Vintage clip-on earrings: how to wear them and look after them

Many vintage Chanel and Dior earrings are clip-ons. A clip holds a larger earring flat against the lobe, where a single post would let it tip forward. Worn well, a good pair of clips is comfortable for an evening or a whole day.

Wearing them comfortably

• Place the clip on the soft part of the lobe rather than the firmer edge, and close it gently rather than snapping it shut.
• If a clip pinches, small clear silicone pads, sold as clip earring cushions, soften the grip without changing the earring.
• If the grip is too tight or too loose, a jeweller can adjust the hinge. Please don't bend the clip yourself: old metal can crack.

Should you convert them to pierced?

We would keep them as clips. Converting means removing the original fitting, which changes the piece for good and usually lowers its value. If you prefer pierced earrings, clip-to-pierced converters slip onto the clip without altering it and come off again whenever you like.

Looking after them

Vintage costume jewellery is usually plated metal set with glass, crystal or faux pearls, and the stones are often glued. A few habits keep it at its best:

• Put jewellery on last, after perfume, hairspray and make-up, and take it off first.
• Keep it away from water: take earrings off before washing, swimming or a bath. Water can dull plating and loosen glued stones.
• After wearing, wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid jewellery dips, silver polishing cloths and ultrasonic cleaners, which can strip plating.
• Store each pair on its own, in a soft pouch or a lined box, so pieces don't scratch one another.

Trying them first

The measurements on each listing help you judge the size. If you would like to try a pair on, you can book a private viewing in London. See all our vintage Chanel earrings and vintage Dior earrings.