12 Skull Earrings to Match your Style
Gone are the days when you could only wear skull earrings at parties leading up to October 31st or Carnival. The skull trend used to be reserved for Halloween or dress-up occasions, but in recent years has picked up steam as a mainstream trend.
Skull designs have been spotted on items such as t-shirts, bags, and even scarves. This year, L.A. fashion week saw skulls walking down runways on wide-leg pants and belted jackets.
I love the idea of incorporating a little skull flavor accessories into your life – specifically earrings. It’s the perfect way to add a little unexpected “badass vibe” into your look. From classic feminine pearls to timeless diamonds and edgy oxidized finishes, there is a skull earring to match your personal style.
Inspiration Behind the Trend
It’s no secret that the 90s have been making a re-appearance in fashion and design. If you’re old enough to have been around through that decade, you will remember the notorious Jack Skeleton from The Nightmare Before Christmas animated movie. His character sparked the beginning of many peoples’ love affair with skull designs on everything from head to toe.
Skulls also became increasingly popular alongside the boho fashion movement. Suddenly we began seeing brands carrying colorful prints of skulls with floral crowns or sugar skulls on their apparel and accessories.
And then, of course, skulls have always been a central symbol in rock, heavy metal, and punk rock scenes. Everyone from Guns N’ Roses to Steppenwolf to Grateful Dead have featured skulls on the covers of their albums and merch.
How to Wear Skull Earings
If you’re hoping to make a big statement, choose a pair of earrings that are a little larger in size, longer in length and show more texture and detail. A pair of dangling threader earrings or some textured hand-carved sugar skull earrings would be a great choice. Don’t be shy to go all out with makeup and hair, especially if on your way to a party or special event.
If you’re looking for more of a day-to-day look and a pair that you can wear more frequently, choose a smaller delicate set of stud earrings. From a distance, these will look like regular silver or gold stud earrings. A glance up close will reveal gorgeous design and detail. I love the inclusion of a few gemstones to sparkle and catch the light. Wear your hair up or half up to allow these earrings to shine.
Best Skull Earring Picks
1) Black Swarovski Skull Earrings
This sparkling duo blends mystery and elegance with shining black Swarovski crystals. Better yet, you can choose your favorite metal finish in plated silver, yellow gold and rose gold.
2) 3D Wireframe Skull Earrings
Contemporary art meets human anatomy with these stunning 3D skull earrings. Like something you might find in a museum of fine jewelry design, this pair is crafted from a real CT scan of a human skull.
3) Sugar Skull Earrings
By iloniti
Whether you are a bride looking for your something blue, or you are simply looking for a little pop of color on your ears, this pair is a wonderful choice. Sparkling Swarovski crystals combine with your choice of gold or silver plating for a real wow factor.
4) Howlite Pearl Threader Earrings
By Etsy: NewMoonMagicStudio
Timeless howlite skulls combine with a threader design for a breathtaking set of earrings. I love that howlite looks a little like bone, giving it a realistic look. The threader design allows the skulls to dangle softly at a perfect length.
5) Sugar Skull Stud Earrings
Feminine meets edgy with these cute sugar skull stud earrings. A tiny sparkling cubic zirconia bow and eyes add a unique touch. Choose from sterling silver, black, rose or 14K gold plate. The tiny size and stud design make these a pair you’ll never need to take off!
6) Gold Skull Stud Earrings
If you’re looking for classic, this pair of earrings is it. In solid 14K gold, these skull earrings will stand the test of time. I love the simple minimalist feeling of the design and size. These skull studs will be a part of your collection for many years to come.
7) Day of the Dead – Skull Stud Earrings
By iatzil
These ornate silver skull earrings tastefully channel the Mexican “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) vibe that has been trending steadily. With exquisite attention to detail and a secure stud backing, choosing this set is an absolute win-win situation.
8) Hand Carved Brass Skull Earrings
Perhaps the most classic and traditional pick on our list are these hand carved skull earrings made from brass castings with gold fill. There is something extra special about knowing your jewelry was carefully made by hand and not mass-produced. These lovely little skulls are cast from a wax carved mold, then oxidized and polished for a realistic look.
9) Diamond Top Skull Stud Earrings
By TinyBling
For a fancy, high-end set of skull earrings, consider these gorgeous diamond-top earrings by TinyBling. Looking straight on, everyone will notice the 14 sparkling diamonds. At a second glance from any other angle, they will admire the carefully detailed hand-burnished skulls peering back at them. Perfection in skull form!
10) Sterling Silver Baby Skull Earrings
Another minimalist look on our list is this sterling silver baby skull stud earring. These lovely little earrings are subtle yet they still make a big statement. With sparkling diamond eyes, these versatile studs can be worn to work, out for drinks, and even to more formal occasions.
11) Silver Ruby Sugar Skull Earrings
These exquisite ruby skull earrings are our luxury pick of the list. Delicate chains drape on each side of the sparkling ruby crowns for a unique look and feel.
12) Dark Shadows Pave Skull Earrings
Last update on 2026-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
No list of skull earrings would be complete without a pair from fashion queen Betsey Johnson. These gorgeous drop earrings are simply irresistible. Pave sparkle, regal crowns and a drop design make this pair an obvious choice.
Skulls earrings are a fabulous way to show off your style and inner rockstar. I love the versatility of this prominent symbol; they can be super subtle or make a big statement depending on your preference. Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be channeling Jack Skeleton vibes outside of Hallowe’en this year!
