STYLE & JEWELRY GUIDE
Monoearrings: the trend to adopt without a faux pas
A strong trend, the monoloop is the chic and modular accessory, easy to adopt from the office to the evening.
Bold, graphic, and surprisingly easy to wear, the monoloop is
the fashion accessory that sparks a look—without ever overdoing it. Worn alone,
in asymmetry or in a mismatched duo, it creates an instant signature. In this guide, Ylume
gives you all the keys to choosing the right piece (size, shape, stone), combining it with your
other jewelry, adapting it to your morphology and wearing it on a daily basis, from the office to the evening.
champagne-colored, RJC certified, and nickel, lead and cadmium free for impeccable comfort.
Monoloop: what exactly are we talking about?
A monobuckle is any buckle worn alone on one side:
a hoop, a pendant, a mini-buckle adorned with a fine stone or an ear
cuff that clips on without piercing. The interest: the asymmetry. By leaving
the other ear bare — or dressed more discreetly — we attract the eye, lighten the silhouette
and sign a deliberately contemporary style.
- Controlled asymmetry : immediately energizes a sober outfit.
- Versatility : adapts to all dress codes (office, dinner, ceremony).
- Personal expression : playing with textures, lengths, stones.
How to choose your monobuckle: size, shape, texture, stone
The right choice depends on your body type, haircut and
the occasion. Start by specifying the effect you’re looking for: discreet and graphic,
bright and textured, or outright statement.
Size & Length
For a mono-loop, the proportion is quickly noticeable. In Creole, a diameter of 22–30 mm
is the best point of balance. When pendulous, aim for a length below the lobe to the middle of the neck
(avoid the shoulder if you already wear a worked collar).
Shape
Smooth hoop for purity, oval for lengthening,
twisted to catch the light, hammered for the solar spirit.
A rod or a dangling drop brings verticality.
Texture
The Ylume matte champagne finish softens the shine and matches all skin tones.
Hammered surfaces create flattering micro-reflections in photos.
Gemstones
Mother-of-pearl (softness), onyx (contrast), quartz (clarity),
labradorite (reflections). Choose stone as a style note, not as a constraint:
the monobuckle should remain easy to associate with your wardrobe.
| Desired | Recommended | Contexts |
|---|---|---|
| Discrete | Mini hoop 16–20 mm smooth or small pendant | Office, Business Date, White Shirt |
| Light & texture | Hoop 24–30 mm twisted or hammered | Afterwork, dinner, monochrome outfit |
| Signature statement | Long pendant or hoop 32–40 mm | Evening, sleek dress, hair tied back |
| Subtle | Gemstones (mother-of-pearl, onyx, quartz, labradorite) | Seasonal looks, weddings, guests |
Monoloop & face morphology
The rules are never absolute, but they help to achieve the most harmonious effect on the first try.
- Round face : prefer vertical lines (pendulous) or oval.
Avoid hoop earrings that are too wide and flat. - Oval face : total freedom. The 24–32 mm hoop is a safe bet.
- Square/angular face: soften with a smooth or hammered round hoop earrings.
- Heart-shaped face : oval or drops, more present in the lower part.
Hair & Necklines
- Short/tied hair : dare to wear a pendant or a textured hoop.
- Long hair : 26–34 mm to stay visible without tangling.
- Turtleneck : slender with a graphic pendant.
- V-neck : oval, semicircle, drop.
The art of asymmetry: composing without unbalancing
The key to a successful monoloop is one word: balance. If one side is strong, calm
the other. Here are three proven formulas:
- Monobuckle + bare ear : the most refined. Ideal with a textured 24–30mm hoop.
- Monoloop + mini-chip : adds discreet punctuation . Perfect for the office.
- Monobuckle + ear cuff : immediate modernity without additional drilling.
“One star per look”: if the monobuckle is strong, leave the minimalist necklace. If you’re layering the chains, keep the loop smaller.
Piercing combinations: the ear as a mini-adornment
The monobuckle fits perfectly into a piercing set. Think in rhythm (big → small) and in
materials (smooth vs. textured) to create a smooth read.
Minimal Set
Hoop monobuckle 24–28 mm + small gold chip in the second hole.
Graphic set
Dangling monobuckle + smooth huggie + thin cartilage ear cuff.
Boho chic set
Hammered hoop monobuckle + mother-of-pearl chip + twisted ear ring.
Evening set
Elongated dangling + mini pavé zirconia hoop + nude opposite ear.
10 Ideas for Looks (Monday to Sunday)
- Monday (office): white shirt + 26 mm oval hoop monobuckle + textured gold ring.
- Tuesday (meeting): beige suit + 24 mm smooth monobuckle + opposite mini-chip.
- Wednesday (creative): sailor shirt + 28 mm twisted monobuckle + thin ear cuff.
