The minimalist ’80s earring look is back—only supersized

There’s no doubt that we’re in the midst of a serious earring moment.

And in 2017, your more fashion-minded consumers will gravitate toward big, bold styles that not only graze the shoulder but also boast some serious volume.

Among the daring styles likely to pick up steam this year is the oversize, post-back round disc earring—an ’80s staple that suddenly feels fresh again.

Flat circles are a common element in jewelry, obviously, and the ubiquitous circular disc earring that hangs from an ear wire is a forever-chic look.

But move that big round disc onto a post back and you have something different. The disc sits higher on the ear, button-style, obscuring the entire earlobe. The vibe changes completely—from eclectic bohemian to Brooklyn hipster.

Balenciaga’s Spring 2017 show featured fabric-covered flat round disc earrings (photo courtesy of Voguerunway.com)

Influential fashion house Balenciaga kicked off the trend with its Spring 2017 collection, which saw models strut the runway in earmuff-esque “button” earrings in mismatching sizes. The cool adornments were covered in suiting fabric, including classic pinstripes.

Now post-back round discs are cropping up at every price point—H&M is selling a $3 set of post-back circles, while Marco Bicego has $1,530 18k yellow gold post-back ovals featuring a gorgeous matte patina.

Earrings by H&M (photo courtesy of H&M)

My favorite post-back discs are currently from bridge jewelry collection Laurel Hill, whose Petroglyph Disc Earrings collection, priced from $84 to $290, includes discs in sterling silver and brass hammered with a straight line of tiny round bumps. The effect, which is edgy and antique-like (I’m talking Roman), recalls a fossilized vertebra.

The look is, in every sense of the word, bold. No bones about it.

Laurel Hill’s biggie brass Petroglyph Disc Earrings (photo courtesy of Laurel Hill) 

(Photo at top of Laurel Hill Petroglyph Disc Earrings in sterling silver courtesy of Laurel Hill) 

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