Heavy earrings can actually damage your earlobes over time, causing them to droop or even tear. No one wants permanent damage done to their ears, so we’ve put together this helpful list of five alternatives to heavy earrings. Whether you’re looking to save your ears or mitigate the cost of the material that comes with heavy earrings, this list is just what you need.
- Acrylic Earrings
Acrylic is really just another word for plastic, but don’t worry; we’re not talking cheap plastic like you find in Dollar Store toys. Acrylic earrings are actually quite durable, won’t tarnish or rust, and contain absolutely no metal. They’re the perfect mix of affordability, style, and comfort, and best of all, they won’t weigh down your ear lobes!
Acrylic earrings can be molded into thousands of different shapes as well, offering a more customizable earring than you would find with precious metals. If you like hearts, rainbows, or just unique colors on your earrings, acrylic is the way to go. They don’t weigh much, and won’t take up a lot of room in your jewelry storage either.
They’re also cost-effective to replace if lost or stolen; unlike those diamond earrings that you still can’t find! While acrylics certainly don’t carry the elegance of precious stones and metals, they’re better for your ears and are always hypoallergenic.
- Stainless Steel
Surgical stainless steel is lightweight and strong, and is quickly becoming a staple among hypoallergenic designers. The material is infused with an element called chromium, which makes it incredibly resistant to rusting and corrosion. It takes some very specific aggressive conditions for stainless steel to rust or tarnish.
Stainless steel can also be created with a low amount of nickel, making it a good alternative to allergenic metal alloys that contain high amounts of nickel. This is what causes adverse reactions in those with jewelry allergies.
Stainless steel is lightweight (as far as steel goes) durable, and best of all, affordable. Wearing stainless steel studs or other earrings with cause less stretching of the earlobes, and save you money in the long-run.
- Small Studs
Another alternative to the heavy earrings you often see on sale is small studs. These small, flat earrings will fit directly against your earlobe; offering the most support possible and reducing the damage done to your ears. You can find earrings like this in jewelry stores, earring subscriptions, and online retailers.
The closer the earring is to your ear, the more support it will have. Earrings that hang low from the earlobe are usually bottom-heavy, making them incredibly straining on the earlobe. This can cause stretching and other forms of damage that can become irreversible given enough time.
Protect your ears by wearing smaller, more simplistic studs that sit closer to the ear. You can find studs of all varieties and prices online and in jewelry stores everywhere.
- Ear Support Patches
This isn’t exactly an alternative, but a way to alleviate ear stretching that usually accompanies the use of heavy earrings. Ear support patches are applied to the back of the earlobe to offer support for even the heaviest earrings. Understand that this isn’t a solution for earlobe stretching, and over time, heavy earrings will still have some effect on your ears.
You can find ear support patches on Amazon or on Nordstrom.com, and usually, anywhere else jewelry is sold. These support patches are relatively affordable and can allow you to wear your favorite earrings comfortably and without the worry of stretching out your lobes too much.
- Charm Earrings
Charm earrings are a lightweight, attractive alternative to big heavy earrings, and they come in all shapes and sizes! Usually made of lighter metals and with small charms attached, these earrings can still make a bold fashion statement without wearing too much on the lobes.
You’ll find charm earring of every style on sites like Etsy. With so many different styles and variations available, you’ll be able to fill out your jewelry collection with some designs you’ll absolutely love! Best of all, charm earrings are generally cheap (but not cheaply made) and can be acquired for less than the cost of heavier, more metal-rich earrings.
If you’ve never thought about adding charm earrings to your collection, consider the affordability and comfort this simple alternative can offer. You won’t have to worry about stretched lobes or stretched budgets when purchasing earrings, and if you buy from a site like Etsy, you’ll have a quality guarantee that comes with the product.
Conclusion
If heavy earrings are taking their toll on your ears and your wallet, it’s time to make the switch to one of our five alternatives (or just wear support patches/wear your heavy earrings less often). This will help reduce the damage done to your ears and bring about a sense of peace when you’re purchasing jewelry. Don’t be afraid to try new materials like acrylic or stainless steel!