The Secret to Over-the-Top Earrings Minus the Pain (2024)

Our Top Picks

Material: 24k gold plate or sterling silver overlay | Dimensions: 0.75 inches long

For our top pick, it had to be a pair of clip-on earrings as versatile as they come. While these from Karine Sultan may be a neutral—available in either 24k gold or sterling silver plate—they’re anything but boring. In fact, they are handmade, half-hammered, with a cool texture sure to elevate any outfit from jeans and a T-shirt to a co*cktail dress. And for such a thoughtfully designed piece, we’re decently impressed with the price tag here.

Material: Gunmetal plate, glass, nylon | Dimensions: 3-inch drop; 0.75-inch width

After Audrey Hepburn stepped out in those famous tassel earplugs in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a glamorous pair of tassel earrings became a staple in everyone’s closet. With a clip-on style like these, you don’t have to worry about them getting stuck on anything and stretching your piercing. This set dazzles with its shimmering glass beads and long drop design. Coming in three different neutral shades, these earrings easily go with a variety of outfits. If you are looking for your next go-to party accessory, these are it.

Material: Alloy, acrylic, rattan | Dimensions: 1.57 to 4.72 inches long, depending on the earring

Amazon is our go-to for budget-friendly jewelry because you can usually get a few pairs for the price of one. Case in point: This nine-pack of tropical, clip-on earrings. Surprisingly high-quality for the price point, these earrings come in a mix of materials from rattan to resin to tassels. They’re sure to beautifully complement every outfit you bring on vacation.

Material: Shell, gold-tone plate, enamel, glass | Dimensions: 1.4 inches long, 1.4 inches wide

Think outside of the box with these unique shell-shaped clip-ons from Tory Burch. With their black and pearly white wide stripes and yellow crystals, they’re ideal for making a statement on sunshine-filled evenings. These are sure to make an impression, so pair them with an understated outfit—like a solid-colored sundress—to really let them shine. Importantly, these are nickel-free to help minimize any potential irritation.

Material: 14k gold plate, brass plate, faux pearls | Dimensions: 0.57 inches long, 0.57 inches wide

Those with sensitive skin need to be extra cautious when selecting a pair of clip-on earrings, a necessity which Olive & Piper is well aware of. These Pearl Pave Studs are hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so customers with skin sensitivities can rest easy knowing this is totally ear-loving jewelry. Beyond that, these faux pearl-encrusted round earrings are a modern take on an elegant classic, and they have you covered if you’re looking to capture that coveted quiet luxury aesthetic—all under $40.

Material: Gold tone-plated brass | Dimensions: 2.25 inches long, 11 grams each

Worn by celebrities like Nastia Lukin, these oversized earrings are sure to draw attention, even when wearing your hair down. Each butterfly is made from intricately-carved brass, and together they frame your face. Despite the larger size, these earrings are lightweight—weighing in at 11 grams—and are nickel-free, so they won’t irritate your skin. From hair clips to manicures, the butterfly motif isn’t going anywhere, and these earrings are a sophisticated way to tap into the trend.

Material: 18k gold-plated brass | Dimensions: 1 inch long

Eara specializes in clip-on earrings, and the Aaliyah makes our winner for the clip-on huggie. The ear-hugging style is slightly smaller than regular hoops, making them ideal for everyday wear when you don’t want large hoops flying around. A customizable backing lets you adjust the tightness for a comfortable fit. Made from 18K gold-plated over brass, they will hold up well for years to come.

Material: Sterling silver, man made pearls | Dimensions: Not specified

Pearl earrings will always be a staple, but you don’t have to spend a month’s rent to acquire a beautiful pair. Made from man made pearl on sterling silver, these from Amazon are so elegant for weddings, galas, or even just date nights.

Material: Plated metal, cubic zirconia | Dimensions: 1 inch long

Don’t feel like you have to run out and get your ears pierced just for your wedding. These pear-shaped earrings are the perfect way to dress up your ear party for your big day. The cubic zirconia stones boast a ton of shine, giving them a diamond-like sparkle without the diamond price tag. They’re also hypoallergenic, lead, and nickel-free, so they won’t cause irritation to sensitive skin types.

Material: Gold tone plate, Swarovski crystal | Dimensions: 0.25 inches wide, 0.75 inches long

Swarovski is such an amazing brand for those who love a little glitz and glamor, but aren’t about to drop thousands on precious gems—especially for clip-on earrings. More specifically, we’ve fallen hard for these multicolored crystal earrings, with their artfully mismatched gemstone shapes and their warm color palette. These are set in gold-toned metal, and feature transparent backs for comfort and discretion. Gorgeous!

