Vivienne Westwood
Reina Earrings
The Reina Earrings are a pair of stud earrings from Vivienne Westwood, featuring an orb motif in sterling silver-plated brass with zircon crystals. They use a push-back closure for pierced ears and measure 12 mm in width. Customer feedback indicates that the plated brass construction may be prone to breakage and tarnishing over time.
- Color
- Sterling Silver
- Material
- Sterling silver-plated brass and zircons
- Gender
- female
- Style
- classic, glam
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Jewelry > Earrings
Color
Size
Specifications
Handcrafted sterling silver earrings featuring Vivienne Westwood's iconic orb inlaid with crystals.
Sterling silver-plated brass and zircon construction, push back closure, signature pouch included.
- Color
- Sterling Silver · gray
- Material
- Sterling silver-plated brass and zircons
- Style
- classic, glam
- Occasion
- everyday
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Jewelry > Earrings
Additional Attributes
- Handcrafted
- Vivienne Westwood iconic orb design
- Sterling silver finish
- Inlaid with glimmering crystals
- Delicate piece
- Push back closure for pierced ears
- Sterling silver-plated brass base
- Zircon accents
- Signature pouch included
- Width: 12 mm
Product Insights
The Reina Earrings by Vivienne Westwood are handcrafted sterling silver-plated brass cubic zirconia earrings (3.45g, 1.2cm) designed for lightweight all-day wear, but buyers report breakage within a month and plating wear causing skin discoloration, making them less durable than solid sterling silver alternatives at the same CAD 175 price; re-silvering by a jeweller is possible after plating wears, and care requires airtight storage with anti-tarnish paper and cleaning with a Blitz cloth or baking soda paste. The prong-set cubic zirconias offer high brilliance and secure fit, while the design juxtaposes punk and femininity, using cubic zirconia as an anti-luxury statement rooted in the brand's 1986 orb logo heritage, though buyers with sensitive ears may prefer solid sterling silver alternatives to avoid green staining and irritation from the brass core.
- Durability
Buyers report breakage within a month and plating wear causing skin discoloration.
Why this is supported
User reports indicate breakage after one month, with one comment stating,
so disappointing that I need to fix it at all after such a short time.
u/PrestigiousBadger607 in r/jewelryMeanwhile, the brand's care disclaimer acknowledges that
the finish can wear off over time with exposure to moisture, chemicals, and friction — so we recommend avoiding water, perfumes, and abrasives, and storing them in the included pouch when not in use.
What is the thickness of the silver plating? Will it wear off over time?This, along with guidelines to store plated jewelry in airtight containers with anti-tarnish strips, confirms that the earrings require exceptional care inconsistent with daily wear.
- Value
At CAD 175, the earrings offer less durability than solid sterling silver alternatives.
Why this is supported
At the same CAD 175 price, solid sterling silver earrings from independent makers offer superior durability and hypoallergenic properties, making the plated brass Reina a less durable choice for buyers prioritizing longevity.
- Repairability
Re-silvering by a jeweller is possible after the plating wears.
Why this is supported
According to one source,
In some cases, depending on the jewelry, re-silvering may be possible in case of greater wear and tear.
a-hjort.comThis means that even after plating deterioration, the earrings can be restored by a professional, adding ongoing maintenance cost.
- Material
Sterling silver-plated brass core with cubic zirconia stones.
Why this is supported
The earrings are constructed from a brass core with a thin silver plating. As the brand notes,
the finish can wear off over time with exposure to moisture, chemicals, and friction — so we recommend avoiding water, perfumes, and abrasives, and storing them in the included pouch when not in use.
What is the thickness of the silver plating? Will it wear off over time?. This base contributes to the lightweight feel — each earring weighs
Weight: 3.45g
viviennewestwood.com— but also introduces specific care demands: they should be
Remember the rule: last on/first off. Jewelry should be the last thing you put on after makeup and other accessories, and it should be the first thing you take off.
firemountaingems.comand stored
Store plated jewelry pieces and components in an airtight container, Zerust® pouch or a zip-top plastic bag. Introduce an anti-tarnish paper, such as Shine-On™, to counteract sulfur gas and decelerate the oxidation process.
firemountaingems.com. User accounts confirm that even plating wear appears within a month of normal use, with one report of breakage at soldered joints requiring gluing:
I guess it’s a pretty easy-to-fix breakage, just so disappointing that I need to fix it at all after such a short time.
u/PrestigiousBadger607 in r/jewelry. Additionally, the copper in the brass can cause green discoloration on the skin once the plating wears through, a reaction documented by users of similar earrings. The cubic zirconia stones (
StoneCubic Zirconia
beaverbrooks.co.uk) are set in prongs (
Prong setting
viviennewestwood.com), and if plating wears completely, a jeweler can re-silver the brass core to restore the finish:
In some cases, depending on the jewelry, re-silvering may be possible in case of greater wear and tear.
a-hjort.com.
