The holidays are a great time to focus on silver and gold jewelry.

And here, I’m at it once again, although technically I’ve been on the hunt for exceptional gold earrings all year long. The idea was that by December, I’d be able to narrow my favorites down to a solid quintet—you know, in lieu of the “five gold rings” one’s true love is supposed to give them on the fifth day of Christmas? (Side note: Kiri Te Kanawa’s cover of “The 12 Days of Christmas” was the version played in my house growing up but there are others if you’re not getting the reference.)

A great pair of gold earrings makes what you’re wearing look a million times more festive. Which means any of my picks in this edit can bring instant glamour to your holiday look this weekend (so, so pretty with a red, green, or even black dress or cashmere sweater) and beyond.

They’re like the jewelry equivalent of getting a few face-framing highlights at the salon. Personally, I’d opt for both—how else would I get through winter?

Geo Pave drop earrings with diamonds in 22k gold, $2,700; Gurhan

Shield Earrings with white diamonds in 14k gold, $2,600; Lauren Wolf Jewelry

 Medium Harlequin Hoops with diamonds in 14k gold, $3,450; Gillian Steinhardt

 Lil Triangle Chain and Solder Square Dangle Earrings in 14k gold, $405; Hannah Keefe for Love Adorned

 

(Top: Gold Bar stud earrings in 14k yellow gold, $650; Established)

 

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