Penny Earrings: Your Ultimate Style Upgrade Guide
Penny earrings are seriously having a moment right now! And not just any moment – we’re talking full-blown renaissance for these little copper beauties. What starts as “huh, that’s kinda quirky” quickly turns into “why don’t I own five pairs already?!” Whether you’re someone who rocks minimalist studs that whisper “I’m subtly cool” or you prefer those attention-grabbing hoops that basically announce “I definitely raided a pirate’s treasure chest last weekend,” there’s definitely a perfect penny pair with your name on it.
These tiny treasures aren’t just jewelry – they’re like wearing little pieces of history on your ears! They blend nostalgia, craftsmanship, and just the right amount of whimsy to make them perfect for both everyday wear and those times when you want your accessories to start conversations. I’ve been obsessed with them since finding my first pair at a craft fair three years ago, and trust me, you’re gonna want to know all about these little gems.
Product Spotlight: Why Penny Earrings Are Worth Your Pennies
First things first – penny earrings aren’t just literal coins someone randomly stuck on posts (though some totally are, and they’re awesome!). They’re a playful nod to history, luck, and even pop culture that’s been gaining traction with jewelry lovers everywhere. Some designs take inspiration from vintage coins – those Indian Head pennies are seriously gorgeous – while others get creative with enamel, gemstones, or sleek metalwork that just hints at the coin origins.
Did you know pennies have major folklore connections to good luck? That whole “find a penny, pick it up” thing isn’t just a cute rhyme. People have been considering pennies lucky for centuries, so wearing them might just brighten your day (or at least make your outfit way cooler).
I’ve noticed penny earrings everywhere lately – from craft markets to high-end boutiques. Even my usually-traditional mom asked where I got mine last month! They’ve got this perfect balance of quirky and classic that makes them appealing to pretty much everyone.
Materials & Craftsmanship: What to Look For
Not all penny earrings are created equal, friends. Some are absolutely stunning while others… well, let’s just say they might turn your earlobes green. Here’s what you should know before buying:
Solid copper or brass pieces give you that authentic penny look and feel, but they can definitely irritate sensitive ears. If you’re like me and break out in a rash from certain metals, look for options with stainless steel posts – your ears will thank you! My friend learned this lesson the hard way after wearing pure copper earrings to a wedding… her ears were not happy campers.
Enamel coatings add gorgeous pops of color to penny designs, but they can chip if you’re rough with them. I’ve had amazing luck with Rising Jewelry’s handmade options – their enamel work is seriously impressive and has held up through countless wearings. If you’re curious about enamel techniques, there’s a great tutorial on EPBOT showing different ways to add color to penny jewelry.
For vintage coin lovers, eBay is like the promised land – they’ve got tons of real-deal antique pennies turned into earrings. Just make sure to check seller ratings carefully! My cousin got scammed with “1800s” penny earrings that were actually made last year in someone’s garage. Oops.
Pro tip from a penny earring addict: if sustainability matters to you, look for upcycled or hand-stamped designs. They often have these cool little imperfections that add so much character! Plus, you’re basically wearing recycled art, which is pretty awesome.
DIY Alert: Wanna Make Your Own?
Feeling crafty? Making your own penny earrings is actually way easier than you’d think! I tried it last summer after finding a super helpful guide on Saved By Love Creations that walks you through the whole process of working with flattened pennies. My first attempt was… questionable, but by the third pair I was feeling pretty confident!
If you’ve been collecting those souvenir pressed pennies from vacation spots (you know, from those machines at tourist attractions?), there’s an awesome tutorial on Rings and Things that shows exactly how to turn them into super meaningful earrings. Such a cool way to remember your travels!
The trickiest part is definitely drilling the holes without damaging the coins. I learned from Cut Out + Keep that using a vise to hold the penny steady while drilling makes all the difference. Seriously, don’t skip this step unless you want a penny flying across your workspace (ask me how I know… 😬).
Styling: How to Wear Penny Earrings Without Looking Like a Piggy Bank
Balance is key with these babies! Tiny studs like Tigerlillyshop’s 10mm pair work amazing for stacking with other delicate jewelry. I wear mine with a constellation of tiny studs up my ear and it looks so effortlessly cool. For work days, they’re subtle enough that my boss never gives them side-eye.
Bold penny hoops (Moonpenny makes these colorful ones I’m obsessed with) can totally stand alone as statement pieces. Try ’em with a slicked-back bun and neutral outfit to let your ears do all the talking! I wore mine to dinner last week with just a simple black tee and jeans, and got compliments all night.
Vintage lovers, listen up – Dear Pennyroyal’s antique designs pair PERFECTLY with lace or linen for a super romantic vibe. My friend wore hers to a garden wedding with a flowy dress and honestly looked like she stepped out of a cottage core Pinterest board. So. Dang. Cute.
And hey, if you’re feeling extra, why not layer a penny necklace with your earrings? It creates this whole “I curated this look from a Parisian flea market” aesthetic that’s basically impossible to mess up. Just maybe don’t add a penny bracelet and penny ring at the same time… that might be crossing into “I’m literally made of money” territory!
