For decades, anyone with multiple piercings in each ear was most likely to be a punk, a goth or a teenager intent on upsetting their parents. Now, however, the “curated ear” – that popular pick ‘n’ mix of hoops, studs and diamonds – has become all but ubiquitous among the fashion set. But for those of us who like the look but can’t stomach the thought of an afternoon with a needle gun and numbing spray, there is another solution.

For the last few years, the ear cuff – the low-stakes, high-impact accessory that gives you all of the glamour of the bedazzled ear with none of the pain – has taken the jewellery world by storm. “It’s hard to overstate the ubiquity of the curated ear,” says London-based stylist Annabel Smith. “What started for twentysomethings in the East London piercing studios of the 2010s has now migrated to Hollywood, Paris fashion circles and beyond. But as the look has matured, so have the women wearing it, and for them (and, in fact, everyone) an ear cuff can be the ideal choice.”

Celebrities have been quick to embrace the look. Olivia Colman, whose red-carpet style is often an impressive mixture of rebellious and regal, often tucks her hair behind one ear to reveal a single statement cuff in gold or diamond. Nicole Kidman, too, has been spotted wearing delicate, architectural cuffs that give her classic Hollywood look an edge that makes it memorable. Recently, she wore the Ana Khouri Diamond Phillipa ear cuff, a piece that has proved a celebrity favourite with Charlize Theron, Olivia Wilde, Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

At the 2025 Golden Globes, meanwhile, Cate Blanchett wore a pair of custom Louis Vuitton ear cuffs, featuring white and yellow gold with diamonds. Pamela Anderson wore a diamond ear cuff by Pandora at the Met Gala, while Emma Stone was seen at this year’s Venice Film Festival wearing a single Louis Vuitton design. Most recently, Kim Kardashian accessorised with an ear full of diamond cuffs for a Paris trip.

British brand Otiumberg has – in the last year – seen the ear cuff category become one of their bestsellers, most recently being worn by actresses Jennifer Lawrence, Keira Knightley and Jodie Comer. Not only were cuffs their fastest growing category, with sales up by 269 per cent in the last 12 months, they now make up more than a quarter of all sales; impressive for a brand, which – until very recently – was known for its hoops, studs and chains.

“The ear cuff is such an effortless way to create a bolder, more expressive look without feeling overdone,” says Otiumberg co-founder Rosanna Wollenberg. “It allows for a sense of playfulness and individuality while still maintaining sophistication. It’s jewellery that makes a statement but feels easy and wearable day-to-day.”