Types of Earrings - Blue and Gold, small hoop earrings for women

Types of Earrings

Lorna Middleton –

A great pair of earrings finish off an outfit. There are many different types of earrings and each are suited to different styles and outfit ideas. In this guide, we will take you through some of the most popular types of earrings. There is definitely an earring style for everyone out there.

Different Types of Earrings

A selection of the most popular types of earrings.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop Earrings are a staple of the jewellery world. They've been worn for thousands of years by kings and queens. But today, you'll find them the go-to earring for everyone. Generally circular in shape, these loops can be huge or teeny tiny.

Large Hoop Earrings

Large hoop earrings are big and bold. They can be as large as reaching your shoulders if you choose for a bit more of a theatrical look. Large hoops aren't always chunky though. You can have thin or thick hoops, textured or plain. Their versatility is what makes them a popular choice throughout fashion.

Large Hoop Earring Examples:

 

Silver Small Hoop Earrings with textured design

 

Small Hoop Earrings

For those that love the hoop style but would rather opt for a smaller pair, there is a huge range of small hoop earring styles too. These earrings are an excellent choice for work. Their diminutive size is practical while still stylish. Many small hoop earrings also have pendant charms, creating a hybrid style.

Small Hoop Earring Examples:

 

Half-Hoop Earrings

Half hoop earrings are the midway between small hoop earrings and large ones. They are more C-shaped in appearance, with the back of the ear not completely enclose like traditional hoop earrings. This is a great style for those who love large hoop earrings but want something slightly lighter and still want to stand out a bit more. There are lots of beautiful styles currently as half-hoop earrings are on-trend.

Half-Hoop Earring Examples

 

half hoop earrings in coral

Huggie Earrings

Huggie earrings can also fall into the category of hoop earrings. These very small loop earrings hug the ear lobe to create a very snug fitting hoop. They are very popular at the moment, with the huggie earring trend seen everywhere from the high street to celebrities. While we wouldn't recommend anyone snoozes while wearing earrings, huggies are probably the safest option to sleep in.

Huggie Earring Examples

 

huggie hoop earrings with butterfly charms

Door Knocker Earrings

Door knocker earrings are another variation on the hoop earring. They generally have a rounded, oval-shaped hoop. Door knocker styles can have a flattened bottom or a more heart-shaped profile. The hoop hangs down off a central piece that attaches to the ear. It swings from this central point and can be lifted up in the motion of using a door knocker, hence the name. These earrings are usually gold and feature chunky, textured metal designs. Though there are plenty of other options in terms of design, metals and gems.

Door Knocker Examples

Drop and Dangle Earrings

Drop and dangle earrings are popular styles with the most variety. You can do anything with pendant earrings such as these, the possibilities are endless. Coming in a wide variety of designs with different metals, gems and backs, you will be able to find an earring that is perfect for you. A drop earring tends to be more rigid, with the pendant coming down from a central stud and made of one unmoving part. A dangle earring, on the other hand, is usually constructed in a way to allow for movement of the design. There are usually several components that attach to the central stud.

Drop & Dangle Earring Examples

 

small hoop earrings in gold with pearl charm

Ear Cuffs

Ear cuffs are types of earrings that travel along the outer curve of the ear. You don't need a piercing necessarily for this type of earring. There are different position options for ear cuffs and you can wear them however you like. They can travel along the top curve of the ear or start at the middle and travel down to the earlobe. Alternatively, they can travel the entire length of the ear from top to bottom. It all depends on the size of the ear cuff and design.

Ear Cuff Examples

 

ear cuff in gold with green gems

 

Stud earrings

Stud earrings are just what they say on the tin, studs. They usually feature one gem or a metal ball in the centre of your piercing with simple pushbacks. These earrings, while very simplistic, can be very stylish. They can also be designed to feature more gems or designs, with this style usually being called a cluster earring or stud. 

Browse Earrings

If you'd like to browse more earrings, view our full earring collection here. We offer a huge range of hoops, dangles, drops, huggies and ear cuffs. Plus we update our shop frequently with our latest designs for the current trends. You can also view our Instagram Shop to see what our jewellery looks like worn by our customers. Get in touch if you need any help placing your order.

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