Best Places to Buy Penny Earrings
Tigerlillyshop Jewelry
Website: Tigerlillyshop Jewelry
Summary: These Tiny Penny Earrings are *adorably* miniature—just 10mm wide! Handcrafted from solid copper with stainless steel posts, they’re a steal at $16. I’ve had mine for over a year and they still look brand new! Perfect for minimalists who want a whisper of coin charm without going full-on pirate. (Psst: They’re also hypoallergenic if you swap the backs!)
Why We Love ‘Em:
- Super pocket-friendly price
- Hypoallergenic option available (my sensitive ears are grateful)
- So lightweight you’ll forget you’re wearing them
- Each pair handmade with obvious care
- Subtle enough for conservative workplaces
Heads Up:
- Only comes in studs – no hoops or dangles
- The copper does tarnish if you forget to take ’em off before showering (guilty!)
- Size might disappoint if you’re into big statement pieces
- Pretty limited color/finish options
- Shipping takes like a week – not ideal if you need a last-minute gift
Rising Jewelry by Kiona Elliott
Website: Rising Jewelry Shop
Summary: Raleigh-based artist Kiona Elliott hand-enamels real pennies into vibrant wearable art that’s seriously stunning. You can customize your birth year or favorite color—these are *the* earrings for personalization addicts. I got matching pairs for my sister and me with our birth years and different colors. Bonus: Free U.S. shipping over $50, which is easy to hit because you’ll definitely want more than one pair!
Perks to Pocket:
- Every pair is one-of-a-kind handmade (no twin earring anxiety at parties!)
- Fully customizable by year and color
- That free shipping threshold is pretty easy to hit
- Local pickup available for Raleigh folks
- Makes the most thoughtful gift ever (my sister actually cried)
Fine Print:
- Prices start at $30+ (worth it, but not exactly cheap)
- The enamel can chip if you’re rough with ’em
- Be prepared to wait 2-3 weeks for processing
- Not all designs have hypoallergenic options
- International shipping is kinda hit or miss
eBay
Website: eBay – Penny Earrings
Summary: eBay is basically the wild west of penny earrings! You can score everything from genuine 1900s Indian Head pennies to some really quirky handmade pairs. My most unique pair came from a seller who used pennies that survived a house fire – they’ve got this amazing patina that can’t be replicated. Proceed with caution (definitely check those seller ratings!), but the treasure hunt is half the fun.
Treasure Trove:
- Massive variety – we’re talking 1,500+ listings at any given time!
- Actual vintage/antique options unlike anywhere else
- Some seriously budget-friendly finds (scored a pair for $8 including shipping!)
- Bidding is weirdly addictive for deal hunters
- That eBay money-back guarantee gives nice peace of mind
Buyer Beware:
- Quality totally depends on who’s selling
- Sooo many fake “antiques” (if the price seems too good…)
- Shipping costs are all over the place
- Returns can be a major headache
- The photos are sometimes WAY better than what arrives
FAQs: Penny for Your Thoughts?
Q: Are penny earrings heavy? My lobes are wimpy!
A: Most are super lightweight—especially studs. Even my hoops aren’t bad! They might have *some* heft, but nothing that’ll stretch your lobes into oblivion. My mom has super delicate earlobes and wears her penny studs for days without issues.
Q: Can I shower with my penny earrings on?
A: Probably should skip it if they’re enameled (water makes the colors fade) or pure copper (hello, green ears). Stainless steel or properly coated metals do better, but I still take mine off just to be safe. Nobody wants that weird green earlobe look, trust me.
Q: Do any shops use real actual coins?
A: Totally! eBay’s vintage sellers often use authentic old pennies. Rising Jewelry uses real modern pennies but seals them with enamel for color and protection. There’s also a super cool tutorial on Instructables about making earrings from British three pence coins if you want to try something different!
Q: What if I’m allergic to nickel/copper? My ears freak out with most metals.
A: Same, friend! Opt for stainless steel posts (Tigerlillyshop has these) or acrylic-coated designs (Moonpenny). I always swap out the backs for plastic ones too – makes a huge difference for all-day wear without the itch.
Q: How do I clean tarnished copper penny earrings? Mine are looking kinda sad.
A: This sounds weird but a dab of ketchup works like magic! Seriously! Or try baking soda paste if you prefer. Just rinse super well after and dry them completely. Don’t try this on enameled ones tho – stick to gentle soap and water for those babies.
Penny for Your Style: Final Thoughts
Penny earrings might seem like a small addition to your jewelry box, but they pack way more personality than their size suggests! Whether you’re after tiny subtle studs, colorful enamel art, or legit vintage coin pieces, there’s definitely a perfect pair out there with your name on it.
For quality and overall charm, Tigerlillyshop and Rising Jewelry are my personal faves—but don’t sleep on eBay if you enjoy a good treasure hunt. And if you’re feeling creative, making your own is totally doable with the right tools and a bit of patience.
Like actual pennies, these earrings might seem small and insignificant at first glance, but they add up to something pretty special in your collection. Now go forth and accessorize like the numismatic fashionista you were born to be! Your ears (and your outfit game) will thank you.
AI Disclaimer: I use AI to help create the content and images on this blog. That said, everything gets a human touch—proofread, edited, and checked over—before it goes live. So while AI gives me a boost, you’re still getting content made with care.
