What are Earring Jackets?

This article originally posted Mar 29, 2021 and was edited in April 2025.

If you appreciate versatile jewelry, earring jackets are a wonderful addition to your collection. If you're not familiar with the concept, let me explain: earring jackets are decorative metal components that pair with your own stud or post earrings, allowing you to create a variety of looks from a single pair of earrings.

I first fell in love with earring jackets in the 1980s, when I was sixteen and working at a jewelry store in the Sun Valley Mall in Concord, California. The moment I discovered them, I was captivated. I couldn’t believe how many ways you could wear them— I thought they were the coolest thing ever and knew I had to get a pair. I couldn’t stop telling my mom about them.

Fortunately, my mother, who worked in the jewelry industry, surprised me with the most elegant pair of dainty 14k gold earring jackets. I was beyond thrilled and couldn’t wait to wear them. For months, I wore them daily, styling them with my teenage outfits and loving the ritual of creating a new look each day.

All these years later, I still have those beautiful 14k gold earring jackets and continue to admire their timeless beauty.

MONOLISA 14k Gold Earring Jacket Set with with 4 Carat Peridot Gemstone Stud earrings.

The Inspiration Behind the MONOLISA Earring Jacket Collection

My love for earring jackets runs deep. They inspired me so much that when I became a jewelry artist, I knew I had to design my own collection. Handcrafting earring jackets has become one of my favorite creative processes.

But the journey wasn’t instant. Designing the perfect earring jacket took time—two years of experimenting with metal gauges, testing wearability, and refining styles. I began the design process in 2021 and finally launched the MONOLISA Earring Jacket Collection in 2023.

The collection features timeless designs handcrafted in 14k yellow gold and Argentium silver, a premium, tarnish-resistant silver. What makes these earring jackets special is their versatility and thoughtful design.

Each set includes gemstone studs, and the jackets can be styled in several ways:

1. Wear the jackets with the gemstone studs for a complete look.

2. Place the jacket in front of or behind the earlobe to create different visual effects.

3. Wear the studs alone for a minimal, classic style.

4. Mix and match the jackets with your own favorite studs—whether diamonds, pearls, or other gemstones—for endless combinations.

Another bonus: the MONOLISA earring jackets are lightweight yet durable, designed for all-day comfort without sacrificing quality.

There are 14 steps that go into making MONOLISA Argentium silver earring jackets. In this video Jewelry Artist Lisa Ramos shows viewers her handmade process.

What Makes the MONOLISA Earring Jacket Collection Unique?

There are several details that make the MONOLISA Earring Jacket Collection truly special. Each earring jacket set is personally handcrafted by me in my Clayton, California studio. These are not casted pieces—meaning I don’t pour molten metal into molds for mass production. Instead, every earring jacket is thoughtfully hand-fabricated, making each piece one of a kind.

The creation process is extensive and hands-on, involving:

• Sawing and sculpting the metal

• Precision soldering

• Hand hammering and texturing

• Meticulous sanding and buffing

• Multiple hours of heat hardening Argentium silver to enhance its tarnish-resistant properties

• Expert stone setting

• Final polishing to bring out a radiant finish

Each earring jacket reflects hours of artisan craftsmanship, not factory production. My designs are not mass-produced and are exclusively available on my website or at select fine art shows.

My design philosophy is simple: create high-quality, timeless jewelry that can be worn for years to come. The MONOLISA Jewelry Collection has been proudly featured at juried fine art shows throughout California, where craftsmanship and originality are celebrated.

My Mission

To design beautifully handmade limited edition pieces that add a touch of elegance to any personal style.

Thank You for Reading

I hope you enjoyed learning about the art of earring jackets, their versatile styling possibilities, and how a teenage love for jewelry inspired me to create my own collection.

Perhaps one day, you'll experience the joy of owning a pair of earring jackets—and find yourself just as captivated by their beauty and versatility as I was.

Until we meet again...

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This blog article is written by California Jewelry Artist, Lisa Ramos. Lisa is a member of the International Gem Society (IGS), Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) and Argentium Silver Guild.

Other Articles

  Meet the Artist - Lisa Ramos

Solitude Meets Art - My Artistic Journey 

A Walk in My Shoes - Art & Pain