Earrings are amongst the most widely used fashion accessories across the world. From classic studs and hoops to more contemporary threaders and ear cuffs, earrings can accentuate your look and qualities and make you feel confident about yourself. To help you get a geist, read on and discover more on the basics of styles and types of earrings, and so you can pick which one will look best on you.
1. Stud Earrings
Stud earrings are the most popular and simplest type of earrings. No surprise as they can be used nearly on all occasions due to their effortless yet quintessential design. These earrings are pretty small, close to the ear, and sit comfortably tight without any dangling, climbing, drooping, or looping ornament. It appears “floating” on the earlobe, as the pin is typically secluded by a piece of diamond or other stones, jewels, and metals. Studs are a jewelry box staple and ideal for those people who want to reduce the risks of the earrings getting pulled.
2. Hoop Earrings
As the name implies, hoop earrings feature a hoop that loops from the earlobe’s front and back. While they are commonly round, they now come in various shapes and sizes, such as triangles, squares, ovals, and diamonds. Smaller hoops offer a soft-pedaled look, while larger ones provide a striking, glamorous appeal.
3. Drop Earrings
Drop earrings are close to stud earrings but drop slightly below the ear. It targets wearers looking for a modest design yet wants to add subtle length. While it hangs below the earlobe, drop earrings tend to be stationary and are often viewed as the longer counterpart of stud earrings.
4. Clip-on Earrings
Clip-on earrings don’t need piercing and simply temporarily hang on the earlobe through clipping, without hurting or damaging the ear. They became pretty popular during the 1920s and 1950s when piercings were deemed to be unruly. Today, it’s commonly used by children but it’s breaking through adult fashion, with many styles and selections now available for the older generation.
5. Cluster Earrings
Another earring type that resembles the studs are cluster earrings. The main difference is cluster earrings are composed of many gems, stones grouped together to create a cluster. They sit comfortably in the earlobe like stud earrings or come in a slight drop like drop earrings. Regardless of which style, each offers an elegant and smart look.
6. Dangle Earrings
Dangle earrings are the “complicated” version of the drop earrings. Though both hang below the earlobe, dangle earrings are relatively longer, larger, and bulkier, dangling down by the shoulders and allowing more movement. With the added length, it provides more scope in terms of design, appearing both in sophisticated and trendy styles.
7. Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier earrings are a type of dangle earrings, but as its name suggests, it resembles a crystal chandelier. It features an array of segments and branches, which ultimately forms a luxurious and shiny piece that exudes elegance and femininity. With their glamour, they are often seen in modish parties and events.
8. Jacket Earrings
Similar to studs, jacket earrings feature a latch or stone that sits on the front of the earlobe. What makes it more remarkable is the major part of the earring can be seen behind the ear, hanging behind the earlobe and creating an exotic, modern, and special peek-a-book effect.
9. Huggie Earrings
Huggie earrings are a form of hoop earrings but are incredibly smaller but relatively thicker. They sit snuggly tight on the earlobe, seemingly hugging it and leaving little or no space. Unlike other earrings, huggie earrings have a hinge or clipped type of backing, which open or close for wearing or removal. These earrings are perfect for those to wear hoop earrings but want to decrease the chances of them snagging or catching.
10. Barbells
You might have probably noticed how many of the earring types and styles’ names originated from the items they resemble. The same goes with barbell earrings, as they appear like the free weights you can spot in a gym. They are often placed from the lower lobe up to the upper ear cartilage. Though ends of barbell earrings commonly feature simple balls, modern ones may have added ornaments and other styles.
11. Ear Cuffs
One of the most modern types of earrings is the ear cuffs. It is highly specialized, hugging the upper portion of the ear, though sometimes may cover the middle and all the way down. It fits comfortably and stays around the outer ear’s fold, without needing any holes. As such, it provides a pierced look, sans any piercing at all.
12. Threaders
Threaders are another contemporary type of earring, ideal for those wanting a minimalist appeal. It consists of a long, thin metal piece, threading through the piercing hole and dangling on both the front and the back of the earlobe. While most come in a modest design to achieve a delicate look, others now come in stones and other ornaments on both ends for an extravagant appeal.
Takeaway
That’s the rundown of the different styles and types of earrings. Just be sure to choose the perfect pair that will match your outfit and the occasion you’re going to and you’ll surely be looking at your best. The fashion industry has truly grown and evolved overtime check out the highlights of the Rise of the Fashion Industry from Illuminating Facts:
