The 9 Best Earrings for Every Outfit
Updated: Apr. 09, 2024
From hoops to studs to pearls, these are the best earrings that you'll want to keep in your jewelry box (and your ears!) forever.
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The best earrings, whether gold, silver or diamond-studded, are the finishing touch to any look. Not all pairs of earrings are created equal, though! Quality materials, interesting shapes and ever-lasting styles from the best jewelry brands make for earrings that’ll look just as fresh and fashionable years from now as they will for your dinner date next week.
We scoured the market, including some jewelry on Amazon as well as jewelry sales, for our favorite pairs—from the best hoop earrings, to the best silver earrings, to the best stud earrings for sensitive ears. We think each and every one of these danglers deserves a dedicated spot in your jewelry organizer.
Read on for nine pairs of the best earrings, from dainty pairs for minimalist outfits (let other pieces of jewelry—like a show-stopping cocktail ring or necklace—nab the attention); to stand-out ones that look just as polished with jeans and a T-shirt as they do with a formal dress and your highest pair of heels.
Quince Dress Up Hoops
We’re giving the Quince “dress up” earrings the award for best hoop earrings. But don’t let the name fool you! They look just as elegant if you’re running errands as they do at a black-tie event. The oh-so-slight moon shape gives them substance without actual weight pulling on your earlobes. And the size is Goldilocks-like perfect too—not too big and not too small, but just right.
Lane Woods Small Gold Hoops
Jewelry on Amazon runs the gamut price- and style-wise, from affordable jewelry, to trendy jewelry, to zodiac jewelry and more. These petite gold hoop earrings are our favorite Amazon find for a few reasons: they’re budget-friendly, easy to get on and off, and their sturdy clasp ensures they won’t break after a few wears. The understated design can be worn on their own or; if you have multiple piercings they pair perfectly with a variety of studs, cuffs and more.
Argento Vivo Twist Hoops
Ladies who prefer silver will surely reach for these Italian-crafted sculptural hoops over and over, since they’re eye-catching without being distracting. (Especially if you routinely clean your jewelry.) These could just as easily win the “best gold earrings” category too, since they’re also available in a 14k gold-plated version.
Mejuri Bold Pearl Drop Earrings
No one will confuse this modern set of pearl earrings for a pair passed down from your grandmother. They’re crafted with freshwater cultured pearls and gold vermeil—a luxe, thick layer of 18k gold-plating over solid sterling silver. The high-quality materials ensures they’re the best earrings to wear if you have sensitive lobes, and their bold style begs to be worn day after day. (Which you will, trust us.)
Dana Rebecca Designs Diamond Curve Studs
No list of the best earrings would be complete without a pair of diamond beauties. This isn’t your average pair of diamond studs, though! The curved fine jewelry design, made with 14k gold and four small diamonds on each stud, balances timeless with contemporary. That makes them especially wearable and worthy of the investment. Just be sure to keep them glistening with a session in one of the best ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.
Rowan Staple Bar Stud
If you suffer from sensitive ears (blame nickel—that’s likely the culprit for your aching earlobes), instead of piling on rings and bracelets to fulfill your jewelry dreams, browse Rowan’s earrings. They carry the best earrings for sensitive ears since each of their designs, including these classic bar studs, is hypoallergenic. Meaning, they never include nickel, brass or zinc. Add these to your cart—your ears will thank you!
Bony Levy Petite Link Drop Earrings
When rounding out your jewelry collection, you can’t go wrong with a pair of dainty gold drop earrings. This set can be dressed up or down—they work just as well with a button-up shirt as they do with a ball gown. And since they’re made out of 14k gold, you can rest assured they’ll stay in perfect condition for years to come, especially if you know how to clean gold jewelry.
Prosteel Set of Stud Earrings
If you can’t be bothered to take out your studs before crashing your head on a pillow each night, you either need better jewelry storage options, or you can add a set of these gold stud earrings to your Amazon cart. (Maybe both.) Not only do they come in three sizes, but they’re the best earrings to sleep in since they have flat backs—so you won’t poke yourself. At this price (less than $15!), you won’t be upset if you lose one in the bed either.
Faris Crease Drop Earrings
You’ll be fielding all kinds of compliments when you rock these sculptural drop earrings, which are handcrafted in Seattle for a one-of-a-kind look. Made from bronze, these earrings glitter like liquid gold, lighting up your face, your outfit and (likely) the entire room.
Originally Published: January 01, 2023
