Statement-Making Ear Cuffs

Jun 28

Cover your ears

Alongside artful piercing placements like helixes and daiths, no-needle-needed alternatives like ear cuffs and climbers are becoming increasingly popular. From sleek and modern to edgy and industrial (and even options loaded up with gems) these statement-scale ornaments come in a vast array of aesthetics, so you’re sure to find one that suits your personal style.

Here are a few of our (over the) top picks.

**Esoteric 984**

Jordi Enrique Albert and Anthya Tirado launched their ethically focused brand, MAM (an acronym for Movement, Art, and Mission), in 2014. They first focused on innovative, ultra-thin wooden watches and have since added equally cutting-edge jewelry with an ethical and artistic focus that shines through in every design.
MAM “Esoteric 984” ear cuff with amethyst, $269 at MAM

**Dark Crystal**

Alexander McQueen’s bold and beautiful accessories project the eerie, edgy romance that the brand has become synonymous with. Case in point: this crystal embellished ear cuff, a perfect showcase of McQueen’s iconic aesthetic.
Alexander McQueen single earring, $650 at Net-a-Porter

**Isadora**

New York-born and raised Angie Marei is an Egyptian-Dominican designer whose fine jewelry incorporates unexpected twists that celebrities like Beyoncé and Rihanna adore. Her daring designs take inspiration from a vast array of influences, like her own culture, the Art Deco era, and even vintage occult movies. This colorful cuff references Japanese Kanshaji hairpins, which Marei says were “worn to ward off evil spirits, and occasionally used as discreet self-defense tools.” Take that.
Marei New York "Isadora" ear cuff in rhodium-plated sterling silver with gemstones, $6,000 at Marei New York

**Coral**

Evren Kayar’s eponymous brand marries her love of art and sculpture with nature—a key influence in her handmade creations, including the “Coral” collection. This cuff is an interpretation of endangered coral species (fittingly, said to represent protection).
Evren Kayar “Coral” ear cuff, $670 at Moda Operandi

**Dina**

Each collection of Turkish-French architect Ayça Özbank Taskan’s jewelry line, Mara Paris, is meant to create “a perfect symbiosis between body and space.” The pieces mold to the body, turning into transformative art in the form of jewelry.
Mara Paris “Dina” ear cuff in sterling silver, $179 at Mara Paris

**Gema**

No one does spectacular sparkle quite like Swarovski, and the brand’s creative director, Giovanna Engelbart, is constantly upping the glittering ante. To wit, these jumbo gems that cover the entire ear for a *super wow* moment.
Swarovski “Gema” ear cuff, $195 at Swarovski

**Serpentine**

Vintage jewelry lovers know to look to Saint Laurent for hard-to-find showstopper pieces. But don’t overlook their contemporary styles, either—pieces like this ear cuff reflect the heritage of the brand, and just like the vintage goods, will stand the test of time when it comes to effortlessly cool style.
Saint Laurent ear cuff, $469 at Matches Fashion

Editor: Rebecca Daly
Market Editor: Johannah Masters

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).