Editors

Couture Jewelry Trend: The New Chandelier Earring

EditorsJun 20, 2018

Couture Jewelry Trend: The New Chandelier Earring

For years, mix-and-match studs have stolen the show. Now, contemporary designers are focusing on bolder earring styles, writes Associate Editor Ashley Davis.

20180605_Chandeliers-DavidYurman.jpg
David Yurman “Novella” earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with blue topaz, tanzanite and diamonds ($5,200)

For years, mix-and-match studs have stolen the show. Now, contemporary designers are focusing on bolder earring styles.

At the Couture jewelry trade show, concluded earlier this month in Las Vegas, several designers were embracing high-impact looks courtesy of chandelier earrings, and they weren’t just the usual suspects.

For Sylva & Cie, Irene Neuwirth and David Webb, a great pair of statement chandeliers can always be found in their showcases, but even designers who don’t typically favor the silhouette have been putting their own spin on the style.

Margery Hirschey is a fan of a statement earring and, as of late, has been churning out loads of chandelier styles. She debuted several new geometric, mobile-like examples at the jewelry trade show in her signature organic touch.

Many of the whimsical pieces featured different shapes and sizes of the hand-cut gemstones Hirschey favors—particularly of the emerald and ruby variety, as the designer often works with Gemfields--which make the chandelier feel modern and irreverent.


Margery Hirschey 22-karat yellow gold earrings with emeralds ($18,700)

Lito’s Lito Karakostanoglou is a forerunner of the current jewelry trend. Every few seasons, Karakostanoglou veers in a totally new artistic direction and her gem-laden chandeliers represent her latest.

The collection, which centers on cascading gemstones and also includes necklaces, combines stones like aquamarine, tourmaline, moonstone, iolite and tanzanite with warm yellow gold and thin baroque pearls that lend an almost primitive touch.

Speaking of primitive, Vram designer Vram Minassian made the trending earring silhouette the star of his third collection, “Continuum 3,” which was inspired by the prehistoric era.

Never too literal, it’s also chockful of ridiculously luscious gemstones that make the collection feel ultra-glamorous and red carpet ready. Minassian’s chandeliers are visually striking in part because of their color; several hues of a particular stone like purple sapphire or brown zircon give an ombre effect.

Below, see several eye-catching styles from Couture-exhibiting designers who are breathing new life into the jewelry trend.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Natural Diamond Council Diamond Learning Center Graphic
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning Center

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from Members

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Technology Therapy Group logo
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry Retailers

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

Catbird Chicago
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to Chicago

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through Love

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert and Rose-Marie Goodman outside Robert Goodman Jewelers
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-Up

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

Womens Jewelry Association WJA logo
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter President

The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.

The Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to Auction

The historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.

Bulgari Eden the Garden of Wonders ad
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 Percent

LVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.

Screenshot from new Jon Hamm series on Apple TV+, Your Friends and Neighbors
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+

The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

Kalpesh Jhaveri
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 Board

The organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.

Two Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai

An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.

Sauer Balance Earrings in Ma Campaign
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ Collection

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

Mari Lous Fine Jewelry
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 Years

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

GIA logo
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Earrings Similar to Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AI

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Kentaro Nishimura
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 Days

An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.

Brigette and Laura Pheloung with Tania and Anita Sarin
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day Campaign

Brigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.

Pary LeVian
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96

LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.

Hamptons Jewelry Show
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This Summer

The retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy