Earrings have always stayed faithful in adorning the ears and stood the test of time as a fashion accessory. These versatile pieces of jewelry come in a variety of materials, from traditional metals to unconventional options like plastic and glass.
The designs for earrings are vast, ranging from small, simple studs to elaborate chandeliers or dazzling drop earrings that add glamour to any outfit. Both men and women can wear earrings, which can be attached to the earlobe or other parts of the ear, such as the cartilage or helix. There is an earring style for everyone, from subtle and delicate studs to bold chandelier earrings. The possibilities are endless, with classic, timeless designs and modern, edgy options available.
In this ultimate guide to different types of earrings, we’ll expose the rich history of these coveted accessories, explore the different styles and designs available, and highlight specific ear piercings.
Origin of Earrings
For millennia, earrings have captured the imaginations of civilizations across the globe, from the opulent courts of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, to the far-reaching corners of Asia and Africa. Back then, earrings were a status symbol, denoting wealth and prestige. Both men and women adorned themselves with these shiny baubles, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their spiritual significance.
Photo: Arteum.ro/Unsplash In Egypt, earrings were especially prized for their supposed mystical properties, often featuring rare gemstones and intricate designs. Greek women, on the other hand, wore earrings as ornate fashion statements, showcasing delicate patterns and motifs that were the envy of all. As history marched on, earrings waxed and waned in popularity across Europe, but never disappeared altogether. Meanwhile, other cultures continued to explore new designs, materials, and techniques to create ever more dazzling earrings.
Today, earrings remain a timeless fashion accessory worn by people of all ages and backgrounds. They have undergone countless transformations over the years, from simple studs to elaborate chandelier earrings, yet they still embody an undeniable sense of style and sophistication. And as designers continue to push the envelope with innovative new designs and materials, it’s clear that the allure of earrings will never fade.
Types of Earrings
Selecting the perfect pair of earrings can be the finishing touch your outfit craves, whether you’re looking to elevate it to new heights or dial down its formality with a hint of casual flair. If you’re aiming for a refined and sophisticated look, investing in a dainty drop earring or a refined hoop can work wonders. However, even a discreet, timeless stud can add a decorative element to your ensemble.
On the other hand, if you’re after an ornate and lavish feel, certain types of earrings can exude glamour. Alternatively, when you’re in search of something cozy and low-key that won’t get caught on anything, some earrings are better suited to your needs. Here are the essential earring styles to keep in mind while shopping for yourself or a special someone.
Stud Earrings
When it comes to adorning your earlobes, nothing beats the classic and ubiquitous stud earrings. Simple yet stylish, this earring style is a favorite among fashion enthusiasts, and for good reason.
Crafted to sit flat and directly on the earlobe, studs come in a myriad of shapes and designs, with the most beloved being the classic round stud. These earrings typically showcase a single gem, such as a diamond, pearl, or other precious stone, and may even feature a cluster of gems for added elegance.
Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard® Earrings
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings have a cultural heritage that dates back to the 4th century in Nubia. These circular or semi-circular earrings are typically crafted from metal or plastic materials.
While the classic hoop boasts a perfectly round shape, contemporary designs offer a variety of options, including ovals, squares, and diamonds. With endless designs to choose from, hoop earrings come in super slim and thick tube-like varieties, as well as those embellished with sparkling gemstones. From delicate to oversized shoulder dusters, hoops can be found in all sizes.
Cubic Zirconia Pavé Hoop Earrings
Tear Drop Earrings
Teardrop earrings have become a sought-after earring style due to their unique teardrop or pear-shaped design. These earrings are typically fastened to the earlobe using either a push-back or wire hook closure and come in various sizes, materials, and styles, offering something for every fashion taste.
The beauty of teardrop earrings lies in their versatility, as the design can be adapted to suit different preferences, from simple and understated to elaborate and ornate. Though teardrop earrings are known to be part of the dangling earring family, fixed designs are also available.
These earrings are usually medium in size and are a perfect choice for any occasion, be it casual or formal.
Eliot Danori Oval Crystal Drop Earrings, Created for Macy’s
Dangle Earrings
The moniker “dangle earrings” is quite fitting for these beauties, for they truly do dangle and sway with each movement. Dangle earrings are known for their continuous motion and fluidity. While most of these earrings are longer in length, some delicate pieces with slender chains can also fall under this category.
