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.
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders, and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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