Everyday Luxury

Thanks AUrate for sponsoring this post!

When it came to pierced ears, I was a bit of a late adopter. My mother never had good luck with pierced ears, prone to sensitivity and infection, my sister, eight years my junior jumped at the chance to get her ears pierced as soon as my mom let her, and that was promptly followed by an infection. So you can see why I wasn't super eager to try it out for myself.

Eventually, at the tender age of 20, feeling let down by the complete discomfort of clip on earrings, I took the plunge, headed into a Claire's, and got my ears pierced. A whole new world of accessories had opened to me, and I celebrated with a stop at So Good Jewelry - a mecca of glitzy and inexpensive earrings. I'm pretty sure they are no longer in business, and I'm even more certain that if they were I would no longer shop there. The decor was an explosion of bright pink with animal print carpeting, and I've since developed a sensitivity with my ears which keeps me from buying anything other than sterling silver, gold, or gold vermeil.

Thankfully my love of jewelry has never once faded, but has, gratefully, evolved. Now I try to fill my collection with high quality pieces,  and I'm always delighted to discover and share companies like AUrate, which focuses on making fine jewelry without concessions, crafted from high quality durable materials, 14 and 18 karat gold, pearls sourced from Japan and the South Sea, and the use of only S1-clarity diamonds on every piece, which are all handmade in New York.

AUrate's pieces are simple, timeless, and completely wearable. Since my gold circle earrings have arrived, I've put them on nearly everyday.  They are small enough that I can wear them comfortably, and of course have no reaction to the metal.

Because AUrate sells directly to the customer, they are focused on honest pricing, which means that  earrings in 14 karat gold would cost $550, instead of something like $1,200. The icing on the cake (aside from free shipping and returns) is that AUrate wants to give back, and are currently working to help develop the literacy of students in New York. For every purchase made, AUrate donates a book to a child in need.

When it comes to pieces I'm confident I'll want to wear forever, I don't mind investing in quality, and I know there are more pieces from AUrate I want to add to my collection.

 Rust Knit Tank, White wide leg jeans, straw hat, macrame bag-11.jpg Rust Knit Tank, White wide leg jeans, straw hat, macrame bag-16.jpg Rust Knit Tank, White wide leg jeans, straw hat, macrame bag-7.jpg Rust Knit Tank, White wide leg jeans, straw hat, macrame bag-15.jpg Rust Knit Tank, White wide leg jeans, straw hat, macrame bag-10.jpg Rust Knit Tank, White wide leg jeans, straw hat, macrame bag-13.jpg Rust Knit Tank, White wide leg jeans, straw hat, macrame bag-5.jpg
The Rundown
Side Tie Knit Top J.Crew Factory
White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar
Huarache Mules "Camila" Rebecca Minkoff
Vintage Macrame Tote Etsy
Straw Boater Hat Hinge similar
Circle Earrings c/o AUrate New York
Chevron Cuff "Vista" Gorjana similar
Gold Ring Thrifted
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class






and

23 comments

  1. They are beautiful earrings! I had a similar story, took me ages to get my ears pierced, and when I did it turned out that all the fun cheap and cheerful pieces did not agree with my ears. I bought a pair of plain silver studs and wore them for a while, before splurging on a diamond pair a few years ago that I almost never take off. every now and then I'll try a different pair, but I always go back to the platinum studs! Gotta get that cost per wear down, ha! I think classic ones like your gold ones you'll always be able to wear! :)

    Hope that you had a wonderful weekend :) We had a birthday party for my eldest so it was a bit busy, but lots of fun.

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  2. I desperately wanted my ears pierced from the time I knew what earrings were. It nearly killed me waiting until I was twelve to get it done. And then, imagine my chagrin when right after piercing, my new holes became so inflamed that I actually had to take the earrings out and let them close over. It was heartbreaking. I had them repierced the following year and it stil took the holes an unreasonably long time to heal, but they did heal without infection, so I still have them. I genuinely can't imagine a jewelry wardrobe without earrings and they remain the type of jewelry that I own the most of. Because my ears are sensitive, I try to stick to gold and gold vermeil, but I admit that sometimes I get sucked in by a really cute pair of budget earrings, mainly because the real thing can be so expensive. It's nice to see brands like Aurate getting into the market and making better quality jewelry more affordable.
    xox,
    Cee

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  3. Oooh those are so pretty! Gotta love cutting out the middle man.
    And love that tank!
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  4. Love those earrings! They are super classic. You will have them for years.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  5. That's too bad that you've had so many issues with pierced ears (my mom actually has always had problems as well), but the nice side is that you get to consciously build your accessory collection with better quality pieces. And this particular brand/line sounds really nice; I'll have to check them out.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  6. So chic! Love your shoes!

    xx Leah / www.leahbehr.com

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  7. I got my ears pierced when I was 13 and I learned all too fast about cheap earrings. Thankfully I'm not AS allergic to cheap ones but my taste seems to throw me into the more expensive arena now. Anyway, I am with you on wanting to build GOOD jewelry. I fell into the BaubleBar trap and now I am SO turned off by flashy stuff that I just want good, classics!
    The Adored Life

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  8. A very nice summer outfit and I like looks with hats (and mules of course he he)

    https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/06/08/royal-greenhouses/

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  9. Those earrings do look like ones you'll wear forever--they're classic but still really fun! I love the side-tie detail of that top too, and those sandals are some of my favorites of yours!

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  10. With jewelry I don't mind investing if I know it's a classic piece and made with quality materials. I've never heard of this brand before, but thanks for sharing about them! I love that they have good quality materials and are passing their savings onto the buyer!

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  11. Lydia, I LOVE those pants!!!!! They look amazing on you! The rest of the look is styled so perfectly!

    I’d love for you to join our link up today!

    -Adriele
    StyleAssisted.com

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  12. I'm the same way and when it comes to earrings, I look for a more simple, timeless look that still makes a statements. Your earrings nailed that kind I would love to get! It has a minimalist chic to it!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  13. Such a cute and comfy look!
    Visit me back! ♥
    MandySharesLife

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  14. It's true that it's nice to invest in good jewelry because they last forever (and always fit!)
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  15. What a fresh and chic outfit! I love the jewelry, especially since it's high quality and made here in the US!

    Tina
    www.justatinabit.com

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  16. I love those pants!!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: CHIC & EASY OFFICE OUTFIT

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  17. love this chic look, I have a necklace by Aurate and it's one of my favorite pieces.

    xo
    Pinksole

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  18. I got my ears pierced at 7 or 8 (I think...? This is something I should remember, ha.) and immediately starting buying up ALL the stuff at Claire's and Afterthoughts (which is now totally out of business).

    I love these pretty circle earrings, lady- so chic! And your summer sweater is perf!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  19. I think I got my ears pierced when I was about 10 and I have been meaning to pierce Vivian's. I always notice your jewelry and your earrings are gorgeous. Love those frayed wide-legged jeans and the boater hat, too. Plus the chevron bangle is super cute!

    Welcome by Thursday and link up, dear Lydia. =)

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  20. What a beautiful outfit dear !
    bisous

    http://www.gallech.com/

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  21. Love this look! Those earrings are gorgeous. So timeless!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

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  22. Those are lovely earrings indeed; elegant and timeless. Love the pants too dear, that's so perfect for summer!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  23. My ears were pierced the day I was born, so luckily it's never been an issue. The "earring holes" have always been there...
    I love the earrings and think you look spectacular in this outfit - the rust top and white look fab.

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