Types of Earrings

Earrings are one of the most common jewelry accessories around the world. Worn by both men and women, the use of earrings goes back thousands of years and they have been found to be worn by almost every civilization in the past. Different earrings can have different meanings; what ear you wear one earring in can have significance in some cultures, and a completely different meaning in another.

What type of earrings you wear depends on many things. It can depend on your own personal style, the occasion, your culture, and of course it can depend on the shape of your face. Different styles, sizes, and lengths of earrings can accentuate all of your qualities, so it is important to know what style it is you want, and can help transform your look and the way you feel about yourself.

Here is Onecklace’s guide to the different types of earrings.

Studs

The stud earrings is the most common and simple type of earring. Although there are many different styles and sizes of the stud, the premise remains the same. Often a stone or ball, the stud is a simple piece that sits tight on the ear, and the bar and back are hidden, giving it the appearance of “floating” on the ear.

Cluster

Cluster earrings are the most similar type to stud earrings. Based on the same premise, these decorative pieces are made up of a number of stones or gems clustered together to create a stylish yet smart look.

Drops

The drop style is also similar to stud earrings, but, as the name suggests, they drop below the ear. The larger style gives more variety in design and more options for different styles. Drop earrings can be single pieces of jewelry that hang vertically from the ear, several pieces together, or hoops.

Dangles

Dangles are a more complex version of drop earrings. They also hang down vertically below the ear, but there is one main difference. While drop earrings are typically stationary, the larger and bulkier dangle earrings are free to move back and forth, and can be any length, giving a much larger scope for design.

Jacket

Jacket earrings are a more modern style of earring. Similar to a stud, the front of the piece is a simple latch or stone to hold the earring in place, while all of the action takes place behind the ear. The main body of a jacket earring sits behind the ear and hangs down, creating a modern and exotic look. Flowers tend to be a popular choice for jacket earrings.

Hoop

Hoop earrings, as the name indicates, are large, round earrings shaped like hoops. They can be any style or size, but tend to be no longer than shoulder length. A wire threads through the ear piercing, creating a complete circle. Traditionally circular, modern styles can include triangles and even squares as hoop earrings.

Huggies

Huggies are similar in style to hoops, but they are smaller and sit tight on the ear, wrapping around the earlobe. This style provides a smart and sophisticated look.

Chandeliers

Chandelier earrings are an elegant style that hangs below the ears, branching out into intricate and luxurious designs that resemble chandeliers. These are often seen as more formal and stylish.

Tear Drop

Tear drop earrings are a classic style that features a stone or decoration shaped like a tear drop. Hanging low from the earlobe, these earrings are elegant and sophisticated.

Ear Cuffs

Ear cuffs hug the ear and can follow its curve all the way to the top. These unique earrings can start at the lobe or even midway up the ear and offer an exotic and trendy look.

Barbell

Barbell earrings resemble free weights, with a long bar connecting two studs or balls. Often stretching from the lobe to the upper ear, these earrings require multiple piercings and can feature unique decorations.

Threader

Threader earrings are simple, long, and thin pieces that thread through the ear and dangle on both sides. They can be enhanced with stones or decorative elements on the ends.