In a sea of cool jewelry brands, few designers do better justice to the ears than Anita Ko. Ko’s grown-up jewels share the difference between reserved and dressed. So when she happily agreed to hand out tips for minimalist and maximalist forklifts, we were all … well, you know.
1
BUILD AROUND EVERYDAY ITEMS
First things first, start with the staples. “If you only have one or two piercings, choose earrings that you love and that you want to wear all the time,” says Ko. “I love the Diamond Drop Huggies for a clean and polished look and I like to combine them with the Pavé Huggies for a little luxury in my second and third hole.” Do you want the look without the obligation of multiple piercings? A split earring creates the illusion of more without going all-in.
2
LAYER BY INTENTION
Ko’s advice for targeted stacking? Opt for like-minded metals and gemstones with similar settings for a more consistent feel. “I don’t like mixing metals,” she says. “I usually try to stick to the same color, gold.” Layer the tire from the largest (on the rag) to the smallest (further up). Whether you’re working in hugs, studs, or cuffs upstairs, the net effect is always streamlined.
3rd
PLACEMENT GAMES
For best results, don’t be too bothered with matching. “There are no hard rules when it comes to styling,” says Ko. “Play around with symmetry: The Double Pear Loop is designed for two piercings, but if you have three or more in the same ear, you can wear it with a simple stud or a hug in between. I also happen to love asymmetrically placed earrings on the other ear. “
4th
CHOOSE THE DRAMA
“The floating ear climber is such a cool and sexy earring,” says Ko. “What I love most about this statement piece is that it looks like you have multiple piercings in your ear, whether worn as a pair or not.” Do you want to move up? Ear cuffs provide an additional effect without additional holes, while a diamond-studded paper clip adds dimension and edge in equal measure.
5
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
“The most important thing is that you do your own thing,” emphasizes Ko. “The goal is to feel sexy and confident.” Take a traditionally feminine pair of earrings and double them up on one side, add pavé hoops for extra shine, stack them up Cuffs – get get creative and don’t be afraid to bend the trends the way it feels right for you.
INTEL FOR AT HOME CARE
The best solutions for dealing with dirt, grime, and oil build-up? Get a gentle, plant-based solution to keep piercings clean and let your earrings shine. Frequently use alcohol swabs to wipe posts and girders. And finally: Polish! A soft, reusable buffer ensures a high gloss at all times.
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Shiny earring wash Glossy, $ 28
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Shinery Illuminating Pom Shinery, $ 22
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