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.)

Best hypoallergenic earrings for sensitive ears

Mejuri Small Hoops — $58.00

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

Nadri Large Stud Earrings — $35.00

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

Ross-Simons Italian 4mm Gold Ball Stud Earrings — $69.00

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

Baublebar Wynn Link Drop Earrings — $42.00

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

Bony Levy 14K Gold Texture Swirl Hoop Earrings — $195.00

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

Brinker & Eliza Jolly Hoops — $98.00

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

Aqua Sterling Silver Dangling Threader Earrings — $45.00

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

Bony Levy 14K Gold Arrow Stud Earring — $75.00

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

Gorjana Parker Link Hoops — $55.00

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

Casa Clara Dawn Hoop Earring — $34.00

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

Blue Nile Bead Ball Stud Earrings — $175.00

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

Baublebar Martina 18K Gold Plated Stud Earrings — $44.00

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

Zoe Chicco Turquoise Circle Stud Earrings — $230.00

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

XBRN Stud Earring Pack — $19.00

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

Moon & Meadow 14K Yellow Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings — $160.00

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

Brinker & Eliza Magnolia Earrings — $148.00

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

Casa Clara Pauline Hoops — $34.00

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)

Ettika Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings — $28.00

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

Bony Levy 14K Gold Knot Stud Earrings — $198.00

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

Uno de 50 Scales Drop Earrings — $95.00

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

Jen Lesea Shine On Earrings — $165.00

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

Kendra Scott Jae Star Stud Earrings — $80.00

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

Gorjana Blair Chloe Small Stud Earrings — $35.00

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

Wimsico Floral Chain Earrings — $21.00

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

Uno de 50 Ohmmm Earrings — $110.00

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

Baublebar Spillo Earrings — $54.00

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

Dan-yell Prem Diamond Earrings — $290.00

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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