From understated pearls for the workday to sculptural gold for evenings, Astor & Orion offers two compelling reasons to rethink your everyday jewelry.
I've always believed that the right accessories can do more for an outfit than another piece of clothing. A simple black top, tailored trousers, or even a basic sweater can look completely different with the right pair of earrings. That's one reason I've become increasingly selective about the jewelry I wear.
My wardrobe is relatively straightforward. I gravitate toward pieces that are easy to style, appropriate for meetings, and versatile enough to wear again and again. I don't particularly enjoy spending a lot of time deciding what to wear, especially when I have a full day of work ahead.
But I do like looking put together.
That's what initially caught my attention about Astor & Orion, a Seattle-based jewelry brand known for sculptural designs and its use of recycled metals. Two pairs in particular stand out: the Mae Paperclip Pearl Threaders in sterling silver and the Simi Gold Filigree Drop Earrings.
They're very different styles, but both can make an otherwise simple outfit feel considerably more interesting.
For the Workday: Mae Paperclip Pearl Threaders
Pearl earrings are hardly new, but I appreciate it when a designer finds a way to make something familiar feel modern.
The Mae Paperclip Pearl Threaders are a particularly good example. Rather than the traditional pearl stud or drop, Astor & Orion combines freshwater pearls with an elongated sterling silver paperclip chain. The result is delicate but architectural, with enough movement to make the earrings noticeable without feeling overly formal.
What makes them especially appealing for work is their versatility.
I can picture these with a black knit top, tailored trousers, and loafers for a typical day of meetings. They would also work beautifully with a crisp white shirt or a simple dress. The pearls add polish, while the chain detail keeps the look contemporary.
They're also exceptionally lightweight, which matters when you're wearing earrings for hours at a time. There's nothing particularly luxurious about spending an entire workday adjusting uncomfortable jewelry.
You can wear the Mae earrings as long drops through a single piercing or thread them through a second piercing for a more individual look. That flexibility is another detail I appreciate. You can make them feel relatively understated or a little more directional, depending on how you style them.
For women who spend much of their day moving between video calls, meetings, and professional events, these offer an interesting alternative to conventional office jewelry. They frame the face, introduce a little movement, and make even a minimal outfit feel considered.
I especially like wearing them with my hair pulled back and very little additional jewelry. They don't need much competition.
Shop the Edit: Mae Paperclip Pearl Threaders in Sterling Silver
For Evenings: Simi Gold Filigree Drop Earrings
While I prefer relatively understated accessories during the day, I enjoy something more expressive in the evening.
The Simi Gold Filigree Drop Earrings are exactly the sort of piece I would reach for when I want to look dressed up without putting together an entirely new outfit.
The design combines a close-fitting gold huggie with a sculptural filigree drop. The open geometric pattern adds dimension and lets light move through the design, creating a more interesting effect than a conventional solid-gold statement earring.
What appeals to me most is the proportion. At about 2.25 inches long, they're substantial enough to make an impression, but the openwork design keeps them from looking too heavy.
I'd wear these with a simple black midi dress, a fitted knit top and skirt, or even tailored trousers and a silk blouse. They're particularly well suited to dinners, evening events, and occasions when you want your accessories to do most of the work.
And that's really the benefit of a statement earring.
You don't necessarily need a complicated outfit, elaborate hairstyle, or layers of accessories. A beautiful pair of earrings can become the focal point, letting everything else stay relatively simple.
I also appreciate that the Simi design feels distinctive without relying on an obvious trend. The sculptural shape has enough personality to be memorable, but it's versatile enough to wear with different silhouettes and colors.
For someone who prefers a streamlined wardrobe, that's a meaningful advantage.
Shop the Edit: Simi Gold Filigree Drop Earrings
Jewelry That Works With Your Wardrobe, Not Against It
One thing I've become more conscious of over the years is how much time can be wasted trying to make individual pieces work together.
I don't want a wardrobe filled with things that require special consideration every time I get dressed. I want pieces that complement what I already own and make the process easier.
The Mae and Simi earrings accomplish that in different ways.
The Mae threaders offer a polished, modern option for professional settings. They're feminine without being overly traditional and distinctive without becoming distracting.
The Simi earrings, on the other hand, are designed to make a bigger statement. They're the kind of accessory that can take a relatively ordinary outfit and make it feel appropriate for an evening out.
Neither requires a completely different wardrobe.
And while I tend to think of the Mae earrings for daytime and the Simi earrings for evenings, there's no reason to limit either design to a particular occasion. The distinction is really about how much presence I want my jewelry to have.
A More Thoughtful Approach to Accessories
Another aspect of Astor & Orion worth mentioning is the company's approach to production.
The brand emphasizes recycled metals and works with manufacturing partners certified against established labor and environmental standards. Its designs also reflect a more sculptural approach to jewelry, with pieces intended to feel expressive rather than disposable.
I appreciate that combination of design and consideration, particularly when purchasing accessories I intend to wear repeatedly.
Ultimately, I'm much more interested in owning a smaller jewelry collection I genuinely enjoy than accumulating pieces that spend most of their time in a drawer.
The best accessories should make getting dressed easier. They should work with your personal style, complement the clothes you already own, and add something that wasn't there before.
For me, that's the appeal of these two Astor & Orion designs.
The Mae earrings bring a little personality to the workday. The Simi earrings make evenings feel more special.
And both prove that sometimes the most effective wardrobe update is also one of the smallest.
The FemFounder Style Edit features fashion, accessories, and everyday essentials selected for women who appreciate thoughtful design, versatility, and personal style.
