Earrings You Can Wear with a Mask
In the grand scheme of things, finding the right kind of earrings to wear with a face mask is low on the list of crises. But what we wear creates a narrative about who we are. It can make us feel more powerful, more safe, or more prepared to take on the world. It can signal protest, freedom, generosity, nonconformity, or belonging.
Over the summer, I worked as a hospital chaplain, and was required to wear a surgical mask every day. While there, I admired the ear fashions of my fellow staff, especially the nurses. Some wore large statement earrings even though it was difficult to maneuver a mask around them.
I’d bet that most people don’t need to wear a mask for eight hours straight, but we still find ourselves juggling a mask, jewelry – and with the temperature cooling down – ear muffs and hats.
You don’t have to abandon making a statement with your earrings. You just need to find the right balance. My solution has been simple: sustainable small hoop earrings.
Small hoops take up enough space to be visible to passersby, but they won’t get tangled up in mask loops and winter hats. They come in a variety of styles, and they’re easy to find from sustainable designers and secondhand.
This post is partially sponsored by selected brands and contains affiliate links. Product selections were made by me.
5 Brands That Carry Sustainable Small Hoop Earrings
$ = Under $50 | $$ = $51-100 | $$$ = $101-200 | $$$$ = $201+
1. Unlocked
Unlocked is a social enterprise that assists housing-insecure women through employment, housing resources, career and life management, and financial planning. All jewelry is made ethically with recycled metals. $-$$
2. Valley Rose Studio
Made with ethical and recycled diamonds, 14K fairmined gold, and traceable gemstones, Valley Rose Studio designs and creates fine jewelry that stands out from the crowd. $$$$
USE CODE STYLEWISE FOR 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!
3. Ten Thousand Villages
A one-stop-shop for fair trade goods, Ten Thousand Villages offers a diverse array of earrings, including a few pairs of smaller hoop earrings. $
4. Nisolo
Best known for their shoes, Nisolo also offers a curated collection of upcycled brass jewelry, made ethically in Kenya. $
5. ABLE
Ethically made with transparent wages, ABLE has a mission to employ and advocate for women. $-$$
If hoops aren’t your thing, try some studs from Astor + Orion.
Check out my other jewelry roundups:
