Item from Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
A bronze Hemalurgic spike disguised as an earring, given to Vin by her mother. It grants Vin enhanced bronze Allomancy but also gives Ruin a direct connection to whisper in her mind.
Vin's earring is one of the most consequential objects in the Final Empire — a Hemalurgic spike hidden in plain sight. Vin's mother, driven mad by Ruin's influence, killed Vin's sister and drove the bronze spike through the baby Vin's ear, creating a Hemalurgic connection. The earring grants Vin enhanced bronze Allomancy, allowing her to pierce copperclouds — an ability that seems miraculous but has a dark source. More critically, the spike gives Ruin a direct line to Vin's mind. He whispers to her, nudging her decisions, posing as the voice of Preservation at the Well of Ascension. Vin only discovers the earring's true nature near the end, and removing it severs Ruin's influence — but also costs her the enhanced abilities it granted.
A small, simple bronze earring — unremarkable in appearance, the kind any skaa woman might wear. Slightly tarnished, worn smooth by years of constant use. Nothing about its appearance suggests it is anything other than a sentimental keepsake from Vin's mother.
Also known as: the earring, Vin's bronze earring