Earrings

Designer Earrings at Kiti

Earrings are the piece of jewellery you see every time you catch your reflection, and the easiest way to change how an outfit feels without changing the outfit. We buy from a small group of independent labels in small batches, and once a style has gone it is not restocked. The edit runs from everyday hoops and studs you will forget you are wearing to statement drops for weddings and nights out.

For the full look, our necklaces and bracelets edits carry many of the same labels and finishes.

Gold Hoop Earrings

Gold hoop earrings are the backbone of any jewellery box, and we carry them from tiny to statement. Atelier18 make beaded gold hoops and midi hoops with emerald or rainbow stones and Astra star charms, all in sterling silver coated in 18kt gold. Orelia offer waterproof LUXE tapered dome hoops and mid-size hoops on stainless steel, plus interlocking hoops, marble resin hoops and molten-effect hoops set with crystals.

For two looks in one, Tilly Sveaas hoops come with a detachable T-bar or eternity ring, made in brass with 2 microns of 18kt Fairmined gold plating. Wear them plain for the office and add the drop for the evening. Essentiel Antwerp add sculptural double hoops and playful mismatched charm hoops if you prefer something less classic.

Huggie Earrings

Huggie earrings are small, thick hoops that hug the earlobe closely, which makes them comfortable enough to sleep in and ideal for second and third piercings. Talis Chains make ours in 18 carat gold plated brass with 5A graded cubic zirconia, from simple pavé huggies to baguette, single-drop and tiger's eye dagger styles. Orelia also make green jade micro hoops in the same close-fitting spirit.

Stud Earrings

Studs are the quiet heroes of an ear stack. Atelier18 studs are tiny and full of character, including puffy hearts, bows and smiley faces. Orelia make organic teardrop studs in gold and silver, Talis Chains offer pear drop studs in two sizes, and Rixo Noni studs are 18-karat gold plated brass with a debossed sun face.

Drop and Statement Earrings

When you want your earrings to do the talking, look at the Atelier18 Amara earrings, handcrafted in Jaipur with tiny hand-faceted stones that move as you do, or their Greco Sun, Jali and Tumble Leaf designs. Orelia add starfish statement earrings and chain link drops, Rixo offer bohemian gold plated Thome drops, Coluri bring bold Lorde statement and resin link earrings, and Gas Bijoux make hand-polished acetate earrings traced with a fine gold plated thread.

How to Build an Ear Stack

A good ear stack runs from larger to smaller as you move up the ear. Put your biggest hoop or drop in the first piercing, a huggie or smaller hoop in the second, and a tiny stud or micro hoop higher up. Keep one metal dominant, vary the shapes, and let one piece be the focus. If you only have one piercing per ear, a stacking set or a hoop with a detachable charm gives you the same effect.

• First piercing: statement hoop, drop or two-in-one hoop
• Second piercing: huggie or small hoop
• Upper lobe or helix: micro hoop or tiny stud
• Short cut: a ready-made ear stacking set

Orelia make several ear stacking sets that mix studs and hoops, which is the simplest way to try the look before committing to more piercings.

Gold Plated, Vermeil and Sensitive Ears

Most of our earrings are gold plated: real gold over brass or stainless steel. Atelier18 use sterling silver coated in 18kt gold, the construction usually known as gold vermeil, and describe their pieces as hard-wearing and suitable for sensitive ears. Stainless steel styles such as the Orelia LUXE range are another good option if your ears react to some metals. Every product page lists what an earring is made from, and we are happy to talk you through it in store.

Caring for Your Earrings

Put earrings in after hairspray and perfume, take brass-based pieces out before swimming or showering, and wipe them with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Store pairs together in their pouches so studs do not go missing and hoops do not scratch one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are huggie earrings?

Huggie earrings are small, thick hoops that sit close to the earlobe. They are comfortable for everyday wear and work well in second and third piercings as part of an ear stack.

What size hoop earrings should I get?

Small hoops of around 10mm to 15mm are easy everyday pieces and suit higher piercings. Midi hoops of 20mm to 30mm are the most versatile, and anything larger makes more of a statement.

How do I build an ear stack?

Work from largest to smallest as you move up the ear: a statement hoop or drop in the first piercing, a huggie or small hoop next, and a tiny stud or micro hoop higher up. Keep one metal dominant and vary the shapes.

Are gold plated earrings good for sensitive ears?

Many people with sensitive ears get on well with stainless steel or sterling silver based earrings. Check the materials on each product page, and if you know you react to certain metals, choose those options.

What is the difference between gold plated and gold vermeil earrings?

Gold plated earrings have a layer of real gold over a base metal such as brass or stainless steel. Gold vermeil earrings have a thicker layer of gold over sterling silver, which tends to wear for longer.

Can I wear gold plated earrings every day?

Yes. Take them out before swimming, showering or exercise, keep them away from perfume and hairspray, and store them dry in their pouch. Waterproof stainless steel styles can be worn in water.