12 Trendy Earring Styles for Special Occasions

When you’ve got a special occasion on the calendar, the earrings you choose matter more than you think. They’re not just accessories—they change how your face catches light, how your outfit feels, and how people see you. I’ve put together 12 of my favorite earring styles I’ve designed for those moments that call for something extra. Some are bold, some are quiet, but each one was made to show up for the occasion—and for you.

🗂️ Key Takeaways Table

1. Sunshine for Evenings – Citrine 14K Gold Drops

You ever try staring at a citrine gem in the sun? It’s like catching a spark mid-blink. I made these 21 ct Checkerboard Cut Citrine 14K Gold Filled Earrings for women who don’t mind people looking twice. Or three times. They dangle a good 2 ½ inches, so they’re not shy.

• Checkerboard-cut Citrine adds flash without screaming
• 14K gold-filled wire holds up way better than people think
• They’re formal, but not stiff. You can wear ‘em with gowns or jumpsuits.
• The way they move? Makes your neckline look longer. Trust me, I’ve seen it work in real time.

Want more gold that isn’t cookie-cutter? Browse the full 14K Gold Earrings Collection.

2. Swallows in the Garden – Dainty Copper Drops

You ever spot birds mid-hover? There’s this pause, like time trips a little. These Dainty Copper Swallow Earrings carry that moment with them. Perfect for a backyard brunch or one of those garden weddings with too many folding chairs.

• Real copper. Warm tone. Feels like summer late afternoon.
• The swallows? Symbol of hope. Bit poetic, yeah. Still true.
• Super lightweight—made to forget they’re even on
• 1 ¼ inches long, so they show up, but don’t take over your face

For folks into earthy looks or outdoorsy vibes, the Copper Earrings Collection has more where that came from.

3. Art Vibes Only – Hammered Aluminum Tear Drops

You go to a gallery opening. People drink things with flowers in them. Someone leans in and says “Are those handmade?” You nod. These Hammered Aluminum Tear Drop Earrings are for that kind of night.

• Aluminum’s weirdly perfect—strong, hypoallergenic, won’t tarnish
• Hammered finish? Catches light in this quiet flashy way
• About 2 inches long and 1 inch wide, they won’t get lost in curls or big waves
• Stainless Steel hooks keep them comfy, hypoallergenic,  and secure

If you want earrings that lean bold but not loud, the Aluminum Earrings Collection is where I keep the rest of ‘em.

4. Peridot & Gold – A Shimmer of August

I had this customer once—her birthday was in August, and she said peridot reminded her of fresh-cut grass right after rain. There’s a little truth in that. These 14K Gold Hammered Earrings with Peridot aren’t loud, but they glow. The kind of glow that sits quietly on your jawline and doesn’t need to be announced.

• Real 14K Yellow Gold with a hammered finish—looks like it’s been through something and came out better
• Teardrop peridot gems with a color so fresh it almost hums
• At 1 ¾ inches long, they’re noticeable but never heavy
• They go well with pastels, whites, navy—honestly, most things
• Gold and green together just work. It’s warm, rich, and doesn’t feel seasonal

Want more like this? You’ll find similar handmade pieces in the 14K Gold Earrings Collection.

5. From Casablanca – Moroccan Copper Elegance

Ever hold something that feels like it came from somewhere older than you? These Hammered Copper Moroccan Drop Earrings were built around that idea. A little geometry, a little global soul. And copper? It ages in the best way.

• Inspired by Moroccan silhouettes I sketched years ago on a layover
• 2 ¼ inches long, shaped to catch breeze and glances
• Coated copper stays warm, doesn’t go dull
• 14K gold-plated hooks keep it steady, even with thick hair or windy beach setups
• Looks great against sun-kissed skin—wear them on vacation or when you wish you were on one

For more old-meets-modern designs, visit the Arabesque Earrings Collection.

6. Lily Pads in Orange – Summer’s Wild Card

These Medium Orange Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings? They’re not shy. Orange like a marigold after too much sun. Shaped like something that floats in still water but makes a lotta noise in the best way.

• Orange anodized aluminum—lightweight and kind to sensitive skin
• Each pair weighs almost nothing, even at 2 ½ inches long
• The lily pad shape adds a playful feel, but they’re still balanced and grown-up
• Perfect with linen, white denim, even a wild floral print if you’re feeling bold
• They stand out in sunlight and don’t blend into the background

Need more playful metalwork? Scroll through the full Aluminum Jewelry Collection.

7. Discs in Autumn – Chased Copper for Fall

There’s this thing that happens in fall—light changes. It hits things sideways, makes them glow orange. I chased that exact vibe into these Chased Disc Copper Dangle Earrings. They aren’t flashy. They’re familiar. Like cozy things that don’t ask for attention but still get it.

• Hand-chased texture gives the copper this soft shimmer—it’s not “sparkle,” it’s something calmer
• At 2 ½ inches, they’re a solid statement without being too much
• They look like pressed leaves if you squint
• Wear them with sweaters, flannels, maybe a dress with boots
• They get better with wear, like your favorite leather bag or that jacket you never hang up properly

More pieces like this? Find them in the Copper Jewelry Collection, where texture meets timeless.

