Updated September 2021
Ever caught yourself admiring a girl on the tube with an ear full of bling? Then you’ve probably seen a killer curated ear.
But, what exactly is a curated ear? By curated, we mean an ear featuring gorgeous stackable earrings, unusual piercings and a showstopping diamond or two. It’s a look that’s adorned by both influencers and celebrities, including everyone from Emma Watson and Scarlett Johansson. If you’re looking for a jewellery upgrade – one thing’s for sure – the curated ear is hot right now.
Read on for our ultimate jewellery guide on how to achieve the perfect curated ear to rival that of Maria Tash. (If you’ve never heard of Maria Tash, keep reading.)
How to plan your curated ear
Already mentally planning what piercings you’d like to get first? It’s important to strategically organise how you intend to curate your ear to achieve the aesthetic of your goals. Be it cost issues, a lack of knowledge or even commitment to multiple piercings, consider the below points before you go ahead and book your appointment.
Do your research
Before you head to the piercing parlour all guns blazing, it’s good to know what your options are when it comes to ear curation.
Don’t know your conch piercing from your daith? No sweat. This handy diagram [above], courtesy of Astrid & Miyu outlines all the major places you can get your ears pierced.
“Go to your piercer the same way you would a hairdresser, armed with research and ideas for how you’d like to look” suggests Cosmopolitan.
For some seriously enviable jewellery, search #curatedear on Pinterest and Instagram for inspo.
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Don’t overdo it on day one
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a curated ear. For standard lobe piercings which only take six weeks to heal, you can get a few done in one sitting.
However, cartilage piercings, such as the helix, rook and conch can take several months to fully heal. Remember – you’ll have to sleep on these piercings for a while so it’s best not to get too many at once.
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How much does a curated ear cost?
Whilst a stackable ear may look seriously chic, the price of an abundance of piercings can add up. Dependent on whether you want to get a designer ear piercing at Maria Tash, Astrid & Miyu or Monica Vinader you can look to pay around twenty minutes for a session, plus the price of the earring itself, which could be up to £100 dependent on whether you’re looking for a titanium earring, a gold earring or a silver earring.
If you’d prefer to go for a more budget option, look to tattoo parlours or piercing shops (most high streets have at least one), and you can get a piercing and an earring at around £20-£40 all in, dependent on the type you choose. Some places do allow you to bring your own earring in, so why not treat yourself to an Astrid & Miyu one from BrandAlley to take to your next appointment?
Go big or go home
The whole point of a curated ear is to show as much personality as possible. If you’ve only got a couple of studs and an understated helix hoop, it’s time to up your jewellery game. Look to Maria Tash for premium inspo.
Large earrings are the next big trend, so pair your everyday gold hoops with smaller versions x 5 or 6. Think layers upon layers of jewels, shells and smaller studs.
In the words of Luther Vandross – “Never too much, never too much”.
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Fake it til you make it
Introducing the cuff. For those who don’t want to commit to a pierced ear, a cuff is an excellent alternative.
Cuffs and huggies come in many shapes and sizes – check out Astrid & Miyu.
The flexibility of a cuff means you can switch it up as you please, add new earrings to the mix or completely take it out if you wish.
Plus, no one will ever know it’s not a real piercing…
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What are the best earrings for a curated ear?
Now you’ve planned exactly what piercings you want – it’s time to upgrade your earring collection to match. As we’ve previously mentioned, if you want a more out there look, consider stacking hoop earrings for a dramatic combination that will earn you compliments in the very best way. However, if you’re considering a more pared back alternative, maybe try a stud earring instead.
- Huggies – The huggie earring first cemented its place in the style stakes a few years ago now, and, on its own can play its part as an understated piece, however, scaled up your earlobe can truly pack a punch.
- Barbells – Ideal for wearing as an individual part, a barbell earring can be used on pretty much any part of the body, be it a tongue piercing, belly button piercing or nose piercing.
- Ear cuffs – Like we’ve said, if you want to fake a piercing, try an ear cuff. Great for adapting to the aesthetic of your choice, the ear cuff is a simple, effortless addition to your curated ear.
- Stud earrings – The classic starter earring, look to a chic pair of studs for a minimalistic flourish. Plus, they often come in pairs, so if you’re in search of a symmetrical look, consider them as your go-to.
- Hoop earrings – Hoop earrings can come in a multitude of sizes, from mini to maxi, so you can choose yours dependent on how bold you’re feeling.
Why not mix and match jewellery and brands?
While the same type and coordinated styles of earrings can look good, when it comes to a curated ear, the more the merrier – think a mix of textures, colours and designs to coordinate and enhance your outfit.
Get the look with some of our favourite brands, all available to shop on site right now,
And head to BrandAlley to shop even more luxury designer earrings and jewellery with up to 80% off.
Words: Sherri Andrew & Maria Loizou