- Orb origin
Orb logo originated as a 1986 Prince Charles jumper with added Saturn rings.
Why this is supported
Catalog traced the orb's origin to a 1986 jumper for Prince Charles, with Saturn rings added.
To bring the futuristic feel into this she decided with the orb to add a satellite ring around it like the one around Saturn
viviennewestwood.comThe Saturn ring was inspired by Ben Westwood's astronomy magazines.
Carlo D'Amario later identified it as the brand's logo, noting:
He saw the jumper design & seeing the orb told her that this was perfect for her logo (at the time she was paying someone else to try to come up with a logo for herself) as this emblem in itself perfectly reflected her idea of taking tradition into the future.
viviennewestwood.comThe orb debuted as a pendant in the Harris Tweed AW87-88 show, and Harris Tweed was unconcerned about the resemblance. The brand explains:
There was a brief moment of confusion when it was realised that the logo was very close to the Harris Tweed logo but since Vivienne had been the first designer in ages to use this traditional British fabric & by doing so had revived their fortunes Harris Tweed were not worried at all.
viviennewestwood.com- Construction
Handcrafted brass with cubic zirconia in a prong setting.
Why this is supported
Handcrafting is confirmed by brand materials:
Every item in the Vivienne Westwood jewellery range is carefully finished by hand. The jeweler uses traditional skills of engraving, piercing, fine-soldering and stone mounting.
viviennewestwood.comThe stone is cubic zirconia, as listed in product details:
StoneCubic Zirconia
beaverbrooks.co.ukThis choice is part of an anti-elitist design philosophy:
A rebellious riff on the country’s famed Crown Jewels — an arrangement of objects set with priceless gems meant to embody not just status but divine, otherworldly power.
highsnobiety.comThe stones are hand-set for durability, per Liberty London:
each earring is handmade from silver-tone brass, featuring the house’s iconic orb motif, adorned with a cubic zirconia set cross top and centre.
libertylondon.com- Storage
Store in an airtight bag with anti-tarnish paper and chalk.
Why this is supported
Vivienne Westwood includes a fabric pouch for storage, but a more effective method is to use an airtight zip-top bag with anti-tarnish paper. Firemountaingems.com advises:
Store plated jewelry pieces and components in an airtight container, Zerust® pouch or a zip-top plastic bag. Introduce an anti-tarnish paper, such as Shine-On™, to counteract sulfur gas and decelerate the oxidation process.
firemountaingems.comAdditionally, a piece of chalk in the container acts as a desiccant. metalfixes.com explains:
Standard blackboard chalk naturally absorbs airborne moisture and sulfur compounds before they can reach your delicate accessories.
metalfixes.com- Cleaning
Clean with a Blitz cloth or baking soda paste.
Why this is supported
To remove tarnish without damaging the thin silver plating, use a Blitz Sterling Silver cloth or a mild baking soda paste. Firemountaingems.com recommends:
For silver-plated jewelry, utilize a Blitz® Sterling Silver shine cloth.
firemountaingems.comThechictribe.com notes that a paste of two parts baking soda to one part water
allows you to lift tarnish without scratching the underlying brass.
thechictribe.comApplication should be light and rinsed immediately to avoid thinning the plating.
- Wearing
Wear earrings last and remove first to protect plating.
Why this is supported
To protect the plating from cosmetic chemicals, follow the 'last on, first off' rule. Firemountaingems.com advises:
Remember the rule: last on/first off. Jewelry should be the last thing you put on after makeup and other accessories, and it should be the first thing you take off.
firemountaingems.comBecause earrings experience less friction than rings or bracelets, chemical exposure is the primary degrader. Firemountaingems.com notes:
Items like rings or bracelets, subjected to frequent friction and contact with various surfaces, may demand more attention compared to necklaces and earrings, which experience less direct contact.
firemountaingems.comIf the plating wears and brass is exposed, some buyers have reported skin greening, underscoring the need for consistent care.
