12 Pairs of Drop-Dead Gorgeous Earrings

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Photo: Gregor Halenda
A slender cascade of antiqued metal and colorful crystals catches the eye.
Madame Mathilde, $65; MadameMathilde.com
Madame Mathilde, $65; MadameMathilde.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda
A string of oversize faceted amethysts in shiny rose-gold-plated brass settings make a big statement.
Sheila Fajl, $695; SheilaFajl.com
Sheila Fajl, $695; SheilaFajl.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Wear these delicate amethyst drops with pulled-back hair for nonstop glamour.
Mia Lara, $435; MiaLara.com
Mia Lara, $435; MiaLara.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Polished ruby red resin provides an exquisite jolt of color.
Kara by Kara Ross, $190; Nieman Marcus; 800-365-7989
Kara by Kara Ross, $190; Nieman Marcus; 800-365-7989

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Rutilated quartz slices framed in sterling silver are Mother Nature's showstoppers.
Leslie Greene, $715; London Jewelers, Manhasset, NY; 516-627-6465
Leslie Greene, $715; London Jewelers, Manhasset, NY; 516-627-6465

Photo: Gregor Halenda
A trio of blue stones, from translucent to milky, can go casual or dressy.
Lulu Frost, $215; LuluFrost.com
Lulu Frost, $215; LuluFrost.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Amethyst, lavender amethyst, and rhodalite garnet stones are wrapped in the designer's signature cable trim.
David Yurman; 212-752-4255
David Yurman; 212-752-4255

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Smoky quartz, citrine, and bright lemon yellow glass stones are neutral enough to pass muster at work.
Lulu Frost, $215; LuluFrost.com
Lulu Frost, $215; LuluFrost.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Translucent precious stones—cubic zirconia studs, green aventurine ovals, amethyst teardrops—beautifully capture the light.
Sheila Fajl, $405; SheilaFajl.com
Sheila Fajl, $405; SheilaFajl.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Long, narrow columns of emerald-colored crystals have a rich yet subtle quality.
Oscar de la Renta, $245; Net-a-Porter.com
Oscar de la Renta, $245; Net-a-Porter.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda
Clear crystal quartz teardrops set in 18kt-gold vermeil are an understated take on the shoulder-duster.
Mia Lara, $435; MiaLara.com
Mia Lara, $435; MiaLara.com
From the September 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine