The best earrings for sensitive ears feature safe metals that won’t cause irritation, and come in styles you’ll want to wear daily.
The best earrings for sensitive skin are made from pure metals; specifically gold (14 karat or higher), sterling silver, titanium and platinum. Since those materials also tend to be expensive, we consulted jewelry experts for their advice on the safest and most stunning options. The top pick overall is Mejuri Dôme Hoops for their comfort-first fit, timeless design and high quality materials. For an affordable pair, consider Quince’s Silver Croissant Hoop Earrings, which are equally stylish and cost less than $30. Ahead, 9 of the best earrings for sensitive ears that we highly recommend.
- Best Earrings For Sensitive Ears Overall: Mejuri Dôme Hoops
- Best Affordable Earrings For Sensitive Ears: Quince Silver Croissant Hoop Earrings
- Best Hypoallergenic Earrings For Sensitive Ears: BaubleBar Martha 18K Gold Earrings
- Best Sterling Silver Earrings For Sensitive Ears: Maison Miru Large Whispering Hook Earrings
- Best Gold Earrings For Sensitive Ears: Aurate Huggie With Bezel
- Best Luxury Earrings For Sensitive Ears: Brilliant Earth Single Sapphire Hoop Earring
- Best Stud Earrings For Sensitive Ears: Tini Lux Livie Studs
- Best Hoop Earrings For Sensitive Ears: Stone And Strand Large Classic Hoops
- Best Huggies For Sensitive Ears: Studs Two Tone Huggie
- Best Diamond Earrings For Sensitive Ears: Blue Nile Diamond Stud Earrings
Best Earrings For Sensitive Ears Overall
Chic, Comfortable And Accessible
Mejuri Dôme Hoops
Materials: 18k gold vermeil | Other options: Sterling silver | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
Mejuri is known for their modern-yet-classic designs with many pieces made in gold vermeil, which is sterling silver coated with 18k gold. This material is affordable and nickel-free, making it safe to sweat, swim and sleep in. These Dôme Hoops are a good choice to elevate simple, everyday outfits. For a slightly fancier option, consider the Bold Pearl Drop earrings with gold vermeil posts.
Best Value Earrings For Sensitive Ears
High Quality At An Affordable Price
Quince Silver Croissant Hoop Earrings
Materials: Sterling silver | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
Founded on the idea that luxury items shouldn’t be inaccessible, Quince cuts out the middlemen to keep their prices low and includes a breakdown of all their costs under each product, so you know exactly what you are paying for. For less than $50, these sterling silver earrings are irritation-free and won’t tarnish over time. For a thinner hoop, try the Silver Statement Hoops.
Best Hypoallergenic Earrings For Sensitive Ears
Non-Irritating Yet Statement-Making
BaubleBar Martha 18K Gold Earrings
Materials: 18K gold-plated sterling silver | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
Sensitive skin-friendly earrings don’t have to be limited to simple studs and hoops. BaubleBar offers a wide range of hypoallergenic and statement-making earrings. These 18 karat gold-plated sterling silver and cubic zirconia creations add a little personality to any look.
Best Sterling Silver Earrings For Sensitive Ears
Simple And Sophisticated
Large Whispering Star Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver
Materials: Rhodium-plated sterling silver | Other options: Gold | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: No
Sterling silver is an alloy that often includes a mix of silver and another metal, usually copper. Maison Miru’s sterling silver earrings have a 92.5% concentration of silver (the highest possible), and they are coated in rhodium, which is hypoallergenic and provides high shine. Plus, these hoops in particular don’t require closures, so you can forget about pinching and pulling. For added security when wearing, squeeze the two ends together.
Best Gold Earrings For Sensitive Ears
Keep-Forever Classic
Aurate Huggie Earrings with Bezel
Materials: 14k gold | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
A specialist in gold, Aurate exclusively uses 14k or 18k gold for their modern minimalist pieces. This higher quality of gold improves the material’s longevity and also diminishes the chance of an unwanted reaction. You can opt for solid gold or gold-plated options depending on your preference and budget.
Best Luxury Earrings For Sensitive Ears
Responsibility Meets Refinement
Brilliant Earth Single Sapphire Hoop Earring
Materials: 14k yellow gold, sapphires | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
Brilliant Earth, our pick for the best online jewelry store for diamonds, is serious about responsible sourcing. The retailer’s metals are upcycled, and its gems are certified Carbonfree, so you can shop for fine jewelry with a clear conscience. Brilliant Earth has a range of 14k and 18k gold earrings, including this 14k Single Sapphire Hoop Earring that adds a subtle splash of color to any earring stack. Note: Solid gold is known for being gentle on the skin, but this earring was not created specifically for sensitive ears.
