I Don’t Have My Ears Pierced, Instead I Wear This Vintage Style—3 Brands That Get Clip-Ons Right
I'm 23, and I don't have my ears pierced. And no, this isn't the start of a Two Truths and a Lie. There isn't a good answer; I just never got around to it. That's not to say, growing up in the early oughts, I wasn't tempted every time I passed a Claire's. The FOMO was real.
Embarrassed by my naked ears, I looked for alternative ways to accessorize. Cuffs were cool, but clip-ons 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-ons.)
After many years of trial and error, I've put together a list of do's and don'ts for finding the perfect pair. And that's exactly what's coming to you below. Plus a breakdown of three editor-approved jewelry brands that get clip-ons right.
As I said, screw-backs are a big no-no, but paddle-backs and cushions 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-ons to test three brands: one a 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 the clip-ons is through daily use. On the subway, to and from showrooms, passing through TSA, sitting front row at Miami Swim Week, or a casual outing 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 which three made my list of the best clip-on earring brands, 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, or bespoke designs by local artisans. This selectivity results 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 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 un-pierced ears keep me from shopping its hoop and stud options, the beaded necklaces and sculptural cuffs consistently appear on my summer wishlist.
To my surprise (and appreciation), I recently discovered the Ion Clip Earrings. Crafted from solid bronze and plated in 24k gold, these lightweight earrings aren't just decorative accessories but 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. I can say that after having danced, traveled, and powernapped in the Ion Earrings, they aren't going anywhere.
Vintage Designer
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 second-hand 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; it's then that you believe in fate.
I often recommend shopping vintage designer for clip-on earrings. For one, the sheer volume of inventory is overwhelming. From TheRealReal to Fashionphile to eBay to your local consignment shop, it would seem there is an endless supply. As a devout clip-on wearer (and an ex-vintage store sales associate), I couldn't be more grateful. Two: no one does clip-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: Gucci, Céline, 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—in this case, comfort—are important to consider when buying second-hand luxury goods. It's crucial to confirm that the hallmarks and designer signatures are present. And when possible, I suggest trying them on in person to ensure they are wearable. Unfortunately, many vintage clip-ons 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; Agmes has one of the largest collections of clip-on earrings among contemporary luxury brands, from what I've seen. So much so, there is even a dedicated section for clip-ons. 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; 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-ons that feature a pendant. Usually, the addition is too heavy. Yet, the Luca Earring successfully achieves a feather-light 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've realized I'm not missing out on much.
Shop More Elegant Clip-On Earrings
Now you've seen the inside of my jewelry box, how I go about sourcing vintage items, and my rubric for comfortable (and chic) clip-ons, 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, the typical clip-on features a hinge or paddle back, while a few you'll see below are designed with an invisible clip and padding.
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