THE EARRING EFFECT

the earring effect earring effect

While the fashion term ‘statement earrings’ has been bandied about for years, it’s recently taken on a whole new – and very cool – aesthetic. The world of fi ne jewellery has met punk chic style, and it’s oozing elegance.

WORDS HELEN CLEMSON

LLAST YEAR FOR Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2020/2021 Haute Couture collection, the house unveiled a look inspired by an era that was perhaps a strange bedfellow for its fi ne jewellery: punk rock. The look, rooted in 1970s grunge with its dark style, body modifi cation, and seemingly anti-social antics, is a fashion of subcultures and art movements, not investment earrings laden with fl awless white diamonds. Fast-forward four decades, and now punk rock – it’s punk chic in today’s haute couture terms – translates in the fi ne jewellery world as feminine yet edgy. And very wearable too. In fact, Chanel described their collection as ‘romantic punk with a sophisticated twist’ (with ultra-luxe appeal of course). Candice Ilic is a personal stylist and also the managing director and partner at Verus Fine Jewellery. She believes the punk era not only never entirely left us, but also – way back – inspired the multiple piercing trend. ‘Fashion moves in cycles according to public stress, desires and emotions,’ she explains. ‘Some cycles are short and quick (like trendy fast fashion), and others are big, long evolutions.’ For Ilic, the multiple piercing trend –

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED worn in today’s punk chic manner - has been on a slow boil but is now hugely popular.

So, how to wear the many precious pieces So, how to wear the many precious pieces you’ve collected over the years? Or perhaps if you’re new to the multiple earring effect or need to add to your anthology?

‘For me, it’s earrings that matter the most,’ ‘For me, it’s earrings that matter the most,’ says Ilic when asked about why these accessories polish off an outfi t so well. ‘And the ear has many options,’ she adds. For that second piercing, go with something classic and refi ned if you want to start slow. ‘A pair of solitaire diamonds have been a go-to piece for decades. The most popular studs are round brilliant cut diamonds set in four claw 18K white gold,’ says Heidi Wahl, brand and mar18K white gold,’ says Heidi Wahl, brand and marketing manager for First Diamonds. keting manager for First Diamonds.

If you’re looking for something slightly differIf you’re looking for something slightly different yet still classic, opt for a modern tube setting ent yet still classic, opt for a modern tube setting or classic six claw. Invest in studs in yellow or rose or classic six claw. Invest in studs in yellow or rose gold, or look at shape; diamonds like cushion cut gold, or look at shape; diamonds like cushion cut or square emerald cut will refresh your style, she or square emerald cut will refresh your style, she says. Colour, too, is a great way of adding interest says. Colour, too, is a great way of adding interest to your ears and value to your fi ne jewellery. Yelto your ears and value to your fi ne jewellery. Yellow diamonds are the most popular when it comes low diamonds are the most popular when it comes to fancy colour diamonds, and natural fancy to fancy colour diamonds, and natural fancy coloured diamond earrings come at a premium as coloured diamond earrings come at a premium as it’s more diffi cult to get two diamonds of the same it’s more diffi cult to get two diamonds of the same shape, size and colour intensity, explains Wahl. As shape, size and colour intensity, explains Wahl. As you up your earring ante, remember these words you up your earring ante, remember these words from Ilic: “It’s such fun playing mix and match with from Ilic: “It’s such fun playing mix and match with multiple earrings. I believe all ages can do it, if multiple earrings. I believe all ages can do it, if their personal style likes a bit of edge.’ their personal style likes a bit of edge.’

Five Must-Have Earrings

BY YAIR SHIMANSKY, CEO AND FOUNDER OF SHIMANSKY. 1. Round brilliant cut diamonds studs set in platinum 1ct each, although 1.5 or in platinum 1ct each, although 1.5 or 2ct each will have more impact. 2ct each will have more impact. 2. Diamond hoops, pave or single row 2. Diamond hoops, pave or single row (30-50mm in diameter). (30-50mm in diameter). 3. Drop earrings dangling with two 3. Drop earrings dangling with two diamonds each, round and pear shape diamonds each, round and pear shape or two pear shape point-to-point. or two pear shape point-to-point. 4. Fancy yellow diamonds halo studs 4. Fancy yellow diamonds halo studs in cushion shape or dangling pearin cushion shape or dangling pearshape halo. shape halo. 5. Classic cluster studs 1+8 diamonds 5. Classic cluster studs 1+8 diamonds

THIS PAGE AND LEFT

Pieces from Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2020/2021 Haute Couture collection