Jewellery Journal

9th November 2021 | by Admin

Different Types of Earrings & Earring Backs

A beautiful pair of earrings is an essential addition to any jewellery box. Earrings have been worn for centuries as a way to display wealth, customise outfits, and show off personal style with many types of earrings available to choose from.

From delicate studs to stunning journey earrings, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for a gift or to upgrade an outfit for a special occasion, here’s a breakdown of the different types of earring styles.

Earring Types

Ear piercing is one of the world’s oldest forms of body modification. It has been seen in illustrations and writing from thousands of years ago and it’s still the most popular piercing type today – even those who aren’t interested in getting tattoos or other body piercings probably have their earlobes pierced.

Lobe piercings are the most common and accessible type of piercings and there’s a huge variety of different types of earrings you can wear so it’s a really customisable way to accessorise any outfit.

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Stud Earrings

Stud earrings are some of the most simple and classic earring styles. They are perfect for any occasion and can be as ornate or minimalistic as you like. A stud earring features a gemstone mounted on a narrow post that passes through the piercing in the earlobe and is held in place by a fixture on the back. It gives the illusion that the earring is floating on the ear.

Studs can be simple metal in design or feature sparkly diamonds, usually in a solitaire setting, although bezel, cluster, and halo settings are also popular styles. Diamond stud earrings make a lovely finishing touch to any outfit.

Drop Earrings

Drop earrings hang below the earlobe. They are usually only a few centimetres long and typically feature a small round or pear-shaped diamond that catches the light as you move. There is a wide range of diamond drop earring styles available. Due to their elegant charm, drop earrings tend to be reserved for formal occasions such as weddings or special events.

Cluster Earrings

When it comes to sparkle, cluster earrings are the way to go. Cluster earrings feature groups of small stones or diamonds grouped together to resemble a large stone. They are ultra sparkly and available as studs, drop, or hoop styles so are perfect for any occasion.

Journey Earrings

Diamond journey earrings are similar to drop earrings but with a few differences. They consist of a straight line of diamonds that fall below the ear. Depending on the style, the diamonds can be the same size or a mixture of sizes to create a beautiful line of sparkle on the ear. Just like journey pendants, journey earrings symbolise dreams, adventures, and journeys spent in life, making them great gifts for loved ones.

Hoop Earrings

Diamond hoop earrings are a luxury twist on a classic style. Hoop earrings are circular earrings that connect through the earlobe. They can be plain or set with diamonds and other gemstones and come in various sizes – from small and delicate to statement pieces. Like studs, hoop earrings can easily be worn both day and night. If you have multiple piercings, hoop earrings look great paired with diamond studs for an eclectic finish.

Everyday Earrings

If you want a pair of earrings to wear on a day-to-day basis, everyday earrings are the way to go. These earrings are usually more simple and casual in design, often introducing motifs such as flowers, butterflies, and hearts and are designed to be worn with more casual outfits or add a fun touch to workwear.

Designer Earrings

When looking for cutting-edge designs with on-trend and unique elements, you may want to check out the designer-led collection of designer earrings. These earrings make extra-special gifts as they have really unusual designs and a range of different setting options from studs to hoops and beyond.

Jacket and Ear Climber Earrings

Earring jackets and crawlers are contemporary styles of earrings that add a really modern touch to any outfit. Earring jackets come in two halves: the front piece that goes on the front of your earlobes – typically a stud– and an extra decorative component that fits to the earring fastener and sits behind your earlobe.

An earring crawler or climber is typically a piece that goes through your earlobe and slides up your ear, making it look like you have multiple piercings, and often don’t require a clasp to hold it in place.

What Type Of Earring Is Most Popular?

The most popular type of earrings is stud earrings thanks to their variety and versatility. They are perfect for both day or night and can be styled with almost any outfit for any occasion. 1ct diamond studs tend to be the most popular as they provide just the right amount of sparkle and can be worked every day as well as with special outfits.

Earring Back Types

With all the different types of earrings, there are just as many different types of backs – also known as fastenings.

Push Backs

Push back fastenings are the most common and well-known earring fastenings. These come in many different styles including butterfly clasps, can be made of metal or silicone, and slid onto the post of the earring at the back of the earlobe.

Hinge Backs

Hinge back earrings feature a hinged post that goes through the piercing and snaps onto a groove at the back of the earring. These fastenings are commonly used on hoops and huggie earrings. Once you hear the click of the fastening, you know it's secure.

Shepherd Hook Backs

Also known as French hook backs, a shepherd hook earring are the most common types of fastenings for dangling, statement earring types. The post threads through the piercing hole and the top curve of the hook sits in the ear. The weight of the earring is usually sufficient to hold it in place but you can use little silicone fasteners to make them extra secure.

Lever Backs

This is a very popular type of earring fastenings for earring styles that hang or dangle. They feature a lever which closes the earring at the back and prevents it from opening and falling out, making it extra secure.

Clip-On Backs

Clip-on earring backs are perfect for those who don’t have their ears pierced, or who used to and healed the holes. Instead of being pierced through the earlobe, the clips grip the lobe instead to fasten the earring in place.

When it comes to jewellery essentials, having a good, high-quality pair of earrings to wear for any occasion is a great way to upgrade any outfit. Diamonds Factory’s range of earrings are well-made using top-quality materials and made to last so make the perfect gift for loved ones and even for yourself.

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