12 Pairs of Drop-Dead Gorgeous Earrings

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Pavé crystals in shades of purple, blue, and pink fleck these Deco earrings.

Akkad, $60; HSN.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda

A slender cascade of antiqued metal and colorful crystals catches the eye.

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

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Wear these delicate amethyst drops with pulled-back hair for nonstop glamour.

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

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

Photo: Gregor Halenda

A trio of blue stones, from translucent to milky, can go casual or dressy.

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

smoky quartz, citrine and yellow glass earrings

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

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Translucent precious stones—cubic zirconia studs, green aventurine ovals, amethyst teardrops—beautifully capture the light.

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

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

From the September 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine