Earrings have been around since ancient times – and they’re still going strong. From minimalist studs to elaborate chandelier earrings and dangly drop earrings, adorned with clear, colorful or black gemstones, there is a wide selection of styles and designs on the market, varying from timelessly chic to modern and edgy. Dainty and discreet pieces, bouncy and ornate earrings, oversize statement pieces, or industrial barbells each come with their own range of characteristics and charm, specific backing types, and even specific placements on the ear.
Earrings for women can be a stunning and considerate gift. They emphasize facial features and add a subtle note of elegance to any outfit. But, as you know, they come in different styles and sizes and one can get lost in the world of fashion jewelry. There are many types of earrings made of different materials. All these options can be intimidating, especially when trying to buy a gift. You can have stud earrings, drop earrings, hoops, clusters or cartilage earrings. In each of these categories you will also find different styles of earrings for women. Here is the good news, though: at Lulu Only, we have developed the most comprehensive earrings guide. Here you will learn everything you need to know about earrings so you can make an informed decision.
Earrings for women buying guide
As you have noticed, the world of fashion jewelry is much diversified. Diamond studs, gold hoops, statement earrings – there is a whole dictionary. However, buying earrings for yourself or a loved one doesn't have to be complicated. To help you make an informed decision, here are the main categories of earrings for women based on shape and size.
- Stud earrings
Studs are small, on-the-ear accessories that usually feature a single ornamental stone. You can have precious studs, such as diamond studs, stud earrings made of semi-precious stones. You can also have simple studs made of gold, silver, or other materials. Stud earrings are versatile and easy to match, making them suitable for any occasion. Sophisticated and active women prefer stud stone earrings because of their refined look and versatility. Similar to the little black dress, stud earrings are a timeless and elegant choice.
- Hoop earrings
Hoops are usually round earrings made of various metals (such as gold, silver, platinum, etc.) which can feature ornamental semi-precious or precious stones. While most hoop earrings are round, they can come in varying shapes like triangles, squares, and ovals, and range in size from small to large. Gold hoops have made a major comeback in the last year and they are very fashionable at the moment. Unconventional women who like to stand out prefer hoops. They are easy to match and can be worn on various occasions. You can choose a classic pair of 90’s simple gold hoops or you can diversify your options. Ever since hoops have become fashionable again, jewelry designers have created stunning versions of this simple and beautiful jewelry piece.
- Drop earrings
Drop earrings hang below the earlobe and exude an elegant vibe. You can have dangle drop earrings, teardrop earrings, chandelier ones or tassel earrings. Ball drop earrings are also very hot at the moment. Usually, drop earrings are very classy and are ideal on formal occasions. Elegant and refined women love dangling earrings due to their discreet and feminine shine. Tassel earrings, this summer’s hottest fashion jewelry, are also part of this category. They are less formal than chandelier earrings, for example, but still elegant and precious. For a unique twist, consider feather earrings, which are lightweight and add a nature-inspired vibe to your ensemble.
- Cartilage earrings
Ear cuffs or cartilage earrings come in various styles and sizes. They can be elegant, ideal to wear on a formal occasion or hipster-inspired. Cartilage ear cuffs are usually the favorites of rebellious women who are not afraid to make a statement. One of the great advantages of cartilage earrings is that you can wear multiple pairs at the same time. They offer endless opportunities for creative styling.
- Bajoran Earrings
Bajoran pieces come with two connection points (similar to elaborate cuffs). One connection point is usually fixed on the lobe with some type of closure, while the other is placed on the upper ear and usually does not require a piercing. Bajoran earrings get their unique name from Star Trek, where they were worn by humanoid species as a representation of their beliefs. Both men and women from the planet Bajor wore a type of earrings in one ear that denoted their devotion to their faith.
- Mismatched Earrings
Mismatched earrings are part of the modern earring types group. Basically, you get to wear two different earring designs – which can either match (theme-wise) or not resemble at all. Examples of mismatched earrings with similar themes: star & moon earrings or “X” and O”.
- Ear Cuff Earrings
Ear cuffs are types of earrings that include two categories: pieces that resemble C hoops (only worn horizontally) and that can be worn without a piercing on various parts of the ear and statement designs that travel on the curve of the ear. Simple pieces are small and do not require pierced ears – and larger cuffs can contain multiple connection points, similar to Bajoran earrings. Statement cuffs were also popular during the ’40s and ’50s and many vintage pieces that are currently on the market are from said eras. In the ’50s, ear cuffs were worn in pairs, while these days, trends mostly dictate wearing a singular standout cuff.
- Ear Crawler Earrings
Crawler earrings are often called ‘climber’ earrings. These types of earrings are fixed in the lobe piercing and literally ‘crawl’ or ‘climb’ up the ear. Crawlers are definitely statement pieces and can be worn in a pair, mismatched with a daintier earring in the other ear, or just as a one-piece. There are various designs available, including pieces featuring leaf motifs, flowers, stars, or gemstones. Crawler styles look best when paired up with shorter hair or updos since they are bold pieces of jewelry that aren’t meant to hide or be discreet.
When it comes to the metals and materials, earrings for women come in very different styles. You can buy a pair of gold earrings, either yellow, white or rose gold. The karat type also matters, as gold ranges from 10k to 22k, which is the alloy that contains the most gold. Besides solid gold, earrings can also be gold filled or gold plated, depending on the thickness of gold in the plating. There are also other jewelry materials besides gold. Sterling silver earrings are fashionable, while stainless steel studs are versatile and comfortable to wear. Platinum earrings are elegant and usually feature diamonds while brass earrings are bohemian. Of course, earrings can also be plastic, wood or even textile.
How to style earrings for women
- Consider the event you’re dressing for.
