Black is the harder finish to get right on wood: a flat dye reads as paint, and a thin one lets the grain win. On the Mila Earrings the tone is deep and even, with just enough sheen that the three small hornbeam beads still read as wood between their two polished steel tubes. Because the tubes link the beads rather than dangling from them, the whole earring moves as one piece — a single steady line rather than a cluster of parts that swing separately. Each pair measures 2.15 inches from the hook, on sterling silver ear wires with nickel-free plated brass, and Aarikka has been making jewelry this way in Finland since 1954. Worn with a collar or a high neckline, they do most of the work on their own.

• Brand: Aarikka
• Country Designed in Finland, Made in Finland
• Material: Hornbeam / Sterling Silver / Plated Brass
• Nickel-Free: All metal components are nickel-free
• Measurements: 2.15" (5.5 cm) Length
• Color: Black