The short answer
Spiral earrings are a sculptural style -- a twisted or coiled metal form worn as a hoop or drop -- that emerged as part of a broader 2026 shift back toward bolder, more architectural jewelry after years of quiet, minimalist studs. They're closely related to ear climbers, a separate style that follows the curve of the ear upward and is often used as an accent piece in a multi-earring stack. AJLuxe doesn't stock a true spiral design today -- the closest piece is a minimalist gold huggie, disclosed here rather than sold as an equivalent.
"Spiral earrings" is searched by people who've spotted the sculptural, twisted style on a trend roundup and want to know what defines it and how to wear it, and by people trying to distinguish it from the related ear-climber trend. This guide covers what the style actually is, how it fits into the broader 2026 earring trend, and an honest note on where AJLuxe's own catalog stands.
What are spiral earrings?
Spiral earrings are a sculptural style -- a twisted or coiled metal hoop or drop -- that's part of 2026's broader shift toward bolder, more architectural jewelry, after several years dominated by quiet-luxury minimalism and barely-there studs. Fashion coverage of the trend groups spiraled hoops alongside crumpled gold drops and hammered architectural shapes as part of the same sculptural-earring movement -- pieces designed to transform a basic outfit into something finished, rather than fade into the background.
Spiral earrings vs. ear climbers
Spiral earrings and ear climbers are related but distinct parts of the same 2026 earring-trend story. A climber follows the curve of the ear upward from the lobe rather than hanging down or forming a closed loop, and it's most often used as an accent piece within a curated ear stack -- most stacks this season use two to four pieces per ear, typically a stud, a small hoop or huggie, and one accent piece like a climber or charm. A spiral, by contrast, is usually its own standalone statement piece rather than a stacking accent.
How to build an ear stack around a spiral or climber piece
Ear stacking -- combining multiple earrings in different positions on one ear -- is the dominant way both spiral and climber styles are being worn in 2026. A typical stack starts with a small stud or huggie in the lobe's primary piercing, adds a second small hoop or huggie, and finishes with one sculptural accent piece (a spiral, climber, or charm) higher on the ear or as the visual focal point. Mixed metals are part of the current trend too -- pairing gold and silver pieces in the same stack rather than matching everything.
Shop This Guide
925 sterling silver, 18K gold plated, hypoallergenic huggie earrings -- not a spiral design, but a minimalist everyday piece in the current catalog if you're building an ear stack around it.
Shop the Gold Huggie EarringsFrequently Asked Questions
What do spiral earrings mean?
Spiral earrings don't carry a fixed symbolic meaning -- they're a current fashion trend valued for their sculptural, statement-making shape rather than any historical or cultural symbolism.
What are the earring trends for 2026?
2026's earring trends center on a return to bolder, more sculptural pieces after years of minimalist studs -- spiral hoops, crumpled gold drops, hammered architectural shapes, ear climbers, and mixed-metal ear stacking are all part of the same shift toward making earrings a more noticeable accessory.
How do I put in a spiral earring?
A spiral design typically threads through the ear like a standard hoop or stud, with the coiled shape simply being the visible form once it's in place -- the exact mechanism varies by specific design, so check the piece's own fastening style before wearing it for the first time.
What are those circular earrings called?
Circular, twisted, or coiled earring styles are generally grouped under "spiral" or "sculptural" earrings in current trend coverage, distinct from a plain round hoop, which is a separate, more classic style.
Does AJLuxe sell spiral earrings?
Not currently -- AJLuxe's earring edit doesn't include a true spiral or coiled design. The closest piece is a minimalist Gold Huggie Earring, a small, low-profile hoop rather than a sculptural spiral shape -- a genuinely different style, disclosed here rather than presented as the same thing.
All third-party trademarks, brand names and product names are the property of their respective owners. AJLuxe is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise connected to any third-party brand referenced in this article. Brand names are used solely for accurate comparative reference, and material descriptions reflect each brand's own published product specifications at the time of writing.
You Might Also Like
The piece they're describing → Gold Huggie Earrings for Women — 925 Sterling Silver, 18K Gold Plated, Minimalist
Personalize Yours