- Thursday (afterwork): black jeans + satin top + dangling monobuckle + medallion choker necklace.
- Friday (casual): cream sweatshirt + 30 mm hammered monobuckle + thin bangle.
- Saturday (brunch): flowing dress + mother-of-pearl monobuckle + minimalist sandals.
- Evening (cocktail): black dress + statement monobuckle 34–38 mm + bare cuffs.
- Civil wedding : white suit + mother-of-pearl drop monobuckle + fine necklace.
- Holidays : linen dress + hammered monobuckle + straw hat (hair tied back).
- Holidays : lamé blouse + onyx monobuckle + stone ring.
Do’s / Don’ts
Do
- Wedge the proportion (24–30 mm versatile).
- Contrast textures (smooth vs hammered) to catch the light.
- Let the other ear breathe (naked or mini-chipped).
- Coordinate with a discreet medal chain .
- Think comfort : light weight, secure clasp.
Avoid
- Accumulate statement curl + imposing collar + voluminous hairstyle.
- Choose a length that rubs the shoulder (discomfort, risk of snagging).
- Neglect maintenance (perfumes/lotions directly on the curl).
- Ignore morphology (e.g. XXL perfectly round on a very round face).
Care & durability: preserving gilding 3 μ
A well-cared for piece of jewelry retains its shine for longer. Ylume monoloops are made of
18 K 3 μ champagne gold-plated brass , a choice designed to combine light and hold.
- Remove the buckle before shower, pool, sea.
- Apply perfumes and care before putting it on.
- Store in a dry, separate pouch , away from rubbing.
- Clean with a soft chamois , without abrasives.
More tips on our Gold Plated Jewelry Care page.
Which monoloops for which occasions?
| Opportunity | Monoloop recommended | Pair with |
|---|---|---|
| Office | Hoop 22–26 mm smooth or oval | Mini Chip Opposite, Thin Chain |
| Afterwork | Hoop 26–30 mm twisted/hammered | Choker medal necklace, bangle |
| Dinner / Date | Medium pendulous (under lobe) | Silky top, hair tied back |
| Wedding/Guest | Drop mother-of-pearl, fine | Flowing dress, thin bracelets |
| Gala/Evening | Statement 32–38 mm | Sleek outfit, bare cuffs |
Season by season: adapting your monoloop
The monoloop follows the rhythm of the locker room. A few ideas to stay fair, all year round.
- Spring : mother-of-pearl, quartz, 24–28 mm hoop, light jackets.
- Summer : luminous hammered, aerial pendants, linen dresses (remove before swimming).
- Autumn : 26–30 mm smooth oval, blazers, caramel and ivory shades.
- Winter : graphic statement, turtleneck, hair tied up to slender.
Ylume quality: comfort, materials, ethics
A monobuckle is often worn longer than a classic pair (we quickly forget it!).
That’s why we take care of the weight, the clasp and the finesse of the finishes.
The gilding is made of 18 k 3 μ gold plated on a brass base,
with a delicate champagne shade, RJC certified. The parts are
Nickel, lead and cadmium free.
Our creations are designed in Aix-en-Provence and manufactured in France, Italy and Spain depending on the collections,
favouring a responsible circuit and reusable packaging.
Discover the selection of small curls,
Creoles and
Ear rings to make up your ideal monobuckle.
5 Common Mistakes (and How to Get Around Them)
- Load everything on the same side (monocurl + chunky chains + voluminous hairstyle) — lighten at the neck or tie up the hair.
- Choose too long — if the pendant touches the shoulder, opt for a length above.
- Ignore the hold of the gilding — avoid water, perfume, repeated rubbing.
- Forget the opposite ear — a flea or nothing, but decide it for a clear intention.
- Mixing too many textures — limit yourself to two textures (e.g. smooth + hammered).
FAQ — Monoloop Earrings
- Is the monobuckle suitable for the office?
- Yes, if it remains sober (22–26 mm smooth/oval hoop) and the opposite ear is bare or with a mini-chip.
- Is it mandatory to leave the other ear bare?
- No. A small chip, a thin huggie or a discreet ear cuff create an elegant balance.
- How to choose the right size?
- For versatility: 24–30 mm in hoop, or a medium pendant that doesn’t extend beyond the middle of the neck.
- Can you wear a monobuckle with other gold jewelry?
- Yes. Pair it with a discreet medallion chain and a thin bangle. Avoid competing with the loop if it is statement.
- Are Ylume monocurls suitable for sensitive skin?
- Yes, our jewelry is nickel, lead, cadmium and 3 micron gold free for a pleasant hold.
Ready to embrace asymmetry?
Explore our selections to create your signature:
small curls,
Creoles,
ear rings.
Compose a lighty, easy, and resolutely contemporary monoloop.