Material: 14k gold or rhodium-plated sterling silver | Dimensions: 0.3 inches wide, 0.25 inches long

With celeb fans including Joey King and Ashley Avignone (that’s Taylor Swift’s bestie, JSYK), Studs is THE earring brand of the moment. A real selling point is that their pieces don’t cost an arm and a leg, as well as being perfectly lovely. While Studs isn’t a clip-on brand, these crisscross mini cuffs are ideal for the non-pierced girlies to adorn their cartilage. They come in either silver or gold finish, and are safe for sensitive skin. What’s not to love?

Material: Polymer clay, silver-plated clip-on | Dimensions: 0.86 inches

Polymer clay earrings continue to be a trending accessory, and you don’t have to pierce your ears to try out the style. In fact, clay is the ideal material for clip-ons since it’s so lightweight. We love these Minimalist Triangle Earrings from Etsy seller Klaudias Jewelry Box. They’re handmade with a silver-plated, nickel-free clip. Available in four bright shades, they will light up your face with color.

Material: 18k gold-plated stainless steel | Dimensions: 0.6 inches wide, 2.1 grams each

We’re huge fans of these swirly gold-plated earrings, which are elegant enough for dressy events while still being understated enough for everyday wear. We love that they’re classic but not conventional. Sans Trou, which literally means "without a hole" in French, specializes in clip-on earrings, and they really know their stuff. These ones come with a classic clip option or a larger option, made for those with larger or thicker earlobes, and are hypoallergenic, plus nickel- and lead-free.

Material: Rhodium-plated brass | Dimensions: 0.69 inches long

Add some major sparkle to your lobes with the Nadi Double CZ Clip Earrings. These cubic zirconia earrings boast almost as much sparkle as a pair of diamonds, without the high price tag (and the stress of wearing clip-on diamond earrings). Made from rhodium-plated brass, they are hypoallergenic and nickel-free. With two round stones, the clip-on earrings are a good everyday pair but are also dazzling enough for special occasions.

Material: Polished gold | Dimensions: Not specified

These chunky clip-on earrings from Kenneth Jay Lane are dubbed the “Doorknocker,” because, well, they’re shaped exactly like one. Designed with a cool twist, they’re made from polished gold and are a great choice for fashion girls looking to wear their earrings for work or to their next stylish event. They’re bold, yes, but since they’re all gold, they’re also not overly in your face—the perfect balance, if you will.

Material: Brass | Dimensions: 2.16 inches long, 2.2 inches outer diameter

A hoop is a total staple in the earring department, but you may never have gotten to wear the style if you don’t have your ears pierced. Thankfully, brands like Vince Camuto are making amazing clip-on hoops these days, which create the perfect illusion—and a beautiful look. These ones are thin and lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off as you walk and engineered for the most comfort possible.

Material: 18K gold-plated brass | Dimensions: 1.25 inches long

We love these statement-making studs for their whimsical design and oversized appearance. Made from 18K gold plated brass, the clip-on earrings feature one half of a daisy flower that, when together, form a full botanical moment. You can wear them together on one ear or frame your jawline with a joyful style.

Material: Resin, white gold plate | Dimensions: 3.88 inches long, 1.61 inches wide

There’s just something about resin earrings that screams “fun,” but that’s not the only advantage of the material. These geometric drop earrings from Jennifer Miller are pretty large, but they won’t tug on your ears despite being clip-ons, because resin is so lightweight. These go with everything since they’re white, yet are guaranteed to turn heads—plus they bring the luxury factor, with white gold-plated details.

FAQ

• Do clip-on earrings hurt?

  “The whole purpose of clip-ons is to avoid as much pain as possible,” says Anekhe. “If the clip-on earrings are of great quality, they are usually made to be fairly painless while you wear them.”

  That said, depending on weight or earring closures, clip-ons can cause some discomfort while wearing them for an extended period of time. If you are going to be wearing earrings for several hours, Anekhe recommends an ear cuff instead.

• How do I put on clip-on earrings?

  Clip-on earrings are typically very easy to take on and off. “After opening the hinge, just line up the earring to where you want it positioned, then make sure it’s secured on your lobe, and you’re good to go,” says Moeri. “It’s helpful to make sure that they are secured midway down your lobe so they don’t slide or pinch the bottom of your ear.”