What types of earrings are there? Three main families: studs, which sit right on the earlobe, hoops, which pass through the piercing as a ring, and drop earrings, which hang below the lobe and move with you. Then there are in-betweens like a small hoop with a charm, and big statement earrings.
So what counts as an earring? Any piece you wear through an ear piercing, held by a post, a hinged hoop or a hook. Which shape suits you mostly depends on what you already wear and how much movement you like at the ear. This guide is for that moment in front of the mirror when you want to know fast what goes with a sweater or a blouse.
Types of earrings at a glance
- Studs: small, close to the ear, made for every day.
- Hoops: a ring shape, smooth, twisted or geometric.
- Drop earrings: hang freely and add length and movement.
- Hoops with a charm: a small ring with a motif swinging below.
- Statement earrings: large or unusual shapes that carry the look.
What are stud earrings?
Studs sit directly on the earlobe. A post goes through the piercing and a small back holds it in place. They stay put, on a phone call or under a winter hat. On mornings when you have two seconds, they are in before the coffee is done.
Delilah - Heart Stud Earrings with Zirconia
Polished heart studs with a zigzag line of zirconia, gold-tone. €19.95.
What are hoop earrings?
Hoops are ring-shaped earrings that pass through the piercing and close at the ear. They come smooth, twisted or geometric, slim or bolder. A twisted hoop like Diana catches the light a little differently at every turn. Mia turns the circle into a slim triangle with softly rounded corners. Hoops are often the pair you pick out on Sunday night for the whole week.
Diana - Twisted Hoop Earrings
Twisted hoops with polished turns that catch the light, gold-tone copper alloy, latch back. €19.95.
What are drop earrings?
Drop earrings hang below the earlobe and move when you turn your head. Many hang from a hook that goes through the piercing from the front. Teardrops, linked shapes or small motifs add length, especially with an open collar or hair pinned up. At dinner, when you turn to listen to someone, they swing a little. For how to choose drop earrings with cubic zirconia, see our Esme article.
Esme - Linked Drop Pavé Earrings with Zirconia
Two elongated links with pavé cubic zirconia, silver-tone, rhodium-plated copper alloy, hook closure. €24.95.
What are charm hoops and statement earrings?
Between a hoop and a drop sits the small hoop with a charm. The ring stays close to the ear while a motif, such as a star, swings below. You get movement without much length. Statement earrings are the large or unusual shapes where the earring carries the outfit. They look calmest with simple clothes, like a black sweater on an evening out with friends.
What kinds of earring closures are there?
Studs use a post with a small back behind the ear. Hoops often close with a latch back, a small hinge that clicks into place. Drop earrings usually hang from an open hook or a lever back, a hinged loop that snaps shut behind the ear. You find out which one you like best the first winter morning you wrap a scarf around your neck.
How do you pair different earrings?
When you pair jewelry, one simple rule helps: one shape leads, the others stay quiet. With more than one piercing, wear a small stud on top and a slim hoop below, both in the same tone. A bold necklace goes well with quiet earrings, long drops with a fine chain. Try it on a free Saturday in front of the mirror, with nowhere to be. For which shapes suit your face and hair, read which earrings suit me.
For simple care after wearing, see how to clean earrings.
For what the material labels mean, see which material for earrings.
More to read
- Drop earrings with cubic zirconia
- Which earrings are modern? Three looks that feel fresh
- Necklace pendant meanings: phoenix, fairy, heart
- Who suits hoop earrings? A few pointers instead of fixed rules
- Who suits long earrings? Matching drops to your neckline
- How much do earrings cost? What the price depends on
- Buying earrings: what to look for
- Which earrings go with a necklace? Echo or balance
- Mixing silver-tone and gold-tone: can you?
Common questions
Which earrings are easiest for every day?
Small studs and slim hoops. They sit close to the ear, stay out of the way on a phone call, and work with a T-shirt or a blazer.
What is the difference between drop earrings and hoops?
Hoops are ring-shaped and close at the ear. Drop earrings hang below the earlobe and move with you, often from a hook.
Can I wear different earrings on one ear?
Yes. An easy start: a small stud on top and a slim hoop below, both in the same tone.