Dangle earrings have a name from the candelabra, and the girandole was the most popular earring of the eighteenth century. A typical girandole paired an elaborate stud with a bow-shaped center and three hanging pear-shaped motifs. Here is how to choose dangle earrings that move well and weigh little.
Dangle Earrings: The Georgian Girandole and a Century of Drama
Earrings named for a candelabra
The girandole was the most popular earring of the eighteenth century, and its name comes from a type of candelabrum. A typical girandole paired an elaborate stud with a decorative, often bow-shaped center and three suspended pear-shaped motifs. Wealthy Georgian women wore them day and night, and to ease the weight some used ribbons in the hair or wires over the ear. Dangle earrings were meant to move, and they have not stopped.
Weight and posts
A dangle earring should be lighter than it looks. Check the weight in the product details and see whether the post is thick enough to hold it. Hooks and lever backs are comfortable for heavier styles. A post with a large backing distributes weight better on the lobe.
Multicolor Round & Emerald Cut Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings
Kenneth Jay Lane
$78.23
Luxe Collection Certified Lab Grown Diamond Pear Bezel Drop Earrings, 2.0 tcw
Bloomingdale's Fine Collection
$2,700
Diamond Tassel Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold, 0.75 tcw
Bloomingdale's Fine Collection
$3,420
Fatima Drop Earrings, 1.8"L
BAUBLEBAR
$26.4
Shape language
A single teardrop is classic. A linear drop is sleek. A chandelier is festive. A tassel moves softly. Picture her at a wedding in a plain dress and long gold earrings that catch the candlelight as she turns. Choose a length that clears your shoulder if you wear your hair back.
Matching your neckline
With dangle earrings, keep the neckline clean. A boat or crew neck works well, and a high ponytail shows them off. Skip a heavy necklace so the earrings take the stage. Metals can be mixed, but keep them in the same tone family.
Pavé Butterfly & Flowers Linear Drop Earrings
Anabel Aram
$115
Lapis Oval Bead Drop Earrings
Anabel Aram
$95
Luxe Collection Certified Lab Grown Diamond Bezel Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold, 2.0 tcw
Bloomingdale's Fine Collection
$2,500
Diamond Chain Link Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold, 0.24 tcw
Bloomingdale's Fine Collection
$3,800
What I would skip
I would skip dangle earrings that tangle in a scarf, ones so heavy that they pull the lobe and pairs with sharp edges that catch your hair. A dangle should swing, not drag.
