Move over, earrings – ear cuffs are fashion’s most eye-catching statement jewellery piece yet

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Stylish, offbeat and edgy are the buzzwords for this unique jewellery trend that first began to make its appearance on catwalks in 2013. In 2016, we began to see A-list celebrities sporting the sparkling cuffs and crawlers on the red carpet. First adopters included the likes of Emma Stone, Cara Delevingne, Cate Blanchett and Emma Watson.

Ear cuffs have been around for many centuries; they are large decorative earrings that extend beyond the ear lobe to the upper part of the ear, usually fitting around the outer rim. In many cultures, most notably India, ear cuffs are considered traditional jewellery pieces. Ethnic women continue to wear them to this day in traditional contexts such as at weddings and other festive occasions.

In the last few years, however, ear cuffs have become popular accessories in mainstream fashion circles, associated with cutting edge, high-end fashion. To wear them, though it may not seem like it, you don’t need to have multiple piercings. One per ear is sufficient – or even none – as there are clip-on varieties for the faint-hearted. Haute couture has even been propagating the use of a single ear cuff to achieve an “I lost my other earring” look. We kid you not, it is a thing.

Don’t forget to style your hair accordingly when wearing these fine jewellery versions of the ear cuff. The side-swept tresses and up-dos are best to show off the elaborate pieces. Now tilt, pout and smile for the camera!

This article originally appears on Gafencu Magazine March 2018 as “Play it by ear” by  Julienne C. Raboca