These earrings will help you celebrate your second coming-of-age

No mom, it’s not just a phase

In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, that quintessential coming-of-age movie, Charlie and his friends tumble into adulthood, loudly and dramatically—they race through tunnels while blasting David Bowie, go on substance-fuelled rampages, and throw extravagant parties in basements. Reality, especially if you’re an Indian woman, is starkly different. Our coming-of-age is usually quieter, more subdued, and often involves warily getting an ear piercing (or two).

But unlike the rite-of-passage first ear piercing, the second one usually gets the Cinderella treatment. Ask any desi mom if you can pierce your ear a second time and she’ll glare at you like you’ve just hurled an unspeakable slur. Don’t quote us on this, but we’d say it’s an argument worth having. For one, getting a second ear piercing is a low-stakes but undeniably important way to express yourself and reclaim agency over your body.

And if you’re still unconvinced, you can think of it as a fashion statement you don’t ever need to take off—not only does it accentuate your first piercing, but can also help you create a trendy, layered look with minimum effort. Just look at celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Scarlett Johansson and Ananya Panday whose enviable earring stacks add immense depth to their style. Considering it? Or already got one (after much pleading, cajoling and/ or threatening)? Congrats! Now here are seven exquisite fine jewellery ear pieces to celebrate your second coming of age.

7 earrings that’ll graciously take on the role of a second piercing

Petal heart gold stud earrings by Tanishq, ₹28,424

We simply can’t get enough of the girl next door vibe (think Geet in Jab We Met), and these heart-shaped earrings with petal cutwork embody her whimsical charm. Made with 22-karat gold, they’re intricate enough to fetch you some compliments while still being playful enough to pair with a casual outfit. Pair them with larger gold studs to create a complementary ear stack. For maximum impact, wear it with a kurti and side-swept bangs, and who knows, you might just find an Aditya of your own.

Sleek diamond drop earrings by Orra, ₹1,16,091

If you’d rather smooch a king cobra than be caught wearing jhagmag earrings, these sleek drop earrings will charm you with their elegant minimalism. Match these danglers with a pair of hoops or longer danglers in your first piercing, and let your ears do all the heavy lifting in the style department. We’d suggest reserving them for a special occasion, like a cocktail party or roka, so you can dazzle everyone with your impeccable taste.

Solitaire stud earrings by Forevermark, ₹95,499

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but these are like the big-sister you rush to for every problem, big or small. Reliable and timeless, they can rescue even the most unsalvageable of fashion emergencies. Want a basic piece that’ll make you look put-together on a particularly rough morning? Check. Can’t locate the heirloom piece your aaji gifted to you and need a replacement? Check. Hoping to distract your mami, chachi, and phuphi from the marriage question at the next family reunion? Also check.

Dunga diamond earrings by PC Jeweller, ₹46,189

If dangly earrings are too overstimulating, and studs are too basic, these ear climbers are a safe in-between. Designed to hug the earlobe, they stretch along its length and create the illusion of multiple piercings. Judging only by their bold design, it’s evident they don’t shy away from the limelight, so try keeping your first piercing simple and subdued (a classic stud will do the trick), so this pair can bask in the attention.

Aura lariat earrings by Zoya, ₹1,53,123

For all the experimental Eshas out there, these statement earrings are a dream come true. With their unique geometric design and pine-green malachites, they bring all the drama. Plus, they serve as a great conversation starter at parties, so you’ll be spared of the grating 30-minute-long small talk about toxic bosses (you can get better at small talk, though). And the best part? They’re accompanied by a lariat necklace, so coordinating your jewellery is now a breeze.

Gold earrings by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, ₹49,386

If kurtis, gajras, and Faqir Chand bookstore are your vibe, these earrings are the missing link in your Pinterest-worthy look. The intricate, heart-shaped pattern at the top is delightfully girlish, while the dangly bits have an elongating effect, making them a great choice for round faces. Pair them with a boho skirt, bandanna, and kolhapuri chappals so you can really double down on that breezy, feminine look.

Peacock diamond 18K gold stud earrings by Gehna India, ₹56,460

Do you have an eye for detail and a sincere appreciation for craftsmanship? If so, this pair will present a good dilemma because you’ll be torn between staring at it awestruck and actually pinning it to your ear. Flaunting a stunning peacock motif, with each stone placed gently and deliberately, these earrings are pure art, and above all, a testament to the numerous hours of work that were poured into it. Aesthetes, assemble!