27 Stylish and Unique Earrings That Were Made for Sensitive Ears in Mind
If the skin around your ears breaks into a rash every time you wear jewelry or you're experiencing inflammation (and possible infection), you probably need to invest in some hypoallergenic earrings. The truth is, you may have a metal allergy and need to take a step back and examine what's in your jewelry.
Among some of the metals that should be on your radar is nickel. It's a material commonly used in necklaces, watches, belts, and a bunch of other types of accessories. Yet, it can cause a lot of irritation for those who have sensitive skin—in fact, more than 18 million Americans are allergic to it. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid exposure to nickel. If you don't want to upset your skin, it's important to seek out nickel-free and/or hypoallergenic products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, that means choosing "earrings made from metals such as surgical-grade stainless steel, 18-, 22-, or 24-karat yellow gold, pure sterling silver, or platinum."
When it comes to gold in particular, it's always better to go with a high karat. "The higher the karat rating the purer [the metal] is," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "While even 14-karat gold is unlikely to cause skin reactions, for people who are sensitive, [we] usually recommend 18-karat to be safe."
From gold chunky hoops to small silver studs, there is a sea of gorgeous earrings floating around internet up for grabs. But for a curated view of some of the most stylish and best earrings for sensitive ears, keep reading below. (Then after you receive them, be sure you know how often to clean earrings to keep them—and your earlobes—in top-notch shape.)
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
Best hypoallergenic earrings for sensitive ears
There’s nothing more classic than hoop earrings, and these Mejuri small hoops are no exception. Crafted with 14-karat solid gold, these little hoops are the basics that every closet should have. They’re small enough to pair with just about any outfit but are unique enough to stand out on their own.
Style: Hoops
Weight: 14k
Pros
- Lightweight
- Recycled solid gold
- Available in white or yellow gold
Cons
- Hollow
Shine bright light a diamond (but without the high price) in these Nadri stud earrings that are a staple look in any wardrobe.
Style: Stud
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Affordable
- Surgical steel posts
- 0.25″ diameter cubic zirconia
Cons
- Some reviewers say they look large
These 18k ball earrings are simple and stylish. At 4mm, they’re an effortless complement to your everyday outfits.
Style: Ball/stud
Weight: 18k
Pros
- Polished finish
- Yellow gold
- Includes gift box
Cons
- Small
Specifically marked as hypoallergenic, these gold-pleated chain link earrings are just what you need to punch up your basics. Style these with your fave black jeans and a classic white T-shirt for a very fashion-forward and sleek minimalist’s look.
Style: Drop
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Titanium posts
Cons
- Gold plated may wear off over time
Made in the Italy and with 14-karat gold, these gorgeous hoop earrings add a bit of elegance to your closet thanks to the twisted design.
Style: Hoops
Weight: 14k
Pros
- Handcrafted
- Snap closure
- Midsized (7/8″ diameter)
Cons
- Expensive
If you’ve been feeling spunky lately, let these Brinker & Eliza hoops match your energy. Made with a 24-karat gold plate, these hoops with bright beads are a great way to add a touch of color to your wardrobe and show off a bit of your personality.
Style: Hoops
Weight: 24k
Pros
- Colorful
- Post-closure
- Available in white or yellow gold
Cons
- Gold plating may wear off over time
You’ll never lose an earring backing with these Aqua chain threader earrings. They’re 3 inches long in the front and 2.8 inches in the back, and available in sterling silver or gold tone-plated sterling silver with a cubic zirconia at the end. They’re the perfect accessory when you want to make a subtle (but lasting) impression.
Style: Threader
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Pull-through design
- Sterling silver
- Available in silver or gold-plated
Cons
- May be harder to put on
Sometimes one earring is all you to make a statement. Not only is this 14-karat gold stud from Bony Levy serving minimalist vibes, but the modern arrow design helps make you feel like a true fashionista.
Style: Stud
Weight: 14k
Pros
- Post back
- 14k gold
Cons
- Only sold as a single earring
This unique take on the classic loop uses thin chain links that are 18k gold plated, creating a modern but luxurious look that can be worn day or night.
Style: Hoops
Weight: 18k
Pros
- Hinge closure
- 1″ drop
Cons
- Harder to clasp closed
Attn: All boho chic lovers, these half-moon-shaped earrings are calling your name. Style them with a flow-y maxi dress or an all-white ensemble to create a stellar fashion moment.
tyle: Hoops
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Stainless steel posts
- Nickel-free
Cons
- Bigger in size
Ball stud earrings never really go out of style, and these ones from Blue Nile may be a staple in your closet for seasons to come. They’re platinum, versatile, and perfect to wear to work in the morning and and to the bar later that night.
