Chain Earrings

Chain earrings hang links rather than a solid drop, so they move differently — looser, quieter. Threaders, chain drops and hoops with chain suspended beneath, in 18K gold vermeil at 3 microns over solid sterling silver, or gold plated. Gold, silver and rose gold, from $45.

Chain Earring Questions

How do threader earrings work?

The chain passes through the piercing and hangs on both sides — you pull it through until the length looks right, and friction holds it. There's no back to lose, which is the appeal, and no back to secure it either, which is the risk. Check them if you've been in a crowd.

Do chain earrings tangle?

In storage, constantly. In wear, rarely. Store them hanging or laid flat rather than dropped in a box, because a fine chain knots against itself and a knot in a 1mm chain is genuinely hard to release without kinking it.

Are they heavy?

Among the lightest drop earrings, because a chain weighs almost nothing compared with a solid drop of the same length. That makes them a good option if longer earrings usually drag on your piercings.

Can you wear them every day?

Yes, with awareness of what catches them. Scarves, jumper collars and long hair are what pull a chain earring, and a chain will snap where a solid drop would bend. If you wear them daily, the shorter versions survive better.

Can a broken chain earring be repaired?

Usually — a snapped link is a quick solder for any bench jeweller, and cheaper than replacing the pair. Ask them to keep heat away from the plated surface; heavy soldering discolours the finish around the join.

Can you buy a single?

Some of these do sell singly, which suits the style — a chain drop in one ear against a stud in the other is how a lot of people wear them.

See also drop earrings, gold hoop earrings, chain necklaces and all earrings.