Dangle earrings gracefully hang below the earlobe, boasting a plethora of designs ranging from understated chains to lavish gem-encrusted styles or playful tassels. If you seek a more dramatic look, opt for extra-long designs that brush the shoulder or collarbone; these stunners are affectionately known as “shoulder dusters.”
Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier earrings dangle from your ears with elegance and sophistication, resembling the exquisite arms of a chandelier. These glamorous earrings are perfect for formal occasions and make a bold statement with multiple layers of dangling elements. The ornate design and lengthy appearance of chandelier earrings draw attention to the face, making them a standout accessory.
The beauty of chandelier earrings is that the accessory can be crafted from various materials, from luxurious gold and silver to dazzling diamonds and other precious gemstones, allowing you to express your style with every wear.
Freya Deco Chandelier Earrings
Threader Earrings
These beauties are composed of a slim chain or thread that elegantly threads through your earlobe. Crafted from various materials such as gold, silver, and other metals, threaders exude a subtle yet stunning vibe. Thanks to their adaptable nature, threader earrings complement both casual and formal attire.
Dress them up or down to suit your occasion, and let their simple yet sophisticated design speak volumes. With threaders, less is truly more.
Little Bezel Ear Threader
Huggie Earrings
Imagine a pair of earrings that lovingly cuddles your earlobes rather than dangling from them like ordinary hoops. These cute and compact earrings are known as Huggies, with circular shapes similar to classic hoops but occasionally taking on the form of a C-shaped embrace.
Unlike larger hoops that can be cumbersome and limit hairstyle options, Huggies are small and versatile, complementing a variety of hairdos and securely staying in place. Their understated allure can range from a simple metal design to a dazzling array of gemstones, adding just the right touch of elegance and style to any outfit.
BaubleBar Lucy Set of 3 Huggie Hoop Earrings
Clip-on Earrings
Revolutionary in design, clip-on earrings offer an alternative to traditional pierced earrings, making them a great choice for both kids and adults. With a cleverly crafted mechanism that applies gentle pressure to the earlobe from both sides, these earrings can be worn comfortably without any pain, damage, or unsightly marks.
Although not as popular as they once were, clip-on earrings have a rich history of fashion prominence. In the 80s and 90s, these versatile earrings were all the rage, with bold and colorful statement pieces available in abundance. And during the 1920s and 1950s in America, clip-on earrings were the go-to choice for those who dared to be different, as pierced ears were viewed as a rebellious act.
Bella Crystal Drop Clip-On Earrings
Barbell Earrings
The origin of the term “barbell earrings” lies in their uncanny resemblance to the shape of a barbell, consisting of a metallic rod with spherical adornments on each end. These earrings are fastened using a closure mechanism located within one of the spheres, which can be detached for easy insertion into the ear.
The versatile pieces can be worn individually or as a matching pair, and a single barbell can be threaded through one or multiple ear piercings, such as the popular industrial barbells. Barbell earrings typically exude a rebellious and punk-inspired aesthetic, making the earrings a go-to choice for those seeking an edgy look.
Barbell earrings are available in varying gauges and can be worn in a variety of ear piercings or even beyond. When worn in the ear, barbells are commonly placed across the cartilage for a bold statement.
Eyebrow Curved Barbell Jewelry
Plug Earrings
Faux plug earrings resemble barbell earrings since they come with a metallic cylinder that is inserted into the ear piercing and disks at each end, with one of them being removable.
Genuine plugs, which necessitate the expansion of the pierced area, are also known as ‘flesh tunnels’ or ‘earspools.’ These cylindrical-shaped earrings are available in various gauges. There are two distinct styles of plug earrings; the double-sided ones and those that require a plug piercing.
In simpler terms, these can be categorized as faux plugs or genuine plugs that involve the practice of stretching the earlobe.
Black Button Faux Ear Plug Earrings
Ear Cuff Earrings
Ear cuffs are a unique type of earring that fall into two main categories. The first category features pieces that resemble C-shaped hoops, which are worn horizontally and can be placed on various parts of the ear without requiring a piercing.
These simple pieces come in small sizes and are ideal for those who do not have pierced ears. On the other hand, the second category includes statement designs that follow the curve of the ear and are larger in size. Some of these cuffs have multiple connection points, similar to Bajoran earrings.