Style: Stud
Weight: 14k
Pros
- Lightweight
- Push backing
- Available in rose, white, or yellow gold or platinum
Cons
- Expensive
If you want to make a small statement with your jewelry, this Baublebar pair may just be what you need. Made with 18-karat yellow gold-plated sterling silver, this earring set is a pair of martinis to add some fun to your day. Cheers!
Style: Stud
Weight: 18k
Pros
- Sterling silver posts
- Hypoallergenic
- Post back
Cons
- Gold plating may wear off over time
If sophistication is what you’re going for, look no further than these turquoise stud earrings to show your friends you’re in the know when it comes to fashion. These 14-karat gold studs can be styled with your fave bohemian-style outfit or a simple white blouse for a subtle fashion moment.
Style: Stud
Weight: 14k
Pros
- 14k gold and turquoise
- Post back
Cons
- Expensive
Add a little bling to your wardrobe with this diverse set of stud earrings made with cubic zirconia. As you can see, each pair is a different size, so you can easily switch up your style any day of the week.
Style: Stud
Weight: 14k
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes set of 4
- Hypoallergenic
- Available in white or gold-plated
Cons
- Some reviewers say the posts are long
No one loves a big hoop more than me, and these 14k huggie hoops are the perfect combo of bling and sophistication. Thanks to their medium size, you can pair them with both your formal looks and everyday ‘fits.
Style: Hoops
Weight: 14k sold gold
Pros
- Hinge closure
- 0.35″ diameter
- 14k gold
Cons
- May be harder to clasp closed
If your style is more on the adventurous side, these Magnolia earrings need to be on your radar. They’re 24k-plated and have dyed mother of pearl floral charms and cultured pearls to add something fresh to your beauty accessories line-up.
Style: Stud
Weight: 24k
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Cultured pearls
Cons
- Gold plating may wear off over time
Throw on these nickel-free hoops the next time you want stand out and show out at a party. They’re simple, but bold—perfect to pair with just about any outfit.
Style: Hoops
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- 2.25″ in diameter
- Post back
Cons
- Not real gold (gold-tone)
Give yourself an extra touch of elegance with these drop earrings made with teardrop-shaped freshwater pearls and 18-karat gold.
Style: Drop
Weight: 18k
Pros
- 3″ drop
- Freshwater pearls
Cons
- Gold plating may wear off over time
Step up your casual Friday attire with these chic Bony Levy gold knot earrings made of 14-karat gold. They’ve got hammered dots to add that extra touch of style.
Style: Stud
Weight: 14k
Pros
- 14k white gold
- Textured
Cons
- Expensive
Made in Spain, these nickel-free earrings are silver-plated with two high-shine discs with a handmade touch.
Style: Drop
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Silver-plated metal
- 1″ drop
- Post backs
Cons
- Plating may wear off over time
Made from 22-karat gold and sterling silver, these stunning dangling earrings are a must-have to pull together all your looks, year-round.
Style: Drop
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sterling silver
- Hand-finished
Cons
- Expensive
Show off some star power with these stud earrings. They’re available in 18k-gold-plated sterling silver and pair well with a dress or jeans.
Style: Stud
Weight: 18k
Pros
- Sterling silver
- Post back
Cons
- Gold plating may wear off over time
This pair of 18k-gold plated earrings have a wavy design that will catch the light just right. They’ll zhuzh up your work outfit and look for your next Friday night date.
Style: Stud
Weight: 18k
Pros
- Post back
- 3/8″ in diameter
- Includes gift box
Cons
- Gold plating may wear off over time
Highlight your keen fashion sense with these handmade floral chain earrings from Wimsico. The cubic zirconia pair help accentuate your face and pair nicely with formal styles.
Style: Drop
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Sterling silver
- Handmade
- Sold separately or as a set
Cons
- Chains may tangle
Switch out your gold hoops for these nickel-free two-inch long earrings from Uno de 50.
Style: Hoops
Weight: N/A
Pros
- Nickel-free
- Post back
- 2″
Cons
- Silver tone plating may wear off over time
Also available in silver, these safety pin earrings in 18-karat gold-plated sterling silver are not only on brand for any professional occasion, but they also can instantly turn a drab outfit into a fashion forward ensemble.
Style: Threader
Weight: 18k
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
- Available in silver or gold
Cons
- Harder to put on
Crafted by boutique jewelry shop dan-yell, these one-of-a-kind (no, really, they’re made-to-order) 14k gold earrings feature a .07ct diamond stud. You can also choose sterling silver and mix and match with various types of diamonds.
Style: Stud
Weight: 14k
Pros
- Real diamonds
- 14k gold
- Handcrafted
Cons
- Expensive
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