Sleeper earrings

Sleeper earrings: secure comfort, signature style

At Castafiore, sleeper earrings are part of a selection that prioritizes style and durability. Our jewelry is vintage or pre-owned, sometimes signed, and always authenticated. Each pair of earrings is described precisely: metal, hallmarks, carat weight, actual condition, and price. The photos are accurate and the description clear, allowing you to understand the setting, the stone, and the clasp. You are choosing a piece of jewelry ready to wear, to pass down, and to cherish for years to come.

In this collection, the sleeper bracelet takes on several forms. Yellow gold for a classic look. White gold for a clean line. Rose gold for a soft hue. Platinum for exceptional durability. Depending on availability, some pieces may also be available in silver.

The stones speak for themselves: old-cut diamond, cultured pearl, blue sapphire, pure ruby, turquoise, garnet, black onyx, and worked coral. There are even enamel decorations, uncommon today. These forgotten motifs lend a unique touch to the ear and adorn an outfit with a nod to bygone eras.

Where does the word "dormeuse" (sleeper) come from? History, usage, advantages

The term "dormeuse" refers to an earring secured by a small hinged hook that clips behind the ear. The idea is simple: the earring stays in place, day and night, without causing discomfort. From the 19th century onward, it was worn for its comfort. It remained popular throughout the Belle Époque, adapted to the Art Deco era, and was reinvented after the war. The dangling sleeper earring became a chic staple for women who wanted a secure earring without a complicated fastening system. Even today, this type of closure is appreciated for its practicality and discreet design.

In our selection, sleeper earrings can be short, almost a tiny stud adorned with a hook, or longer with a movable stone. They differ from hoop earrings in their shape and size. Hoop earrings encircle the earlobe, while sleeper earrings hang slightly lower, showcasing the stone. Both styles have their place: hoops for their rounded shape, sleeper earrings for balance and security.

Some settings feature antique diamonds, others cubic zirconia for everyday wear, always clearly marked as such. We indicate the presence of plating when it refers to secondary elements on vintage jewelry, but our selection prioritizes precious metals.

Styles and materials: what is almost no longer manufactured

The sleeper earrings collected by Castafiore showcase atelier techniques rarely seen in contemporary production. Millegrain settings with perfectly regular beads. Delicate prongs fitted to the diamond. A beaded edge around a ruby. A turquoise cabochon held by an antique collar. A pearl on a post with a safety wire. An enameled medallion suspended from a small break. These details give the earring a distinctive voice, far removed from the standard. They transform the simple sleeper earring into a carefully crafted piece of jewelry, designed specifically for the ear.

In terms of materials, variety is the collection's strength. Yellow gold and cultured pearls for a timeless style. White gold and diamonds for a more graphic look. Rose gold and garnet for a warm hue. Platinum and sapphire for a precise fit. Depending on availability, some sterling silver sleeper earrings feature an onyx or coral stone. Stainless steel isn't our preferred material for earrings, but we discuss it in our care instructions: if you're sensitive to it, avoid alloys containing nickel and opt for gold or 925 silver.

Each piece of jewelry retains its authenticity: we document the origin, the period and any restorations, so that the woman who wears it knows exactly what she is putting in her ear.

Choosing, wearing, passing on: the Castafiore support

Choosing a pair of sleeper earrings begins with the line of the face. A short sleeper acts as an elegant stud and suits a simple outfit. A drop sleeper accentuates the neck and complements an open collar. Diamonds bring a sharp sparkle. Pearls diffuse a matte softness. Sapphire, ruby, onyx, or garnet add a touch of color. White gold pairs easily with a wedding band. Rose gold softens a chain necklace. Platinum complements a vintage watch. Silver, when included in the selection, appeals with its freshness and often more accessible price.

We always list the price in relation to the material, carat weight, and condition. The earrings are cleaned, inspected, photographed, and then offered for sale with a secure digital certificate.

You can also resell your jewelry: a pair of earrings, a bracelet, a necklace. We appraise, describe, list, and then assist with the transaction. The collection remains alive. Earrings pass from one ear to the other and continue their journey without losing any of their meaning.

Useful questions

• How to recognize a true sleeper? Articulated hook closure that clips behind the ear. No stroller. Secure fit.
• Stud earrings, hoops, or sleeper earrings: which to choose? Stud earrings for a discreet look. Hoops for a rounded shape. Sleeper earrings for security and everyday wear.
• White gold, yellow gold, rose gold, silver: which metal is best for sensitive ears? 18-karat gold or platinum are safe choices. 925 silver is suitable for many. Avoid steel if you are sensitive to nickel.
• Gemstones: diamond, pearl, onyx, sapphire, ruby, garnet, turquoise… what are the differences in their uses? Diamonds for precision. Pearls for softness. Onyx and garnet for a striking contrast. Sapphire and ruby ​​for a bold color.
• How do I care for sleeper earrings? Gently wipe them after wearing. Keep each earring in a separate case. Do not immerse the enamel or cultured pearls.