isn't the start of "two truths and a lie." There isn't a good answer; I just never got around to it. That's not to say I wasn't tempted every time I passed a Claire's while growing up in the aughts. The FOMO was real.
Embarrassed by my naked ears, I looked for alternative ways to accessorize. Cuffs were cool, but clip-on earrings were the only way to replicate the sought-after look. Luckily, my grandmother's jewelry box provided plenty of options. There began my love affair with vintage jewelry and loyalty to clip-on earrings. Though no one warned me, some were actually painful acupuncture in disguise. (Whatever you do, stay away from screw-back clip-on earrings.)
After many years of trial and error, I've put together a list of dos and don'ts for finding the perfect pair, and that's exactly what's coming to you below. Plus, I'm sharing a breakdown of three editor-approved jewelry brands that get clip-on earrings right.
As I said, screw-back earrings are a big no-no, but paddle-back and cushion earrings are always acceptable. Lightweight materials and proper hinge tension will prevent headaches, while loose hinges will end up in the lost-and-found. Sterling silver and gold vermeil soothe my sensitive ears, and one-of-a-kind designs never go uncomplimented. Put simply, comfort, wearability, and uniqueness are what to focus on.
There are only a handful of brands that accomplish this. To find the best clip-on earrings, I've combined my shopping-editor prowess with my extensive knowledge of clip-on earrings to test three brands: one staple in my jewelry box and two newcomers.
The best diamond stud earrings and the best tennis bracelets are the ones that wear well. Meaning, the proper way to evaluate clip-on earrings is through daily use—on the subway, to and from showrooms, passing through TSA, sitting front row at Miami Swim Week, and casual outings with friends. It's safe to say I put these earrings through the wringer. I'm happy to report my earlobes have come out of it unscathed, with no headaches of note and each earring accounted for. Whether you're unpierced like me or just curious about the three brands that made my list of the best clip-on earrings, read on. Spoiler: My vintage obsession is alive and well.
My Picks
Ysso
My Greek Cypriot heritage is obvious in where I choose to vacation (I'm partial to the shores of Aphrodite), but a more subtle manifestation is in where I source my jewelry. Much of my collection is the product of summers spent in Cyprus, gemstones gifted to me by my Yiayia, and bespoke designs by local artisans. This selectivity has resulted in curated heirlooms deeply rooted in memory and history.
My most recent addition is from Ysso, a London- and Athens-based jewelry brand. Founded by mother-and-daughter duo Alexia and Stalo Karides, Ysso beautifully blends traditional Greek influences with modern aesthetics. The geometric and asymmetrical designs evoke images of ancient architecture. Even the brand name is an ode to their Hellenic heritage: "chrysso," meaning gold.
I've been a follower of the brand for many years. Though my unpierced ears keep me from shopping its hoop and stud options, the beaded necklaces and sculptural cuffs consistently appear on my summer wish list.
To my surprise and appreciation, I recently discovered the Ion Clip Earrings. Crafted from solid bronze and plated in 24-karat gold, these lightweight earrings aren't just decorative accessories. They're pieces of ancient Greece itself. If you are well-versed in Hellenic architecture, the spiral scroll motif will look familiar. Crafted to mimic the Ionic order columns of ancient Greece, these earrings are designed to withstand the test of time.
One caveat with clip-on styles is the time limit on comfort. However, the sleek construction of the Ion Earrings makes for hours of painless wear. No pinching. No tension. No agony. Another point of aggravation? The fear of losing an earring. After having danced, traveled, and power-napped in the Ion Earrings, I can say that they aren't going anywhere.
Vintage Christian Dior
It's no secret that vintage sourcing and thrifting have redefined the way modern buyers shop. Whether it's the hunt itself or the environmental aspect that motivates you, shopping secondhand is just as rewarding as buying off the runway. Not to mention, the self-satisfaction that is found when you finally score the vintage item of your dreams will make you believe in fate.
I often recommend shopping vintage designer for clip-on earrings. For one, the sheer volume of inventory is overwhelming. From The RealReal to Fashionphile to eBay to your local consignment shop, it would seem there is an endless supply. As a devout clip-on wearer and a former vintage-store sales associate, I couldn't be more grateful. Second, no one does clip-on earrings quite as well as vintage designers. The uniqueness is unparalleled. Think art-deco motifs, bezel settings, coveted luxury logos, mixed metals, and so much more.
In my collection, you can find a pair of vintage Christian Dior earrings. Kindly gifted to me by a friend, they are, I assume, from the '80s based on the oval faux-pearl center and thick gold-tone trim. I prefer to wear them with a slicked-back hairstyle so the entire silhouette is on display—the crystals, the fluting, and the iridescence of the faux pearl.
Other designer names to keep an eye out for are Gucci, Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, and Schiaparelli. I also suggest befriending your local jeweler in case you need a quick repair or a polish.
Condition, authenticity, and sizing are important to consider when buying secondhand luxury goods. It's crucial to confirm that the hallmarks and designer signatures are present. When possible, I suggest trying them on in person to ensure they are wearable. Unfortunately, many vintage clip-on earrings weren't designed with comfort in mind.
Agmes
Handmade in NYC, Agmes is unmatched in its ability to blend sculptural forms with wearability. Known for its minimalist aesthetic and organic shapes, the collections are equally influenced by urban landscapes and fine art. With an emphasis on using recycled metals, the Agmes process is incredibly thoughtful.
New designs are released regularly, and Agmes has one of the largest collections of clip-on earrings among contemporary luxury brands, from what I've seen. There is even a dedicated section on its site for clip-on earrings. It spans far beyond the typical teardrop, stud, or mini hoop, expanding into whimsical swirls, one-of-a-kind freshwater pearls, and collaborations with sculptors.
From the collection, I like the Luca Earrings in sterling silver with clear crystal quartz beads, which are also available in onyx, lapis, and gold vermeil. An investment piece for sure, the Luca Earrings are the highest priced of my top three. The quality is reflected in the in-store experience, craftsmanship, and compliments.
I don't often find a pair of clip-on earrings that feature a pendant. Usually, the addition is too heavy. Yet the Luca Earrings successfully achieve a featherlight design that allows for movement and fluidity, featuring a circular quartz drop. The thrill and excitement I had when wearing the earrings was incomparable. I'll admit I get FOMO when I can't wear the pretty earrings trending on IG, but thanks to Agmes, I'm not missing out on much.
Shop More Elegant Clip-On Earrings
Now that you've seen the inside of my jewelry box, how I go about sourcing vintage items, and my rubric for comfortable and chic clip-on earrings, I've decided to continue curating a list of the best clip-on earrings.
Scroll down to shop more from Ysso, Agmes, and various vintage designers, plus other brands like Khaite, Julietta, Heaven Mayhem, COS, Ben-Amun, and so on. You'll find a variety of price ranges, styles, and closures. Like the three above, clip-on earrings typically feature a hinge or paddle back, while a few you'll see below are designed with an invisible clip and padding.
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