Carnassial ear jackets & fang gem studs
Carnassial ear jackets & fang gem studs
Fierce loyalty - the protective power of wolves teeth.
Hand carved ear jackets in solid sterling silver. Adjustable heights to hug and frame the ear lobe.
Complemented by the Fang gem studs set with onyx cabochon gems.
design process
I was commissioned by Leigh and Vicki Smith to create a jewellery collection to be worn by and celebrate their South Mainland Up Helly Aa Jarl Squad. After initial discussions with them, I created mood boards of images, played with ideas and pencilled initial concepts. Wolves teeth (the incisors, carnassials and fangs) caught my imagination and became the prevailing motif for what was to become the Wolf Collection. Leigh and Vicki provided valuable feedback as designs of the ear jacket developed from my drawings.
I then created a wax carving of the Carnassial ear jackets, which were cast in silver to produce the ‘master patterns’ and used to reproduce the final pieces in a range of precious metals. Each ear jacket is hand-finished in Hoswick and Hallmarked in Edinburgh.
- Karlin
How to wear the Carnassial Ear Jackets
What Are Ear Jackets?
Ear jackets are a distinctive type of earring that feature a two-part design: a front-facing stud that goes through the earlobe and a decorative 'jacket' piece that attaches to the stud behind the earlobe. This design creates the striking visual effect of the jacket being suspended below the earlobe, adding depth and dimension to your look - a perfect way to infuse a modern edge into your jewellery collection, offering versatility and unconventional elegance.
Though ear jackets might appear to be a recent trend, their origins are deeply rooted in ancient jewellery traditions. The contemporary revival began in the early 2010s, when innovative designers reimagined these age-old designs with a modern twist, bringing them back into the fashion spotlight.
How to Wear Ear Jackets
Curious about how to integrate ear jackets into your jewellery collection? Here are some tips to help you wear them with confidence:
Choose Your Style
Ear jackets come in an array of designs, ranging from minimalist geometric shapes to intricate, embellished patterns. My collections include the intricate Oppenwark Ear Jackets and the striking Wolf Carnassial Ear Jackets (above). Both designs feature geometric jacket pieces and are available with or without matching studs.
Mix and Match
One of the standout features of ear jackets is their versatility. You can mix and match different studs and jackets to craft a personalised look which can breathe new life into your favourite studs and offer combinations that perfectly expresses your unique style.