Charms are very much having a moment, as if one could ever say that they weren’t, but these adornments for jewels, as they might be described, seem especially prevalent at present.

Charms are highly valued for their versatility and the sheer number of available creations on the market. They’re one of those categories of jewelry in which anything is really possible, from the most iconic symbols to the sentimental and even silly.

This pair of earrings from the New York–based Vale Jewelry skews more iconic (nothing silly about a pair of sleek hearts), and its dangling amethyst charms are sure to appeal to a wide audience.

Vale Jewelry showcased in Melee the Show at New York’s Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers this past August, bringing new takes on classic jewels, like the earrings pictured, in addition to its signature modern and alternative wedding jewelry (the brand’s engagement rings, absolutely to die for).

While the brand is most notable for its killer line of engagement and wedding jewelry, its Lock collection, which features an assortment of earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings, makes up some of its newest, most tempting creations.

“Our Lock collection was inspired from the colorful and playful charms we used to collect and wear on necklace chains, bracelets, and earrings,” said founders and twin sisters Eva and Ava Bai in a statement to JCK. “We really wanted this collection to capture the boldness and exuberance of that decade’s iconic jewelry. Using richly colored gems and chunkier metals, this collection reflects
the oversized personality of the rebellious, fun, and punk ’80s, albeit in a more elevated way. We wanted this collection to be fun to wear, something that doesn’t feel too serious.”

The earrings and other pieces from the collection build on the curved shackle part of a lock, reminding me of what it was like to have a locker in high school. In this way, the earrings pack a bit of nostalgia in with that sleek, modern yellow gold that never fails to make us want more (though they are also available in white and rose). The pretty purple of the amethyst hearts feels like just the right splash of color for autumn, a time that is often dominated by neutral tones.

You can see all of Vale’s Lock collection styles on its website.

Top: Heart lock huggie earrings in 14k yellow gold with natural amethyst, $1,900; Vale Jewelry

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