Creole hoops at Balmain, artisanal circular discs at Louis Vuitton and Nina Ricci's off-kilter and mismatched earrings provide plenty of inspiration this season for those looking to invest in a decent pair of statement-making, head-turning earrings. While oversized necklaces, bold wrist accessories and stacked rings can often look cluttered, clunky and uncomfortable, a bold pair of earrings can help focus all the attention above the neck when worn without any other accessory.
Several key jewellers have explored dazzling earring options, from the ornate Mandala earrings by Pasquale Bruni (#4) with an array of precious stones such as rhodolite, white topaz and amethyst; to the classical gold and pearl combinations at Dior (#3 and #13). Prada's ladylike accessories are the perfect starting point for something extra special, such as the leather and jewel options (left) that work just as well with a crisp white shirt and jeans as they do with a sensational cocktail dress for the evening.
Bespoke jeweller James McCarty is one who offers a left-of-centre approach with his designs. His stunning sapphire and pearl drop earrings (#11), for example, are the perfect example of classic with a twist. The bold use of traditional pearl in a modern way with its pendulous design shows when it comes to wearing earrings, bigger is better.
1 Louis Vuitton "ID LV" earrings, $680.
2 18-carat white gold briolette London blue earrings with pavé diamonds, $5350.
3 Dior pearl earrings, $680.
4 Pasquale Bruni 18-carat pink gold set with amethyst, rhodolite, smoky quartz, milky quartz, light blue and white topaz. "Mandala" earrings, $9500, from Hartfield.
5 Chaumet 18-carat pink gold set with diamonds, pink sapphire, pink opal, angel skin opal and pink tourmaline "Hortensia Pendant" earrings, $49,900, from Hartfield.
6 18-carat white gold drop earrings with yellow diamonds, $5895, from Partridge Jewellers.
7 Bones & Feathers "Pearl and Fin" studs, $199, from Ruby.
8 Sterling silver and black cubic zicornia earrings, $79, from Pascoes.
9 Sterling silver and blue cubic ziconia earrings, $79, from Pascoes.
10 Givenchy vintage "Hampton" earrings, $379, from Love & Object.
11 James McCarty sapphire and pearl drop earrings, (POA).
12 Mimco "Hybridica" drop earrings, $129.
13 Dior pearl and gold ear cuff, $630.