- Setting
Cubic zirconias are hand-set in a prong mount for secure fit and maximum sparkle.
Why this is supported
Each cubic zirconia is hand-set using traditional stone mounting;
The jeweler uses traditional skills of engraving, piercing, fine-soldering and stone mounting.
viviennewestwood.comThis prong setting, described as
Prong setting
viviennewestwood.com, allows light to strike the stone from multiple angles, maximizing brightness.
- Brand heritage
Orb logo introduced in 1986 on a jumper for Prince Charles.
Why this is supported
To bring the futuristic feel into this she decided with the orb to add a satellite ring around it like the one around Saturn
viviennewestwood.comThere was a brief moment of confusion when it was realised that the logo was very close to the Harris Tweed logo but since Vivienne had been the first designer in ages to use this traditional British fabric & by doing so had revived their fortunes Harris Tweed were not worried at all.
viviennewestwood.com- Comfort
Earring weighs 3.45g and is 1.2cm high for low fatigue.
Why this is supported
Weight: 3.45g
viviennewestwood.comHeight 1.2cm, width 1.35cm
viviennewestwood.com- Weight and size
At 3.45g and 1.2cm, the Reina is smaller than Westwood's statement earrings.
Why this is supported
The earring's dimensions and weight are specified by the brand:
Weight: 3.45g
viviennewestwood.comand
Height 1.2cm, width 1.35cm
viviennewestwood.comThese measurements confirm the earring is smaller and lighter than heavier Westwood statement pieces, supporting its design for everyday wear.
- Stone quality
Prong-set cubic zirconia is hand-mounted for high brilliance and secure fit.
Why this is supported
The stones are cubic zirconia and set in a prong setting:
StoneCubic Zirconia
beaverbrooks.co.ukProng setting
viviennewestwood.comThe stones are hand-set using traditional skills:
The jeweler uses traditional skills of engraving, piercing, fine-soldering and stone mounting.
viviennewestwood.comLiberty London also notes the earring is handmade:
- Handmade
libertylondon.comThis combination ensures a secure setting and enhanced sparkle for daily wear.
- Design
Juxtaposes punk and femininity, using cubic zirconia as an anti-luxury statement.
Why this is supported
The design is described as
a juxtaposition of punk and femininity
libertylondon.com. Highsnobiety writes:
A rebellious riff on the country’s famed Crown Jewels
highsnobiety.com, and Vivienne Westwood lists
- Cubic zirconia crystals
viviennewestwood.comas the stone, reinforcing the anti-luxury material statement.
- Wearability
Lightweight (3.45 g) and compact (1.2 cm) for all-day wear, blending punk and feminine styles.
Why this is supported
The earrings weigh 3.45 grams each with a height of 1.2 cm and width of 1.35 cm, making them unobtrusive.
Weight: 3.45g
viviennewestwood.comHeight 1.2cm, width 1.35cm
viviennewestwood.comLiberty London describes them as a juxtaposition of punk and femininity, ideal for blending styles.
Break with convention and infuse your style with the bold, edgy elements of Vivienne Westwood's Reina stud earrings - a juxtaposition of punk and femininity.
libertylondon.com- Skin reactions
Buyers report green staining and irritation from the brass core.
Why this is supported
The earrings are plated brass; the copper in the brass can oxidize and stain skin, as a buyer described:
turned my ears green so quick
u/PaleNewspaper3 in r/viviennewestwood. The silver plating wears off over time with moisture and friction, and breakage can expose raw brass directly — this is a common outcome for plated costume jewelry:
Like most plated costume jewellery, the finish can wear off over time with exposure to moisture, chemicals, and friction
What is the thickness of the silver plating? Will it wear off over time?I guess it’s a pretty easy-to-fix breakage, just so disappointing that I need to fix it at all after such a short time.
u/PrestigiousBadger607 in r/jewelry. However, proper care — being the last item put on and first taken off, and avoiding perfumes and water — can prolong the finish:
so we recommend avoiding water, perfumes, and abrasives
What is the thickness of the silver plating? Will it wear off over time?Remember the rule: last on/first off.
firemountaingems.com. And if the plating does wear through, re-silvering is possible:
In some cases, depending on the jewelry, re-silvering may be possible in case of greater wear and tear.
a-hjort.com- Alternatives
Solid sterling silver earrings are a safer alternative for sensitive ears at a similar price.
