Vivienne Westwood Earrings Guide — Orb, Pearl & Bas Relief
The Orb began life in 1985 as Vivienne Westwood's signature mark — the British Sovereign's Orb fused with Saturn's rings, "tradition launched into the future." On earrings, that motif now anchors one of the brand's most-worn and most-gifted categories. From a £65 Solid Orb stud to the £200+ sterling silver Bas Relief drops, every Vivienne Westwood earring carries the same DNA: punk meets aristocracy, with Swarovski crystals or pearls catching light where the Orb's curves meet.
At OD's Jewellers we stock the full Vivienne Westwood earring range as an authorised UK retailer — Orb studs, Pearl drops, Mini Bas Relief, statement hoops, and the sterling silver Bas Relief line. This guide covers everything a buyer asks before purchasing: the design families, the materials and what they mean for your skin, sizing, gifting, daily care, and the warranty. Whether you're buying your first pair or building a Vivienne Westwood stack, the questions below are the same ones we answer in-store at 41 Barrow Street every week.
Where to buy Vivienne Westwood earrings in the UK?
OD's Jewellers (St Helens) is an authorised UK stockist with 35+ in-stock styles spanning Orb studs from £65, Pearl drops, Mini Bas Relief, and the sterling silver Bas Relief range to £200+. Free UK delivery, click & collect, full two-year manufacturer's warranty. Shop now at OD's →
Are Vivienne Westwood earrings real silver?
The main collection is brass with rhodium, gold, or rose gold plating — premium fashion jewellery, not solid silver. The Bas Relief and Mini Bas Relief collections are 925 sterling silver with UK hallmarks. Both tiers use Swarovski crystals and crystal pearls. See materials in full →
1 | Why Vivienne Westwood Earrings Matter
Vivienne Westwood Earrings At A Glance
- Orb logo introduced 1985 — instantly recognisable globally
- Three core earring tiers: Orb (entry from £65), Pearl, and Bas Relief sterling silver (premium)
- Brass base with rhodium, gold or rose gold plating + Swarovski crystals and pearls
- Two-year manufacturer's warranty from authorised retailers
- Worn by Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, Harry Styles — cult status in Japanese anime culture (Nana)
Perfect For
- First-time Vivienne Westwood buyers — earrings are the most accessible entry point
- Gift-giving in the £65–£195 designer band — signature gold packaging included
- Collectors building stacks (Orb stud + Pearl drop + Bas Relief)
- Anyone who wants cultural-icon jewellery without screaming logo
What Makes Vivienne Westwood Earrings Different
The Orb Motif, Scaled To Your Ears
The same Saturn-Orb that anchors VW necklaces is engineered down to earring scale — a 6mm stud, a drop on articulated chains, or a scaled-up statement hoop. Sculptural depth, not flat logo stamping.
Punk Precision
Rebellious styling wrapped in jeweller-grade detailing — every Orb's crown and ring set in three-dimensional relief, every pearl on a quality post.
Gift-Ready At Every Price
From £65 Solid Orb studs to £200+ Bas Relief sterling silver drops, the gift recipient gets the same packaging, same boxed presentation, same brand cachet.
Warranty-Backed
Two-year manufacturer's warranty on every pair when bought from an authorised stockist like OD's.
2 | The Earring Families
Vivienne Westwood organises its earring range into five design families, each with its own visual identity, materials, and price tier. Knowing which family suits you saves time and avoids buyer's regret.
Orb (The Signature Line)
The original Saturn-Orb in single-stud, drop, or hoop format. Brass with rhodium, gold or rose gold plating. The starting point for most collectors — Ofelia, Mayfair, and Petra are the best-known sub-styles. Entry price around £65.
Pearl (Everyday Elegance)
Swarovski crystal pearls in cream, white, pink, or pastel tones paired with the Orb. Designed for occasion wear that complements outfit colours instead of competing. Gia, Balbina, and Olympia families dominate this tier. £95–£125 typical.
Bas Relief (The Premium Tier)
925 sterling silver with cubic zirconia, sculpted in deeper three-dimensional Orb detail. The only earrings in the range that are solid silver and UK-hallmarked. Heavier, repolishable, lifetime piece. £165–£225 typical.
Mini Bas Relief (Compact Statement)
Sterling silver in scaled-down studs and short drops for daily wear. Same hallmarking and material quality as the full Bas Relief at a more accessible £120 entry point.
Statement Drops & Hoops
Larger pieces for evening or editorial styling — chandelier drops, articulated multi-Orb pieces, oversized hoops. Masha, Lucrese, Grace, and Ariella dominate. £105–£185.
