How much of a clip-on shows depends on what your hair is doing. Worn up, the whole fitting is on view; worn down, only the lower half of the pair shows. The selection runs from small shapes that sit flat against the ear to longer articulated designs, and every product page lists length, width and how the clip is built.

Explore our clip-on earrings

What your hair is doing changes the pair you want

Hair up puts the fitting on display, so the back of the pair counts as much as the motif on the front. Hair down hides it and leaves only what falls below the ear, which is where longer articulated designs earn their place. A high ponytail sits between the two: the pair swings more, and anything built with feathers, pompoms or charms will show that movement.

No piercing, and nothing to wait for

The fitting closes by pressure on the lobe. Nothing passes through the ear, so a pair goes on and comes off as often as you like. That suits ears that were never pierced, a piercing that has closed over, and days when you simply want to swap jewellery twice.

Read the fitting, not the photograph

Clip construction varies from one pair to the next, and no motif tells you what sits behind it. Each product page gives length, width and the build of the clip, and those three lines are worth more than any thumbnail.

Motifs across the clip-on selection

Motif families in the clip-on selection
FamilyWhat the photographs show
FlowersDaisies, single blooms and floral prints, often multicoloured
Gingham checksTwo-tone squares in red, blue, pink or taupe
MedallionsRound or diamond-shaped, printed or set with a pearly stone
DreamcatchersRing motifs in blue, pink or black and white
Leopard printBeige and brown markings on a metal base

Where hoops and drops come in

The same department also carries rings in steel, beads and stone-set finishes.

Pairs that swing when you move take the same idea further, from a short drop to a long layered design.

Between the handbag and the drawer

Charms and feathers tangle with whatever they meet, so give each pair its own pouch before it goes anywhere near a handbag. Once a season, close the clip without wearing it and check that it still springs back. Keep water, perfume and household cleaners away from the metal.