We all have features that define us. From skin tone to hair color to height, these differences range from obvious to subtle and can greatly impact what we wear and how we wear it. With many years experience helping people choose what jewelry best suits them, today we discuss one of the more subtle questions of adornment: how to choose the perfect earring pair.

At the outset let me say that this process is completely subjective. Take this advice with a grain of salt and follow the modern mantra, “You do you!” That said, here are some helpful hints we often use when working with our customers.

Several factors immediately jump to mind when helping someone pick a pair of earrings. Let’s say Bob walks up to the counter looking for a gift for Joan (this is actually a couple I’ve helped and not just a bad attempt at anonymity). Bob’s a great guy, but kind of clueless when it comes to fashion. Where does he start?

My first question is always about Joan’s neck. The length of a woman’s neck often determines the length of earring she usually wears. Next I ask about her hair - short and wavy? Long and straight? Small earring can get lost in a mane of curls.

These preliminaries thus dispensed, I really start grilling Bob. What shape face does Jane have? A long, slender face wants a thinner earring. I might point Bob in the direction of our Nefertiti earrings - they add a beautifully elongating quality. Perhaps Jane’s face has more of an oval shape: a great match for our Gemstone Teardrop earrings. If Jane has smaller, more delicate features then I might recommend the simple, colorful Nepal series.

My next question veers more subjective: what is Jane’s vibe? Does she wear J. Crew or Anthropologie? Is she a hiker or does she pound the pavement in heels?  Here we really dig into the nitty gritty. Our Vintage Leaf earrings are perfect for a funky woman with a touch of olive in her skin, dark and full hair, with a certain more bohemian style. The Raja series lends itself more to a subtle, petite blond who wants to add just a little something to cohesive outfit.

An interesting place where many roads meet is our Gemstone Line. These four style tick off many boxes: circular or oval in shape; gold or silver; light and simple, but spanning the rainbow of color. I’ve often told Bob that if he just can’t decide, these earrings are a great place to land. Blond women often gravitate toward gold and blue, brunettes veer more toward silver and green. A young and funky style might enjoy the facets of the bronzed pyrite, while a more conservative palate could choose a smoky quartz.

Choosing earrings is harder than you might at first imagine, but just like any creative project it helps to follow simple steps. In the end, I always like to say - especially if you are choosing for yourself - be bold but know yourself. You want to find earrings you love and will use all the time. The perfect pair is the one you wear, so make sure to get good use out of it!