8. Old-School Glam – Hammered Bronze Teardrops

You ever dress up, not for the camera or the crowd, but just because you wanted to feel like something was happening? These Large Hammered Bronze Teardrop Earrings are for that kind of night. New Year’s. Fancy hotel bar. The kind of event where you don’t take off your coat right away.

• Handmade bronze, with a hammered finish that acts like disco lighting
• At 2 ¼ inches, they swing low and wide. They don’t play backup
• Bronze gets this deep gold warmth the more you wear it
• Looks great with all the party stuff: black velvet, sequins, deep red lips
• They move when you dance. If you’re not dancing, they still move

For more shine that’s not glittery, browse the Bronze Jewelry Collection.

9. Oval Intentions – Pierced Hammered Aluminum Drops

Work parties are weird. You gotta look good, but not like you tried. Enter the Pierced Large Oval Hammered Aluminum Drop Earrings. Sleek, silver-toned, but with just enough edge to make people squint and go “Wait, are those... aluminum?”

• 3 inches long—yeah, they’re bold, but somehow still feel polished
• Hammered aluminum reflects light softly, not harsh
• Lightweight enough that you can wear them from morning coffee to after-dinner wine
• The pierced detailing? Just enough weirdness to feel artsy without being too try-hard
• Go with blazers, wrap dresses, or whatever your version of “professional but cool” looks like

Want earrings that play nice at work but still feel like you? Check out this modern earring lineup.

10. Hello Spring – Copper Daisy Discs

Sometimes I make something and it just... feels like spring. These Copper Daisy Disc Drop Earrings were one of those times. Something about the shape, the way they reflect warm light—it reminds me of those first weekends in April when people finally start showing up to picnics again.

• Made from real copper, shaped into a floral disc with hand-finished details
• Weigh almost nothing, so you can forget you’re wearing them (until someone compliments you)
• The daisy pattern isn’t “cute” cute. It’s got edge. A grown-up bloom.
• 100% handmade here in San Francisco—no shortcuts
• Looks best with soft denim, linen dresses, and that one cardigan you never wash right away

If spring lives rent-free in your wardrobe, you’ll probably like more from the Copper Earrings Collection.

11. Brass on Ice – Hammered Nu Gold Hoops

Hoops don’t ask permission. These Hammered Nu Gold Brass Hoop Earrings say what they need to say the moment you step out the door. They’re not dainty, but they aren’t obnoxious either. They just... hold space. In a way that’s hard to ignore.

• Made from Nu Gold brass, which means a gold look without the gold price
• Hammered by hand. You can tell. They’re not too polished, not too raw
• They’ll go with cocktail dresses, but also jeans and a tee if you’re that kind of cool
• The shape? Classic. The finish? Personal.
• One of those pieces you don’t realize you’re reaching for all the time—until you are

You’ll find more keepers like these in the Nu Gold Earrings Collection.

12. Textured Hoops – Chased Nu Gold Brass

You got an anniversary coming up? Something that feels too big for small earrings? I made these Chased Nu Gold Hoop Earrings for dinners where the light’s dim, the conversation’s close, and you want to feel a little extra—but not overdressed.

• Nu Gold brass looks expensive. It’s not. And it doesn’t try too hard either.
• Chased texture all the way around, done by hand—not machine-perfect, which makes ‘em better
• These hoops have that heirloom feel without being actual heirlooms
• They work with vintage dresses, silky blouses, or whatever makes you feel like yourself on a good night
• Slightly heavier than others on this list—because sometimes you want to feel what you’re wearing

For more milestone-worthy pieces, see the full Jewelry Gift Ideas for Her collection.

No Two Occasions Are the Same. Neither Are These Earrings.

Some events are loud. Some are soft. Some you plan for weeks. Others just happen. Whatever kind of night or morning or late afternoon you’re dressing for, the earrings you wear matter. They frame your face. They add weight—or lightness—to your look. And if they’re handmade? You feel it.

Every piece I design is shaped by real tools in my San Francisco studio. No shortcuts. No factory lines. I pick metals that last and finishes that tell stories. Whether it’s warm copper, cool aluminum, rich bronze, or something with a pop of color—each style you’ve seen here was made to be worn more than once.

So whether you’re dressing up for an anniversary, showing up to a garden wedding, or just want to feel like yourself at work—these pieces don’t shout. But they speak.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are these earrings really handmade?

Yes. Every single pair is designed and crafted by hand by me, John S. Brana. That means unique marks, subtle texture differences, and personal attention to the metal, finish, and form.

What metals are safe for sensitive skin?

Aluminum and 14K gold-filled pieces are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive ears. I also use sterling silver and stainless steel ear wires in many designs to keep things comfy for all-day wear.

Will copper or brass tarnish?

Raw copper and Nu Gold brass will develop a patina over time—some people love that aged look. If you prefer shine, many styles are sealed with a non-toxic polymer to slow oxidation. You’ll find that info in each product listing.

Can I wear these for long hours?

Yes. Most of my designs are intentionally lightweight, especially aluminum and copper styles. If you’ve got sensitive lobes, go with tear drops or open shapes that distribute weight better.

How do I care for these earrings?

Keep them dry. Store them in a plastic bag when you’re not wearing them. Avoid lotion, perfume, and saltwater. For more tips, check out this guide on jewelry care.

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