Courtesy of Maria Tash
We’re all familiar with fashion’s fixation on multiple ear piercings. Jewelry designer Maria Tash, who partly pioneered the trend, has been specializing in them for years, dotting the ears of clients including Candice Swanepoel, Beyoncé, Jessica Alba and countless fashion editors. Tash is an expert in designing a look that compliments both the wearer’s ear shape and personal taste, and boasts her own line of beautiful, fine ear jewelry. Ahead of her upcoming pop-up in Dubai next month with Kuwait-based Aubade Jewelry, Tash gives us the ultimate 5-step guide to assembling your own stylish mix of ear piercings.
CONSIDER YOUR SKIN TONE
“First, consider your skin tone and which metal— gold, silver, platinum, rose gold— would flatter you most,” suggests Tash. “If you have an olive skin tone, you may want to consider more yellow tones and stray away from rose gold jewelry.” If your ears are sensitive to certain metals, this doesn’t mean that you’re limited to strictly gold or silver, assures the designer: “We can use a gold post to secure the cuff so you can wear the jewelry that flatters you without the fear of an allergic reaction.”
DETERMINE YOUR BEST FEATURES
“Piercings are great because they can be used to draw attention away from certain ‘flaws’ or accentuate well-balanced features,” says Tash. “Those who have a folded ear, for example, can opt for a dazzling stud or hoop on their helix, while those with big ear lobes have space to play around with different jewelry.” Furthermore, piercings can be used to instantly cloak scars, moles or other blemishes.
Courtesy of Maria Tash
BE YOURSELF
“Your jewelry should resonate with your personal style,” states the expert. “Ask yourself: are you a minimalist? Avant-garde? Maximalist? Jewelry is usually worn consistently, and shouldn’t overwhelm your overall look.” For instance, when choosing between an understated metal ring or a studded hoop, we should consider our everyday wardrobe, hair and makeup looks.
TEST-DRIVE THE JEWELRY
“Visualize what you would want to look like and what you would ideally wear,” the designer suggests. Her tip? “Before you commit to getting your ear pierced, preview the jewelry using faux ear cuffs and small stick-on nail gems to simulate piercings.” This way, Tash states, “you can move them around to see what suits you.”
HAVE FUN
What’s the most important rule? “There are none!” Cash exclaims. “Piercings are fun, and they’re not a one-size-fits-all.” With that being said, she lists a couple of tips for assembling a clean, stylish mix of your own: “If you’re going to opt for two avant-garde piercings, make sure they’re spaced apart or on different ears,” suggests the designer. “Avoid mixing metals, [and] don’t be afraid to experiment. Unlike tattoos, earrings aren’t permanent and can always be switched.”
Courtesy of Maria Tash
DOS AND DON’TS
Do allow your piercing to heal properly before switching out earrings.
Don’t touch your ears with dirty hands before your piercing has healed.
Do avoid towels that may catch on your piercings.
Don’t just pick any ear piercing aesthetician— do your research to prevent any complications.