The history of ear cuffs dates back to ancient times when they were worn as a symbol of status by aristocrats. The first cuffs, which were known as “Kaffa” earrings, were made from brass and were designed to be worn on the outer edge of the ear.
Orelia crystal embellished single ear cuff in gold plate
Cluster Earrings
Multiple gemstones arranged in a cluster make for captivating pieces of jewelry known as cluster earrings. These earrings can come in the form of stud earrings, like flower studs, where each petal showcases a unique diamond or gemstone. On the other hand, the dangly cluster styles are a combination of numerous chains and various gems, including pearls.
Cluster studs are a chic option for those seeking to add some sparkle to their appearance, offering a contemporary twist to traditional stud earrings. Unlike plain studs, cluster earrings are elaborate and striking, designed for a bold look.
Pebble Cluster Stud Earrings
Tassel Earrings
Tassel earrings come in various styles, showcasing either genuine fabric or string tassels, or imitating the appearance of tassels through their design. Metal-based tassel earrings typically consist of multiple slender chains emerging from a single point, forming a metallic tassel-like structure.
Meanwhile, other styles showcase an array of earring components decorated with small beads, mother-of-pearl charms, or other embellishments.
These earrings are characterized by their lively and whimsical demeanor, swaying and dancing with every movement. While the traditional tassel earring variety employs embroidery floss as its primary material, others may utilize lace or other textile fabrics to achieve a unique look.
Karine Sultan Freshwater Pearl Tassel Drop Earrings
Jacket Earrings
Jacket earrings are a creative earring type that typically flaunts a clasp or a precious stone at the forefront, with the main portion of the earring located behind and beneath the earlobe. The majority of styles incorporate a basic stud at the front, such as polished zirconia or lustrous pearl, while others boast more intricate and ornate arrangements.
The rear-facing component is where the real magic happens, featuring exquisitely detailed patterns such as blooming flowers, twinkling stars, or delicate leafy motifs.
Some might describe these beauties as elevated studs, as they are a more intricate interpretation of the classic stud design, elevating its allure with added brilliance and an extra dose of visual charm.
Yellow Gold 6mm Ball Drop Earring Jackets
Ear Crawler Earrings
Known as “climber” earrings, crawler earrings are designed to sit in the lobe piercing and gracefully “crawl” or “climb” up the ear. These earrings are a statement piece and can be worn in pairs, paired with a delicate earring on the other ear, or worn as a single earring. With a variety of designs available, from leaf and flower motifs to stars and gemstones, crawler earrings are a versatile addition to any jewelry collection.
To best showcase these bold pieces of jewelry, they are recommended to be worn with shorter hair or updos, as they are not meant to be hidden or understated.
Gianni Bernini Cubic Zirconia Graduated Cluster Ear Climbers
Bajoran Earrings
Originating from the Star Trek world, where they adorned the ears of a humanoid race to express their deep-seated spiritual beliefs, Bajoran earrings flaunt an elaborate design featuring twin connection points reminiscent of ornate wrist cuffs.
The earlobe end of the earring remains anchored with a firm clasp, while the upper ear end rests effortlessly sans the need for piercing.
Typically, these earpieces exhibit layered chains, accompanied by dangling embellishments or without, making for a mesmerizing sight.
Ear Cuff Bajoran Earrings
English Lock Earrings
The English lock earrings have a distinctive closure that is characterized by a sleek hinged lever that gently folds out at the back of the ear, is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and secure fastening methods available.
These earrings are available in a variety of styles, including smaller, snug-fitting huggies, partial Huggies, and delicate dangle designs that often incorporate exquisite gemstones like pearls.
Given the unparalleled security provided by the English lock mechanism, many high-end jewelry pieces boast this type of earring clasp.
Freshwater Black Pearl English Lock Earrings
Leverback Earrings
Just like English lock earrings, Lever-back Earrings get their name from the type of closure they feature, rather than their design.
The lever back closure is composed of a hinged, closed mechanism that provides exceptional security. Although the designs can vary widely, they tend to be on the smaller side, often showcasing a single gemstone or a delicate chain adorned with a precious stone.
Thanks to their dependable closure mechanism, lever-back earrings are popular choices in both fine and fantasy jewelry.
Amethyst Oval Leverback Earrings
