This Is What Different Types Of Earrings Are Called
Photo credit: @coccolejarvis wearing the Gold Heart Hoops
Ever wondered what the difference is between drop and dangle earrings? Or what you call those earrings that can be switched around? Well, you’re in luck: below you’ll find answers to these questions and more.
In this article, we’ll go over the five main types of earrings and how to tell one from the other. It’s time to take the doubt out of the jewellery shopping process - dive right in!
Statement Earrings
Statement earrings demand attention and draw your eyes to the wearer’s face. They are fairly easy to spot in the wild: if you catch yourself staring straight at them, incapable of looking away, then they are probably statement earrings!
Their stop-and-stare effect can be achieved either through colour, texture, size or… all three!
Brazilian Emerald & Yellow Sapphire Earrings
Stud Earrings
Stud earrings are a minimalist’s dream: they consist of small precious stones that appear to be floating on your lobe. They have a pin and butterfly back that ensures they stay on securely throughout the day. Size-wise, they range from barely-discernible dots to large pearls. The rule of thumb is this: as long as they can fit snugly on the earlobe, they’re going to be called studs.
Stud earrings can we worn by themselves, but are also excellent pieces to wear if you have multiple piercings on your upper lobes.
Hoop earrings
Hoop earrings have, in general, a circular design similar to that of a ring. Sometimes, they form a perfect circle, a hoop that has to be opened to pass through the ear piercing. Other times, the hoop is interrupted before closing perfectly and the earring stays put thanks to a pin and butterfly back, just like that of stud earrings. These two types are best illustrated below:
Note that hoop earrings don’t always have to be perfectly round. As long as they retain the main characteristics listed above, they are still part of the category. With hoops, thickness can also vary: some can be very thick, while others can stay the thinest of thin.
Drop earrings
Drop earrings attach to the earlobe and hang just below it. They might be one single piece or they might be composed of two or more pieces that move slightly. This type of earrings is rigid in motion or might not move at all, depending on the design.
Speaking of design, drop earrings range from extravagant and elegant (perfect for nighttime wear) to very simple and straight-forward (perfect for daytime wear).
Here are two examples:
Frosted Quartz Earrings (Medium)
Dangle Earrings
Dangle earrings start from the earlobe and, unlike drop earrings, they can go all the way down to the shoulders. The extra length and the less rigid design allow them to dangle, echoing your every movement.
They are often the go-to for events and special occasions, as they are not that practical for daytime wear. This is not a set rule, though. You do you!
Transformable Earrings
Transformable earrings are those that partially fit into one of the categories above, but with a twist: they have detachable parts that can be taken off to leave them as studs or added back on to transform them into drop or dangle earrings.
Simple Diamond Cross Pearl Earrings
If they sound like fun it’s because they are! They’re chic, versatile and a relatively new addition to jewellery collections everywhere. Read more about them here.
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