How many types of earrings are there? This guide explains all the different types of earrings styles there are, how to wear them and what occasions they’re suited to.
How many types of earrings are there?
There are eight main types of earrings: stud, cluster, drop, hoop, chandelier, halo and huggie earrings, plus ear climbers. We’ll explain each of these below.
1. Studs
What are stud earrings?
Studs are the most simple type of earring. They are fairly small, usually with a single stone or a small cluster of gems.
Benefits of stud earrings
Because they sit snugly against the earlobe, stud earrings do not dangle or pull your ear downwards. This, coupled with their small size, makes them very light, comfortable and versatile to wear.
When to wear stud earrings?
Any time. Diamond stud earrings are so versatile that stylists call them ‘jewellery essentials’. They go with any outfit, from jeans to a little black dress. They also suit any face shape. Therefore, they make a perfect accessory or gift item for any person, on any occasion.
2. Cluster earrings
What are cluster earrings?
Cluster earrings have lots of small diamonds or gemstones grouped closely together. Many stud earrings can also be cluster earrings. Plus you can find cluster designs within other earring styles like drops, halos and chandeliers.
Benefits of cluster earrings
The cluster style has two main benefits. One is price. Small diamonds and gems cost less per carat than large solitaires (single stones). This means that you can buy a pair of large diamond or gem cluster earrings for a smaller price than if you were buying single-stone earrings in an equivalent size.
Secondly, cluster earrings offer incredible sparkle. Because they have so many small stones, they have more surface area with gem facets that catch the light at every possible angle.
When to wear cluster earrings?
When to wear cluster earrings largely depends on their overall design. If they’re small studs, then they are probably perfect for daily wear. On the other hand, larger, more luxurious cluster earrings are usually suited to evenings and formal occasions.
3. Drop earrings
What are drop earrings?
Drop earrings are exactly as the name suggests: they drop downwards from the earlobes. They look beautiful as they sway and catch the light whenever you move or turn your head.
Benefits of drop earrings
Drop earrings are much more noticeable than studs, so they make a statement about your style. They will help accessorise a formal outfit with elegance, luxury and flair.
When to wear drop earrings?
Large drop earrings are usually worn as evening accessories, and on formal occasions like weddings and red carpet events. However, small drop earrings can be worn during the daytime for a more subtle allure.
4. Hoops
What are hoop earrings?
As the name suggests, hoop earrings are round. They go all the way around, from the front of the earlobe to the back of it.
Hoop earrings can come in various sizes and designs. They can be so small that they just wrap around the earlobe or so big that they touch your shoulders. They can be smooth or set with diamonds and gems.
Benefits of hoop earrings
Large hoops are perfect for highlighting your features and accentuating your cheekbones. Meanwhile, small hoops are the perfect everyday alternative to studs.
When to wear hoop earrings?
Hoops, big or small, can be worn anywhere, at any time of day and on any occasion.
5. Chandelier earrings
What are chandelier earrings?
Similar to drop earrings, chandelier earrings drop downwards from the earlobes, moving and catching the light beautifully. But the main difference between chandelier and drop earrings is their shape. While drop earrings hang in a vertical line, chandelier earrings have a wider form that fans out and often includes small separate parts that move.
Benefits of chandelier earrings
Chandelier earrings are perhaps the most dramatic and luxurious of all earrings. Often associated with celebrities at movie and music awards ceremonies and royalty at state dinners, they are perfect for accessorising a ball gown.
When to wear chandelier earrings?
Just like big drop earrings, chandelier earrings are suited to big celebrations and formal occasions.
6. Halo earrings
What are halo earrings?
Halo earrings have a single diamond or gem in the centre with a “halo” of smaller diamonds or gems placed around it. Halo earrings can be studs, but the halo design can also be incorporated into drop earrings and other earring styles. What’s more, halo earrings can be round, rectangular, square or even fancy shapes like hearts.
Benefits of halo earrings
With halo earrings, you get a bigger size and more sparkle for your budget.
When to wear halo earrings?
This depends on their overall design. If they’re in the form of studs, then they are probably perfect for daily wear. But since they’re more luxurious than plain studs, you can also wear them in the evening. Larger, more luxurious halo-drop designs are suited to special occasions, formal events and big celebrations.
7. Huggies
What are huggie earrings?
Huggies are similar to small hoops. But instead of a full circle, they are usually semi-circular or quarter-circular in shape. They sit snugly and “hug” the earlobe, as their name suggests.
Benefits of huggie earrings
Because of their dainty size and curved shape, they are famous for being really comfortable to wear.
When to wear huggies?
Huggies can be worn any time of the day, and make a great alternative to simple studs or small hoops. Wide huggies are particularly perfect for accessorising business outfits like suits.
8. Ear climbers
What are ear climbers?
Ear climbers are a distinctive earring style, named so because they “climb” up the ear when worn. Think of them as elongated studs: they pierce the ear at the earlobe and then you turn them upwards so they travel up the ear’s outer curve.
Benefits of ear climbers
Ear climbers only require a single piercing and, once inserted, are rotated into place to travel up your earlobe. They offer a unique look that’s both trendy and luxurious at the same time. Some ear climbers can additionally be worn hanging down as drop earrings.
When to wear ear climbers ?
Like big drop earrings, large ear climbers are usually worn for evening occasions and big events. But smaller ear climbers can be used to add a little touch of chic luxury to your everyday look.
What earrings style is best for you?
Whenever you’re shopping for earrings, you should take into account the occasion, your face shape, and the neckline of the outfit you’re wearing.
For example, for a wedding, you might choose long pearl drop earrings. But for daily wear in the office, you’ll get lots of wear from simple halo studs or comfortable huggies.
The choice that you can never go wrong with is diamond studs. They are so versatile, and understated yet luxurious, that they suit any outfit and make sure-fire gifts for any occasion.
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How many types of earrings are there? originally appeared via news.thediamondstore.co.uk
