Forget about wearing your heart on your sleeve. It turns out that this season, it's all about wearing it on your ear, and unexpectedly, I'm very much into it. Though I'm usually highly reserved when it comes to my choice of bijou, jewellery is the trend I'm least likely to buy into. However, earlier this year, I was taken away for a fabulous nine hours in Paris where I fell in love, not with a French man who makes croissants but with a pair of earrings.
At the end of February, Mulberry invited me to come and see its autumn/winter 2018 collection in the City of Lights, and I said yes. (Or "OMG, are you serious?! Yes!" as my email history suggests.) Regardless, I found myself there, in the middle of Mulberry's showroom at 11 a.m. with a glass of wine in hand (It's France!), surrounded by some of the most beautiful clothing I've ever seen. All of a sudden, a fellow journalist squealed with delight and said, "Just look at those earrings!"
There, sitting rather unassumingly on a pastel plinth, was a pair of heart-shaped, pearl-adorned earrings, which were soon to become the most-photographed piece on display. Like a puppy in the office, a gaggle of editors (myself included) cooed as they leaned in for a closer look. The earrings were nothing short of perfection.
However, like Cinderella, at the stroke of 17:15, we had to dash to catch our train back to London. I knew I had a six-month wait on my hands before I could be reunited with the heart-shaped earrings. So slowly, life went back to normal. Until Alessandra Rich's earrings came to my attention.
I saw them first on Net-a-Porter's fashion director, Lisa Aiken. Featuring faux pearls and oversized, shoulder-grazing crystal hearts, they were too gorgeous to ignore. But was I really prepared to cheat on my Mulberry baubles? With still three months until they were available to purchase, I'll admit that I was tempted. Then, it wasn't long before Who What Wear UK's very own Joy Montgomery got in on the heart-shaped action.
Now, I know you're on the edge of your set wondering how it all ends. Well, I'm pleased to reveal that Mulberry's baubles are finally available to buy (as are a plethora of other pretty heart earrings). Keep scrolling to see my edit of the best heart earrings for every budget. My only hope is that you're as happy together as we are…
Behold the earrings that started it all (for me, anyway). We told you pearl earrings were going to be big a few weeks back, and Mulberry's heart-shaped numbers are easily the prettiest on the market.
Carry your tortoiseshell obsession into autumn with this pair of "light as air" drop earrings.
Although the world tragically lost Kate Spade earlier this year, our love for her quirky designs still lives on. These earrings are simply beautiful.
Related: The 5 Power Accessories That Were All Over Fashion Week's Streets
If you'd rather take the subtle approach, these resin drop earrings still feature a heart shape (only slightly more abstract).
Oh, Alessandra, how much do we love thee? Let us count the ways—starting with these cult-status earrings. J'adore.
A big trend at an entry-level price? These frugal earrings are the most cost-efficient way to road test the trend.
Related: The Accessory That Changes Your Look More Than Bags, Shoes or Jewellery
And the award for the most extra heart earring goes to… Shourouk. wear with wet-look hair for the ultimate '80s homage.
Mismatch earrings are still on our radar. Give this colourful pair a glossy spin by wearing with a simple cashmere jumper and a pair of cropped cigarette trousers.
Don't be fooled—these hammered hearts are bigger than they look. Try spinning them on their side for a different vantage point to the rest.
Related: I Would Never Buy Cheap Versions of These Accessories
If you have a playful streak when it comes to jewellery, you're going to love Uterqüe's new collection. Just imagine how good these earrings will look with a tan corduroy blazer and a low ponytail.
If muted tones are more your thing, you'll be pleased to learn these beauties also come in cream and black. We're considering making it a hat trick.
Zara's earring edit is one of the strongest on the high street—these crystal-adorned baubles serving as a highlight.
Like this accessory trend? You're going to love the £3 add-on currently spiking on Pinterest.
Opening Image: The Style Stalker
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