Lately I’ve been getting a lot of comments about my earrings so I decided it was time to update my post on my favorite earring designers (fashion jewelry formerly called “costume jewelry”). You long time readers know that they’re my signature fashion item.  I don’t even want to count the number of pairs I have. My justification is that people often stop me and ask about my earrings which is an intro to MiamiCurated, so let’s say they’re “promotional pieces”. Actually, they cost a lot less (the costume jewelry variety) than handbags or shoes, so a perfect “splurge”. With that in mind, here’s a list of my favorite designers, most Miami jewelry designers,  that have a flair for statement earrings and some also do other jewelry.Note: Prices range from under $100 to around $250 except where otherwise noted. All sell online, some have sales sections, and retail outlets where noted. And, a special visual treat, wild earrings  from a hot New York designer.

Miami Jewelry

Rock + Bone

Rock  + Bone’s earrings are exclusive designs of Paris trained, Miami born Alejandra Kelly whose pedigree includes major luxury brands. All their pieces are hand-stitched in Colombia or the Dominican Republic using different materials such as  stones, beads, shells, charms and pompoms, all on a leather backing.

And for those of you who can only wear clip ons, your time has arrived – all of her designs are clip ons. They’re surprisingly light, so easy to wear, and you’ll find a wide range of colors to go with any outfit. These attention getting accessories also come in “minis”, for those who want to make a statement but prefer smaller size. She also makes eye catching headbands that are bound to elicit compliments. And even better yet, you can get some serious bargains– sale earrings for as low as $10!

CrystalDust Designs

Another top earring design label is CrystalDust Design. Their mantra is “from faraway travels to fleeting moments of beauty, inspiration stems from everywhere”. Each piece is handmade, many with beading,  in Venezuela . Her latest collection, inspired by Italy and flowers and nature, is colorful, joyful and attractive, perfect for a ladies’ lunch.

Pharaoun

Sergio Andres Mendoza, the creator of Pharaoun does jewelry that makes a statement without being too much, and is reasonably priced especially considering the workmanship –earrings, lapel pins and charms.Best yet, they look expensive and feel indulgent. He designs the jewelry and has it made in his Istanbul workshop, tapping into their long history of fine workmanship.

Designs are often inspired by the ocean and marine life or mandalas. They’re crafted out of solid sterling silver with cubic zirconia stones and additionally plated in 22 karat yellow gold, 18 karat rose gold and black rhodium. His latest series is called BonBon and comes in these luscious colors and more.

His shop is online  Prices range from $250 to $795. Sergio@pharaoun.com, tel. (305)528-7111. For my earlier review, click here.

J’Da

You’ve probably read this name before as I often write about their fashion and it being one of the best fashion boutiques in Palm Beach. What you haven’t read is about their wonderful earrings, their own designs which are made in Istanbul. The quality is excellent (they wear very well and don’t discolor), and the styles are statements but classy. Check the link to start drooling. They recently closed the shop but are selling online. For my review on the shop, click here.

Le Meraviglie di G (Ortigia) 

The earrings I regularly get the most compliments on are ceramic ones from Sicily. I bought my first pair in Crete and then discovered the treasure trove in Ortigia, Sicily at Le Meraviglie di G. They also have handbags,  lovely necklaces that are colorful ropes with the ceramic heads. It’s a small locally owned shop and they don’t have a website, but you can go to their instagram page, let them know what you want, and they’ll send it to you. A friend of mine in Madrid did that. https://www.instagram.com/le_meraviglie_di_g/

Miami Jewelry

Rik Rak

Fashion icon Raquel Watters and owner of Rik Rak beauty salons has a great eye. Though she’s best known for her successful salons both in the Brickell area,  I also happily discovered her great selection of fashion jewelry, especially earrings, at her salon at 1061 Brickell Plaza.  She prides herself on curating a selection to appeal to different age groups and styles, from classic and classic contemporary to those perfect for adding bling to an outfit, especially the chandelier variety. Her designers hail from all over, but the stars feature the designs of Annie Lago and Victoria Heimann.  They’re well priced too — from the $30’s up to around $300 with most in the lower range. She also has some bracelets and clothing on sale. Well worth checking out when you’re in the neighborhood.

Angela Caputi

Find the jewelry of Italian designer Angela Caputi at stores of 120% Lino and you’ll fall in love. Plus, almost all are under $100. Made of fiberglass they’re light as well (though note, they’re clip ons). You can often find a matching necklace and bracelet as well. For more on 120% Lino, click here for my review.

Perez Art Museum Shop

I admit it, in researching this post I ended up buying yet another pair of earrings — at the shop at PAMM. My girlfriend agreed they had a great collection of artsy jewelry at not crazy prices. These images don’t do them justice, but you get the idea.

Nadine Ghosn

Last time I did this roundup I showcased the “pencil” rings by hot New York designer Nadine Ghosn who was featured in Town and Country magazine. They’re the real thing — gem stones, so you’re looking at several thousand dollars. www.nadineghosn.com. But totally unique and statements they are indeed. Even if you’re not interested in buying, you need to look at the website (and check out the best selling “shut up” diamond earring and burger and fries cuff links).