The Lowdown On All The Different Types of Earrings
With so many different types of earrings out there - from cuff earrings to hoops - there’s a whole lot to think about when creating your own personalised style. In this earring guide, will keep you up to date on all the latest and most popular types of earrings.Whether you have an upcoming special event or you’re simply off to work, our carefully selected earring guide will help you navigate the world of earrings and select the one that resonates most with you. It’s also just as important to know the different types of earring backings or closures - understanding which kinds are best for certain activities allows you to make sure you won’t lose your most precious earrings. Grab a cup of coffee and we’ll give you a rundown on everything you need to know!
Types of Earrings
Stud Earrings
Stud earrings are the most commonly worn earring - and with good reason! Not only do they create a classic yet simple look, they don’t distract too much from other pieces of jewellery. They are a single floating gem or shaped metal that doesn’t hang or swing - perfect if you’re after a more practical or minimal look. Our very own Stud Earring Collection has a wide range of beautifully shaped sterling silver symbols, or even chunky crystals 💎 for a more standout look.
Drop Earrings
Drop earrings are very similar to stud earrings in that they are still a minimal earring but they have a small charm hanging down ever so slightly from the ear. This ‘dropped’ part is often a small charm in various shapes and symbols. A lot of our drop earrings from our Sterling Silver Collection have a crescent moon or star charm - these are a popular choice for drop earrings as they have a twinkling effect when they dangle✨. They are still petite and dainty like studs yet they can create a classy yet delicate look. Perfect for dressing up a casual everyday outfit!
Crawler Stud Earrings
Want to create the perfect bling for your ears but only have one piercing? Crawler studs are still a single stud, but the face of the earring is elongated and ‘crawls’ up the ear. This crawling effect prevents the need for multiple earrings, by giving off the impression that you have several piercings, but with a single effortless stud. They can be made up of several gems or often, which you’ll find in our Star Earring collection, several stars to give off the impression of sparkling clusters in the night sky.✨
Jacket Earrings
Jacket earrings are a unique type of earring that are made of a single stud with a static piece that drops down behind and below the earlobe itself. This creates the effect of a floating piece of jewellery underneath your ear. Jacket earrings are unique and creatively designed and are perfect for combining with other earrings.
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings come in all sorts of circular sizes and can vamp up your whole outfit from an ordinary day to day look to a fun night out. Hoops can range from small plain circles in silver or gold to large hoops with additional charms, gemstones or embellishment. Hoops are a jewellery collection staple as they are versatile, easy to wear and spices up any outfit in an instant.
Sleeper Earrings
Sleeper earrings are generally smaller sized hoops that hug closer the ear, as opposed to a typical hoop that hangs from the ear. Sleepers are very comfortable to wear all day (and night - hence you can 'sleep' in them) and are often one of the first few earrings people wear after getting pierced due to how comfortable and small they are.
Threader Earrings
Take things to the next level with threader earrings. They are made up of a very fine chain than 'threads' through your ear and hang down either side. They don't have a particular closure or clasp so you will have to be careful that one side isn't 'threaded' too short or they may fall out. Threader earrings help your face appear slim and are a great accessory to pair with a gorgeous full length maxi dress. Dress them up by choosing your fave threader earrings with a charm on the end, or opt for a toned-down look with a simple plain chain - the choice is yours!
Dangle Earrings
These types of earrings - yep, you guessed it! - dangle elegantly from your ear. Usually with a few inches drop, they will attract a whole lot more attention to your ear, and rightly so. With a variety of charms from beautiful gemstones, hearts or butterflies suspended in the air, dangle earrings appear more animated and add a sense of movement to your jewellery. This will make your whole outfit a whole lot more dynamic - great for a special event where plenty photos will be taken!
Huggies
Huggies are snug little static earring hoops that fit around the outside of the earlobe. They look best when going for a minimal look with one huggie or a statement ear with 2 or more huggies as multiple lobe piercings. Simple huggies are perfect if you have just had your ears pierced and want to keep them out of harm’s way. However, with several rings hugging your ear lobe, a much more interesting, layered look can be created. Why not mix and match between crystal studded and plain bands to add in a lil’ sparkle and fun to your ears?
Earring Cuffs
Earring cuffs are a little similar to huggies, except they usually attach to the inside of the ear and form a ring around the outer lobe. A perfect example is through the conch piercing. Conch piercings are perfect for earring cuffs as they allow the cuff to surround the mid ear. Don’t have a conch piercing? Don’t worry! There are plenty of faux clip on cuff piercings out there to choose from too. Cuffs are often larger pieces and make for a much more significant, statement look, especially when worn with smaller and simple studs above and below it.
Earring Backs
As we spoke about before, earring backs can come in a few different shapes and sizes, depending on the type of earring you choose that day! It’s important to remember that what activities you plan to do affects what type of earring you should wear. Earrings with more secure backs should be chosen if you’re moving about a lot and earrings with average secureness can be chosen when you know you’re not up to much that day. This way, you’re sorted whether you’re off dancing or just chilling with your closest friends. With that being said, let’s get started!
Friction Back / Push Back / Butterfly Back
Friction backed earrings are the most common type of earring backs. They are mostly found with studded earrings and simply hold the stud in place with a small metal ‘butterfly’ that is pushed onto the post and held into place with friction. Very easy to remove and perfect for everyday wear.
Saddle Backs
Saddle backs are usually found with hooped earrings. They’re made up of a curved or straight ‘post’. A post is the thin metal bar that goes through your ear. The end of the post then fits into a narrow metal catch which allows it to click into place. These are quite secure as it takes a small amount of force to unclick them back out of place. As these have normal security and are found with a lot of our medium sized earrings they’re perfect if you’re out and about for the day!
Beading Hoops
As the name suggests, beading hoops are found with smaller hoops as the force of the sweeping ring shape pushes the end of the post into the little eye. These are perfect for everyday casual wear - great for a shopping trip 🛍️ - and you won’t have to worry about losing the backs as it doesn’t have one!
Spring Closure
These types of earring backs are found on hooped earrings, and are similar to beading hoops, except the post actually fits snuggly into the inside of the hoop itself, making it a lot more secure. The whole hoop would have to open before you lost these bad boys! Feel free to dance the night away and still find them safely in your ears by the end of the night. 🌃
Fish Hooks
Fish hook earring backs are usually found on the back of dangle earrings as the weight of the earring on the other side of the fish hook balances it into place, preventing it from falling out. Though they can be secure if worn on the daily, any dancing or partying could cause these to pop out of place - and we don’t want that! Add a rubber earring stopper to prevent this:
Rubber earring stoppers can be added onto any of your endless earring backs for a fool-proof to stop your earrings from falling out. They create an air-tight grip that is easy to take on and off and allow you to wear any type of earring worry-free!
Consider yourself an expert on all the different types of earrings! 🤓 Be sure to share this article with your friends so you can all enjoy your favourite pieces of jewellery and wear them with confidence that you won't lose em!