Best Stud Earrings For Sensitive Ears
Great For Sleeping Or Stacking
Tini Lux Livie Studs
Materials: Titanium, titanium nitride coating | Other options: Silver color | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
Tini Lux jewelry is specifically designed for those with metal allergies or sensitive skin. All pieces feature medical-grade titanium and many of the earrings, including these Livie studs, are coated in hypoallergenic titanium nitride to prevent tarnishing and provide a gold hue. Also nice: the post on these earrings won’t poke the back of your neck so you sleep in them.
Best Hoop Earrings For Sensitive Ears
Solid Gold And A Style You’ll Never Tire Of
Stone And Strand Large Classic Hoops
Materials: 18k gold | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
Stone And Strand designs everyday jewelry made from high-quality materials, including solid gold that won’t tarnish or cause rashes, and at prices that are significantly lower than fine jewelry. These large hoops have a hassle-free, slide-in back closure and versatile size that you can wear to work or parties. For a bit more glitz, consider the diamond pave, pearl or textured designs.
Bust Huggies Earrings for Sensitive Ears
Reversible and Secure
Studs Two Tone Huggie
Materials: 14k gold, rhodium plating with internal brass | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
For sensitive skin folks that like the look of hoops but not the feel, huggies are the next best thing. As the name suggests, the silhouette hugs your lobe and feels much lighter than dangling hoops. With this two-tone, reversible pair from Studs, you don’t have to choose between gold and silver (just switch the side that faces out). They’re safe for sensitive ears, with internal brass that’s coated in 14k gold and rhodium to ensure comfort.
Best Diamond Earrings For Sensitive Ears
Customized Options Priced Fairly
Blue Nile Diamond Stud Earrings
Materials: 14k gold | Other options: Rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, platinum | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Tarnish-proof: Yes
Blue Nile sells diamonds and fine jewelry without the middleman, keeping their prices low and quality high. While you can find many diamond options that are safe for sensitive ears, these simple studs are a staple that you’ll wear endlessly whether in gold, rose gold or platinum. You can also design your own pair, choosing the stone size, setting and more, so it fits your exact taste.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, tested and written extensively about the jewelry market, from evaluating the most trusted sources for lab-grown diamonds to hunting down the best jewelry stores online. As a contributor, I interviewed multiple experts for this story, including Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, and Aroom Han, the senior vice president of merchandising at Studs. I also read reviews, tested products and researched materials and metals to find the best earrings for sensitive ears. As a freelance writer, my work has appeared in publications including Instyle and Well and Good, and I’m the former beauty editor for Real Simple and Health magazines.
How I Chose The Best Earrings for Sensitive Ears
In order to find the best earrings for sensitive ears for women, I took the following factors into consideration:
- Materials: When selecting the best pair of earrings for sensitive ears, paying attention to the material is paramount. Aroom Han, senior vice president of merchandising at Studs, recommends looking for jewelry made of hypoallergenic materials (more on that later) such as titanium or precious metals like solid gold or silver.
- Hypoallergenic: When it comes to metals, hypoallergenic means the absence of nickel. According to Dr. Yadav, nickel is one of the most common allergies. If you see jewelry labeled as hypoallergenic, it must be nickel free.
- Tarnish-Proof: Jewelry can tarnish when it is exposed to water, makeup, body oils, sweat, deodorants, lotions and the list could go on. Luckily, sensitive ear-friendly materials are generally resistant against the elements. Platinum, titanium, and gold hold up well against external factors. Sterling silver is a precious metal, but it is more susceptible to tarnishing than others.
Is It Common To Have A Reaction To Earrings?
“Everybody is different and all jewelry is different,” Han explains. However, he does caution that the lower the quality of the jewelry the higher the likelihood of your ears getting irritated.
Which Earrings Are The Most Comfortable?
“The earring you choose for a piercing can definitely affect the comfort level over long periods of wear,” Han says, “It also depends on where the earring is going and how often you change it.” Studs has a line of flatback studs that are created for comfort behind the ear by reducing the sharp pointy edges you can find in traditional butterfly earring backs.
Han also notes that weight can impact comfort. “Lighter, daintier hoops, or huggies can be more comfortable to wear than heavier, larger silhouettes,” he says, “If you prefer a large chunky hoop try a hollow hoop, it allows for a chunky style while keeping the earring lightweight.”
What Types Of Materials I Should Avoid?
Sriya Karumanchi, the director of marketing and communications for Catbird, recommends looking for titanium, sterling silver 925, solid 14k gold and higher karat gold. “Everyone has different levels of sensitivity,” she says, “but these are generally the safest.”