Why this is supported
Reddit users recommend solid sterling silver earrings from independent sellers as a more durable and safer option for sensitive skin:
you can get MUCH better quality jewelry for so much less! I know it’s all about the brand but brass is just such a cheap material
u/PaleNewspaper3 in r/viviennewestwood. This highlights the tradeoff between brand prestige and material safety for sensitive buyers.
Image Analysis
1 images- 01
Product
A pair of silver-tone stud earrings each featuring a central round faceted pink stone set within a thin oval 'orbit' ring and a small cross-like stud above with a small round clear/pale pink stone.
- General compositionTwo matching stud earrings shown flat against a light background, each with a central round faceted pink gemstone mounted in a four-prong setting and a horizontal thin oval metal ring encircling the stone like an orbit.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.44 · w 0.30 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.50 · w 0.30 · h 0.20 (high) - Central gemstoneEach earring has a prominent round, faceted pink stone with visible crown facets and sparkle; stones are held by four small metal prongs at roughly the compass points.
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.49 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.55 · w 0.13 · h 0.13 (high) - Orbit ringA thin polished metal oval ring passes horizontally around the central stone on each earring, appearing as a single continuous metal loop with a reflective finish.
2 regions
x 0.24 · y 0.50 · w 0.22 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.56 · w 0.22 · h 0.08 (high) - Upper stud detailAbove each central motif is a small cross-like or Maltese-cross shaped metal stud containing a tiny round clear or very pale pink stone set in the center.
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.42 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (high); x 0.65 · y 0.47 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (high) - Metal finishAll non-stone components show a bright reflective silver-tone metal finish with highlights and small specular reflections.
- Mounting and prongsCentral stones are secured by small visible prongs and small metal beads are visible at the lower edges of the orbit where it meets the stone setting.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.56 · w 0.04 · h 0.03 (medium); x 0.68 · y 0.62 · w 0.04 · h 0.03 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a plain very light neutral background with soft shadows and even lighting; two earrings arranged with one slightly higher and left of the other.
- Background and lightingUniform very light off-white background with even diffuse lighting and soft drop shadows cast below each earring.
- PlacementEarrings are positioned separated from center: left earring sits slightly higher and to the left, right earring is lower and slightly right; both are fully visible and uncropped.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution photograph with clear detail and visible facet reflections; no legible printed text or labels visible in the scene.
Colors
pale rose pink· central faceted stonevery pale pink / clear· small round stud stonespolished silver· metal components#CDCAC3- General compositionTwo matching stud earrings shown flat against a light background, each with a central round faceted pink gemstone mounted in a four-prong setting and a horizontal thin oval metal ring encircling the stone like an orbit.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
2 threads · r/jewelry, r/viviennewestwoodReddit users overwhelmingly criticize Vivienne Westwood earrings for poor quality and high price, recommending alternatives like sterling silver dupes or vintage pieces.
The majority of comments express disappointment with the quality, noting that the earrings are made of cheap materials like brass and plated metals, prone to breaking and tarnishing, and not worth the price.
Themes
Use Cases
- Everyday fashion accessory
Watch Out For
Community Q&A
- Are Vivienne Westwood earrings worth it?
- No, most users find them overpriced for the quality, as they are made of plated brass and prone to tarnishing and breakage.
- How to fix broken Vivienne Westwood earrings?
- Use jeweler's glue or epoxy for a quick fix, but overall build quality is disappointing.
Compared To
vs Solid sterling silver earrings from independent sellers
Users suggest that solid sterling silver earrings offer better quality and durability at a similar or lower price.
vs Dupes from Etsy or Amazon
Dupes are recommended as more affordable alternatives with similar appearance and better durability.
Source Threads
Earrings broke after one month and quality disappointment
Thanks, I’ll do this if Farfetch customer support is not helpful. I guess it’s a pretty easy-to-fix breakage, just so disappointing that I need to fix it at all after such a short time.
u/PrestigiousBadger607r/jewelryView thread →
Earrings not worth it; better to buy solid sterling silver alternatives
To be honest you can get MUCH better quality jewelry for so much less! I know it’s all about the brand but brass is just such a cheap material it always upsets me when I see designer brands selling jewelry for $$$ when it’s not even sterling silver! I was once gifted a $500 pair of Helmut Lang earrings that were like chain link and looked so cool…turns out they were just silver coated brass & turned my ears green so quick 😪 So lame
u/PaleNewspaper3r/viviennewestwoodView thread →