As with clothes, you want to use jewelry that is appropriate for the occasion. Once you’ve selected your outfit, then you can choose the right jewelry to accessorize it with.
Most importantly, you want your standard of jewelry to match your standard of clothes. What I mean by that is, if you are going to a graduation party, a family reunion, or even to a work function, you will probably be wearing a more formal outfit—a strappy dress or something more tailored, or just an extra bit luxe, so you will need earrings that are more dressy as well, something a bit more special. Statement earrings, chandelier earrings and even drop earrings are perfect for these occasions.
If you are going to meet a group of friends for dinner and drinks on the weekend, you can probably accessorize more casually. You could choose chandelier earrings (if they’re not too large or ornate) or dainty drop earrings, which are a great middle ground between petite studs and bigger danglies. And if you are lounging around or wearing jeans and a tee, then your earrings should also be fuss-free and relaxed. Statement earrings aren’t the things to wear here. Instead you should opt for small stud earrings, huggie hoops or simple, dainty earrings. Remember, if your outfit is paired back, your jewelry should be too.
- Decide on the vibe you want.
Aside from the occasion you’re dressing for, another important thing to consider is the vibe, or the look that you are going for with your outfit. If you are wanting to add a touch of boho, try putting on some colorful beaded earrings. If you are wanting to experiment with a more trendy, grunge look, try an ear cuff or pair of asymmetrical earrings, and if you are feeling more prim and proper, classic pearl studs could be exactly what you want. Again, the earrings you choose are really important in setting the tone of your whole outfit. Experiment with different ones and use these earrings styling tips until you find the right vibe!
- Think about your neckline and some earrings styling tips.
Another key thing to think about when choosing your right earrings is your neckline. The height and complexity of your neckline will affect the style of earrings you should go for. If you have a simple silhouette, you can wear bigger, more dramatic pieces of jewelry that draw attention to them. For example if you have on a strapless cocktail dress, or a sleeveless ribbed tank top with a simple round neckline, go with larger earrings. Statement earrings look really stunning together with a strapless dress and a halterneck dress can look beautiful paired with elegant dangly earrings to help elongate the neck and draw the eye down.
Also keep in mind if you do choose to go with big earrings, keep it minimal with the rest of your jewelry. You could wear statement earrings along with a really thin chain necklace maybe , but only one. Don’t layer up or it will be too busy. Or even better would be to pair your statement earrings with just one statement ring, nothing else. It’s helpful to think about everything in terms of proportions and balance. You want overall balance in your outfit and to let your earrings stand out. Let them speak for themselves.
The opposite is true too. Tone it down when your clothes have a lot going on. A turtleneck looks extremely sophisticated when paired with small, delicate hoop earrings, and a ruffle-front blouse can look really sweet worn with tiny stud earrings. If your outfit has a lot of details, leave the big, ornate earrings at home. The flatlay on the right is a good example of this.
- Work with your hair color and length.
Generally, there are two earrings styling tips you can follow when choosing the earrings in relation to your hair color. You can choose right earrings that are in the same color story as your hair colour, and which complement it. So, for example, if you have blonde hair, earrings made from gold metals and rose gold metals will look great on you. Or if you are a brunette, consider choosing earrings in rose gold, or with warm colors to bring out the warm undertones of your hair or play up any highlights you might have.
The other option is to select a color or metal finish which will be visible against your hair color, and which will work in contrast to it. For example, if you have black hair, silver metals and lighter tones will look stunning contrasted against your dark coloring.
It also pays to think about your hair length. If you plan on having your hair down, it doesn’t make much sense to wear long dainty earrings, they will be hidden in your locks. In that case it might be better to choose a chunky stud earring, an ear jacket or a pair of asymmetrical earrings that will stay noticeable, sitting up on your earlobe. And the opposite is true too.
If you have a short hairstyle, or like to wear your long hair up, you can get away with wearing long earrings. Intricate and dangly styles like chandelier earrings look really stunning worn with a short, pixie haircut, with a messy up-do, or with a slicked back pony.
- Complement your complexion, eye color and make-up.
As with your hair, you want to wear earrings that work with your overall complexion, eye color and make-up. Again, generally speaking, if your skin has warm undertones, you will look best with gold metal and with earrings with warm colors, and if your skin has cooler undertones, you will suit silver jewelry and jewelry with cool colors.
If you want to emphasize the natural color of your eyes you can choose the right earrings with similar colors. That will be sure to make your eyes really sparkle!
- Show your personality.
If you’re the type of person who likes to make a statement, why not go bold and play up contrasts? A little black dress will dazzle when worn with silver and white jewelry, or you can put on pearl studs to create a really graphic statement. The same works for dark tones too. If your outfit is navy, emerald green or burgundy, you can try wearing all silver to create a dramatic look. Pieces like silver stud earrings or long dangly earrings with sparkling white gemstones will look incredible.
How to clean earrings for women
- The simplest way to clean your earrings is to soak the pieces in warm water mixed with an ordinary de-greasing solution like dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or toothpaste, which can erode precious metals over time.
- If you are doing this over a sink, make sure the drain is blocked so nothing can fall in.
- To remove any remaining dirt, scrub with a soft-bristled, clean/new toothbrush, reserved only for cleaning your earrings.
- Remember to clean the back of the diamond and the crevices, which attract the most oil and grime.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water until all of the soap is gone.
- Dry with a paper towel, letting sit if necessary to dry completely.
- Some earrings may get dirtier more often than others, so repeat cleaning when you feel a piece isn’t sparkling the way it should.
Click here to see our Textured, Sculptured or Tassel earrings collections which feature refined and high-quality pieces. At Lulu Only online shop you will always find edition designer jewelry at affordable prices. For more jewelry buying guides, education and styling advice, check out our other articles！
