Heart Earrings

Heart earrings are smaller than heart necklaces have to be, which is why they get away with more. Studs, hoops with the heart set into the band, and small drops — 18K gold vermeil at 3 microns over solid sterling silver, or gold plated. Gold, silver and rose gold, several sold as singles, from $46.

Heart Earring Questions

Do heart earrings look childish?

Less easily than heart necklaces do, because ears keep them small by default. What tips any heart piece young is gloss and scale — a shiny solid heart over about 10mm reads sweet. An open outline or a heart set into a hoop doesn't.

Can you wear them every day?

The studs and hoop versions, easily. Small drops catch less than long ones. As with any earring, what shortens the finish is perfume, hairspray and chlorine rather than wear itself — on last, off first.

Are they a good gift?

Safer than a heart necklace, because earrings carry less weight as a statement. For a first gift, or for someone whose taste you're not sure of, heart studs land more comfortably than a pendant announcing the same thing at the collarbone.

Can you buy a single heart earring?

Yes, several of these sell as singles. A heart in one lobe with a plain stud in the other is a common way to wear them, and second holes and cartilage make singles more useful than pairs for a lot of people.

Are they good for sensitive ears?

The shape is irrelevant; the base metal isn't. Gold over solid sterling silver avoids the nickel that causes most reactions, and at 3.0 microns the plating doesn't wear through to reach anything else.

Can you sleep in them?

Studs and small huggies, yes. Anything hanging below the lobe will find your pillow. If you want a pair you never take out, the heart-set huggies are the ones to buy.

See also heart jewelry, heart necklaces, stud earrings and gold hoop earrings.