The Bas Relief Drop
The sterling silver Bas Relief earring — three-dimensional Orb in 925 silver with cubic zirconia — is the family heirloom of the Vivienne Westwood range. UK-hallmarked, repolishable, and the only line in the brand's main jewellery range that's solid precious metal. If you're buying one pair to last twenty years, this is it.
3 | Materials & Craftsmanship
Materials & Construction
Brass Base With Premium Plating
Most Vivienne Westwood earrings use a solid brass base finished with rhodium (silver-tone), 18ct gold, or rose gold plating. Brass holds its shape under daily wear; the precious-metal plating provides shine and durability. Typical lifespan with proper care: 2–5 years before plating shows wear.
925 Sterling Silver (Bas Relief Only)
Bas Relief and Mini Bas Relief pieces are solid 925 sterling silver, fully hallmarked at a UK Assay Office. These can be polished with a silver cloth, repaired if scratched, and worn for a lifetime with reasonable care.
Swarovski Crystals & Pearls
Stone-set earrings use Swarovski precision-cut crystals — the same crystals used in haute couture. Pearl earrings use Swarovski crystal pearls: glass cores with a flawless pearl coating, more uniform and more durable than natural pearls.
Posts & Fittings
Stud earrings use surgical-grade stainless steel or rhodium-plated brass posts with butterfly backs. Drop earrings use hooked or articulated chain fittings. All fittings tested for daily wear comfort and pull-strength.
Design Philosophy
- Punk disruption + jeweller's precision — rebellious styling, jeweller-grade execution
- Three-dimensional Orb — sculptural depth, not flat logo stamping
- Sustainable values — Dame Vivienne's environmental advocacy continues in the brand's sourcing and packaging choices
4 | Earrings in Culture & Celebrity
Punk Origins
Vivienne Westwood dressed the Sex Pistols in the 1970s, creating the visual vocabulary of British punk. The Orb jewellery line that followed inherited that street credibility — earrings are the most worn entry point into that legacy.
Nana Anime & Japanese Cult Status
The 2006 manga and anime Nana featured Vivienne Westwood jewellery prominently — Bas Relief earrings included — on the character Nana Osaki (Hachi). This:
- Created massive demand in Japanese youth markets and global anime fandom
- Introduced the Orb to Gen Z collectors
- Established Vivienne Westwood as the punk-chic jewellery brand of choice
- Generated a cult following that persists nearly 20 years later
Celebrity Endorsements
Current Generation
Dua Lipa (red carpets), Bella Hadid (street style staple), Harry Styles (gender-fluid styling), Willow Smith, FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish — alternative icons keep Vivienne Westwood earrings in editorial rotation.
Legacy Icons
Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Pamela Anderson — 1990s supermodels who championed the brand. Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof — British it-girls maintaining the punk-chic tradition.
Fashion Week & Editorial Presence
- London Fashion Week styling
- Vogue, i-D, Dazed editorial shoots
- V&A and Met Costume Institute exhibitions
- Streetwear and high-fashion crossover collaborations
5 | Shop Vivienne Westwood Earrings at OD's Jewellers
We stock 35+ Vivienne Westwood earring styles at OD's, all in-stock and ready to ship from St Helens. Here's a curated selection across the three core tiers — try them on in-store or order online with free UK delivery.
Iconic Orb & Pearl Earrings
Drops & Hoops
Everyday & Gift Earrings
35+ Vivienne Westwood Earrings In Stock
Browse the full earring collection online, or visit us at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens to try the Orb in person.
6 | Sizing & Comfort
For comprehensive jewellery sizing guidance, see our Master Jewellery & Watch Size Guide.
Stud Sizing
Mini Orb studs measure 6–8mm — perfect for second piercings and everyday wear. Standard Orb studs are 10–12mm. Bas Relief studs are slightly larger and heavier at 12–14mm.
Drop Earrings
Short drops sit 15–25mm below the lobe (Pearl, Mila). Medium drops 30–45mm (Gia, Ariella). Statement drops 50mm+ (Masha, Lucrese).
Hoop Diameter
Small Orb hoops: 15–20mm internal. Statement hoops: 30–40mm. Double-hoop designs sit closer to 25mm with a layered effect.
Post Gauge
Vivienne Westwood earring posts use standard 0.9mm gauge — compatible with regular UK earlobe piercings. If you have stretched or sensitive piercings, contact OD's before ordering.
7 | Care & Warranty
Vivienne Westwood-Specific Care
Brass Base Vulnerability
The plating layer is the primary defence on brass-based earrings. Once compromised, brass oxidises rapidly. Treat plating as the precious surface — protect it like you would gold leaf.
