Atomic Attraction Earrings
- Mid-century atomic design — the optimism of an era, distilled into form.
- Silver-plated brass with a cool, bright finish.
- 1½ inch drop — reads across a room, weightless on the ear at 2 grams.
There was a moment in the middle of the twentieth century when science became glamorous. Not useful — glamorous. The atom, once an abstraction scribbled on a chalkboard, turned into an icon: orbiting electrons rendered in chrome and neon, suspended over lobbies and printed on cocktail napkins. It showed up in architecture, in furniture, in the curves of a Googie coffee shop roof. The future wasn't something to fear. It was something to wear.
The Atomic Age aesthetic — sometimes called mid-century modern, sometimes Space Age, sometimes just the look your coolest aunt's living room had in 1958 — drew its energy from a genuine cultural optimism about science and design. Architects like Eero Saarinen and designers like Charles and Ray Eames were pulling organic, orbital shapes into everyday objects, making the scientific feel domestic and the domestic feel visionary. The starburst, the boomerang, the electron orbit — these weren't decorations. They were a worldview, rendered in form.
These earrings carry that worldview beautifully.
Each piece is crafted in brass with a silver-plated finish, giving them the cool, bright gleam of mid-century chrome without the weight. At 1½ inches from the top of the ear wire, they have the kind of presence that reads across a room but never crowds the face — and at just 2 grams per pair, they're essentially weightless. The ear wires are hypoallergenic, so they're as considerate as they are striking.
Made in the USA by David Howell & Co.
Specifications
- Material: Metal
- Metal: Brass, Silver Plated
- Length: 1 1/2 inches long, including the ear wire
- Weight: 2 g
- Made in United States
- Economy shipping is FREE with orders of $95 or more.
- All items are kept in stock and ship from our warehouse in North Carolina.
- We personally inspect every single item we sell, pack it by hand, and deliver the boxes to the post office.
- Orders generally ship the day following placement.
- We ship primarily via US Mail, but may use other carriers depending on package value and destination.
- Returns on items not marked Final Sale are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Read the full policy.
THE HAROLD & HAZEL DIFFERENCE
Every piece here has earned its place.
QUALITY MATERIALS
Sterling silver, genuine gemstones, and solid metals — no plastic or cheap materials.
REAL MAKERS
Every artist on this site has been personally verified for their talent and creativity.
LIMITED RUNS
Most pieces are made in small batches. When they're gone, they're often gone for good.
BOLD BY DESIGN
Every item here was chosen because it has color, character, and something to say.
ORBITAL ELEGANCE
The Atomic Age gave us some of the most joyful design in American history — a moment when science and style spoke the same language. These earrings are a direct descendant of that conversation.
Rooted in the starburst and orbital forms of mid-century modern design
Silver-plated brass, crafted for clean lines and lasting finish
Hypoallergenic and featherweight at 2 grams per pair
THE REVIEWS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
The best way to know if you'll love our Atomic Attraction Earrings? Hear from someone who already does.
Got questions?
We've got answers
Find fast answers about shipping, returns, and our unique jewelry.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within one business day of placing your order — sometimes the same day. Economy shipping typically takes about a week via USPS, while standard shipping (Priority Mail) arrives in 2-3 business days. We're based in North Carolina, so East Coast orders tend to arrive a little faster. You'll receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships.
Will the jewelry fade or tarnish?
Our jewelry is made from a variety of materials, including sterling silver. Sterling silver will eventually tarnish, but you can slow that process by storing it in a small airtight bag or container, or in a special anti-tarnish bag. If it’s lost some shine, it can be gently washed with a soft cloth, warm water, and a drop of mild soap, such as blue Dawn. If you still see tarnish, use an anti-tarnish cloth. Do not use commercial jewelry cleaners unless they are specifically labeled safe for sterling silver. The best way to keep your sterling silver shiny is to wear it often! The more you wear it, the less tarnish you’ll see. And never wear sterling silver in the swimming pool or hot tub! Chlorine will cause it to tarnish almost instantly.
Most other metals don’t exactly tarnish, but they can get a little dull if they’re not worn. Washing with a tiny amount of mild soap is the best way to bring them back to life again. You can prevent this by putting on your jewelry last, after you apply hairspray or perfume, and don’t wear them in the shower or bath.
Genuine pearls do require extra gentle care. Don’t ever use commercial jewelry cleaners on them; you will almost certainly damage the nacre and destroy their unique sheen and iridescence. Be very careful about hairspray, cosmetics, and perfume, and absolutely never put them in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner!
Can I return or exchange?
Yes. You have 30 days from receipt to return or exchange anything that isn't marked Final Sale. Items need to be in new condition. Exchanges ship free, with no minimum order required. Returns are refunded minus a $5 shipping fee (once per shipment, not per item). We don’t ever charge restocking fees.
Is your jewelry hypoallergenic?
Most of our pieces are hypoallergenic, but not all. You can filter to only show hypoallergenic pieces when browsing, and you will also see an icon on all pieces certified hypoallergenic and nickel-free by their makers.
Can I track my order?
Yes — as soon as your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number by email so you can follow it the whole way to your door.
What makes your jewelry different?
Honestly? Most of it comes down to Amanda. Every maker on this site has been personally researched and verified — she checks that pieces are genuinely handmade, by the person who claims to have made them, using the materials listed. These are small-batch pieces in sterling silver, gold-filled, and genuine gemstones, mostly made in the USA. They aren’t factory pieces, aren’t from resellers, and are not the same thing you'd find on a hundred other sites. When something sells out here, it often stays sold out.
THE MOMENT IT CLICKS
That "oh, I love it" feeling! This is what finding the right jewelry feels like.
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