Joan Holloway’s habit of unclipping one earring before taking a phone call in Mad Men was one of the defining jewelry moments of the stylish TV show. Little did producers know they were presaging one of jewelry’s most striking trends.
The solo earring’s latest iteration first surfaced a few years ago, leading to much tongue-in-cheek tabloid speculation as to whether various A-list starlets had “forgotten to put in the other earring.” Snigger, snigger. For those brave enough to battle through such sarcastic comments, this lopsided style is enjoying a revival. Prabal Gurung’s A/W 2020 collection for Tasaki Atelier favored enormous, shoulder-grazing solo earrings decorated with pearls. At Valentino, the scale was similar, but the motifs edged toward the surreal.
This drama-inducing trend, it should be noted, is not limited to women — at least, not on the red carpet. Pop star Harry Styles caused a stir on the arm of Gucci’s Alessandro Michele at the Met Gala last year when he wore a single pearl drop earring, and other high-profile men have followed suit. Male stars seeking to bring a subversive edge to black tie with spectacular solo ear jewelry have included Lil Nas X of “Old Town Road” fame, and pop idol Adam Lambert, who wore a swirling diamond ear cuff to the Oscars.
At least for men — who were, in fact, the originators of the solo earring style — there is less chance of having to bat off questions about the fate of the other earring.
Image: Shutterstock
Going Solo
More From Rapaport Magazine
What Does Love Look Like? Not Out-of-Touch Lab-Grown Messaging
The natural-diamond industry won’t attract couples by telling them synthetics devalue their relationship.
Bridal Shopping in the Age of AI
Couples are researching online, but they still want to make the ring purchase personal – and that creates opportunities.
Six Brands Serving Fresh Engagement-Ring Designs
Whether it’s hand-sculpted organic gold or reimagined divorce jewels, these designers are setting trends that resonate with bridal shoppers.