Perfume = Plating Enemy
Apply perfumes, hairspray, and lotions BEFORE putting on earrings. Chemical contact is the #1 cause of premature plating wear.
Water Exposure
Remove before showering, swimming (chlorine attacks plating aggressively), exercising (sweat accelerates tarnish), and washing dishes.
Storage
Keep pieces in the original Vivienne Westwood pouch. Bathrooms are enemies of plated jewellery — humidity accelerates tarnish.
For universal jewellery care principles, see our Jewellery Care Guide.
Two-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
Covers: manufacturing defects (broken posts, lost settings, plating defects when worn correctly), material defects (crystal flaws, post breakage).
Does NOT cover: accidental damage or loss, normal wear and tear, damage from improper care, unauthorised repairs.
At OD's: we handle warranty assessments, coordinate with Vivienne Westwood UK, and provide honest guidance on care-related vs manufacturing issues. Keep your receipt and original packaging — both required for any claim.
8 | Why Choose Vivienne Westwood Earrings at OD's Jewellers
100% Authentic Guarantee
OD's Jewellers is an authorised Vivienne Westwood retailer. Every pair is genuine, comes in signature Vivienne Westwood packaging, and is backed by the full two-year manufacturer's warranty — never counterfeit, never grey-market.
Authenticity Verification
Our team knows how to spot counterfeits — proper packaging, correct Orb symmetry and weight, hallmarks on Bas Relief pieces, post finish quality.
Expert Guidance
Collection knowledge (Orb vs Pearl vs Bas Relief), sizing expertise, allergy-aware material advice, and gifting recommendations from Helen and the team — call 01744 730985 or visit in-store.
30+ Years of Trust
Family-run since 1995, based at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens. Three decades of direct relationships with Vivienne Westwood's UK distribution team — faster warranty claims, faster replacements, direct lines for authenticity queries.
Gift Services & Aftercare
Luxury gift wrapping in store, Klarna finance options (subject to approval), warranty claim management, and ongoing care guidance.
Top Picks at OD's — In Stock Now
Three of the most-bought Vivienne Westwood earring styles at OD's this season — all in stock, ready to ship from St Helens, available to try in-store before you buy.
All available in-store at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY — try before you buy.
Browse the full Vivienne Westwood earring range at OD's →
9 | Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vivienne Westwood earrings real silver?
Most Vivienne Westwood earrings use a brass base plated in rhodium (silver-tone), 18ct gold, or rose gold. Selected designs from the Bas Relief and Mini Bas Relief collections are crafted in 925 sterling silver and fully UK hallmarked. Check the product description for "925 silver" or the hallmark stamp. Plated pieces aren't solid silver but use precious-metal coatings designed to last with proper care.
Are Vivienne Westwood earrings hypoallergenic?
Brass-based plated pieces can contain trace nickel which may cause reactions in highly sensitive skin. The 925 sterling silver Bas Relief range is generally well-tolerated. If you have known metal allergies, choose the sterling silver options or contact OD's Jewellers for individual material confirmation before purchase.
What's the difference between gold-tone and silver-tone Vivienne Westwood earrings?
Gold-tone earrings have a brass base plated in 18ct gold or rose gold. Silver-tone pieces are either rhodium-plated brass (most common, brighter shine) or solid 925 sterling silver (Bas Relief range — heavier, hallmarked, can be polished). Visually similar at distance; the difference matters for sensitive skin, longevity, and price.
How do you clean Vivienne Westwood earrings?
Wipe with a soft microfibre cloth after each wear to remove perfume, sweat, and skincare residue — the main causes of plating wear. Avoid water, jewellery dips, and silver polish on plated pieces (these strip the plating). Sterling silver Bas Relief pieces can be polished with a silver cloth. Store in the original Vivienne Westwood pouch.
What's the difference between Orb, Pearl, and Bas Relief Vivienne Westwood earrings?
Orb earrings feature the signature crown-and-globe motif in stud, drop, or hoop format. Pearl earrings combine the Orb with Swarovski crystal pearls for elegant everyday wear. Bas Relief uses 925 sterling silver with cubic zirconia, sculpted in deeper three-dimensional Orb detail — the premium tier with UK hallmarking.
Do Vivienne Westwood earrings come with a warranty?
Yes. All Vivienne Westwood jewellery sold at OD's Jewellers comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty covering manufacturing defects. The warranty doesn't cover wear and tear from perfume, water damage, or accidental damage. Keep your receipt and original packaging — OD's facilitates all warranty claims directly with Vivienne Westwood UK.