{outfit} A Perfect Pair of Holiday Earrings

Still looking for last minute gifts for the lady in your life who has everything? If she likes jewelry which, let's be honest, most women do, find her a beautiful pair of gold earrings. I was recently introduced to sustainable jewelry brand AUrate and sent this pair of gorgeous Sensu Ear Jackets in rose gold vermeil.  AUrate has everything you could want, from statement pieces to classic staples you'll wear for years to come. I have added quite a few other pieces to my wish list including this amazing Halo Diamond Opal Pendant. What pieces would you buy for a loved one?

What's great about AUrate is their mission is to offer sustainable, ethical handmade jewelry at affordable prices. The pieces are handmade by artisans in New York City, not a machine churning out hundreds a day. These earrings were $150 and would retail at most other stores for $390. This is because they cut out the middleman and sell directly to buyers without retail markups, much like Everlane, another favorite brand of mine.

The company only uses ethical solid gold from conflict-free suppliers in vermeil, 14K or 18K gold as well as white gold and rose gold. I had heard the phrase vermeil many times but never really knew what it meant. In essence, gold vermeil is a higher quality gold plated product. A base metal, usually sterling silver, is dipped into a coating of at least 10K gold to a thickness of 2.5 microns (one-millionth of a meter.) AUrate uses 14K gold to go the extra mile.

And, to make an even bigger difference AUrate donates a book to a student in need for every purchase made! So really it's like two gifts in one. Giving a beautifully made piece of jewelry to a loved one (or yourself) and the gift of learning to a student.

Enough about the companies awesomeness, on to the outfit! I styled the earrings for a holiday event but they would also work well with a simple outfit of jeans and a sweater.  Also - you can wear these with any studs you want! I'll probably try them with some pearl studs or my usual diamond studs in the future for some extra pizazz.

*This post was made in partnership with Nakturnal.

Llama Jewel Sweater: J.Crew, Skirt: LC Lauren Conrad Velvet Pleated Skirt c/o Kohl's, Boots: IMPO 'Omega' Patchwork Boot (DSW), Earrings: AUrate Sensu Ear Jackets (c/o)