EARRINGS
When it comes to gift-giving, classic earrings are a fantastic choice. There are three key factors to consider when selecting or buying earrings: earring styles, metal, and gemstones.
Earring Styles
Stud Earrings
Classic studs are the simplest of all earring styles consisting of single precious stones or shapes attached to single wire posts. Metal studs or ball earrings sit snug to the earlobe and are usually secured with a push back. A pair of diamond stud earrings are an absolute jewelry essential.
When you decide to buy diamond stud earrings, you will not regret your choice. Of the different types of earrings, the simple stud is the earring design worn most often. Studs come in different shapes, from round to teardrop earrings, and include pearl earrings.
Drop Earrings
Drop earrings are a feminine style of earrings that hang down from the ear lobe. Gemstone drop earrings are a subtle way to add polish and sparkle to your work, evening, or everyday wear. These earrings do not remain still when moving- a feature similar to jacket earrings. Additionally, drop earrings may have pushbacks or be lever back earrings.
Dangle Earrings
Unlike drop earrings, dangle earrings swing and dangle when moving around. They are usually of a higher volume, and these types of earrings can include tassels or intricate chains. Other types of earrings in this category include chandelier earrings and threaders.
Hoop Earrings
Circular or semi-circular in design, hoop earrings come in various sizes and styles, from very tiny hoops to ball closure rings in a complete circle or huggie earrings and big hoops that make a bold statement. Hoop earrings may have exploded in the ’80s, but they have never gone out of style. Like the stud earring, tiny hoops and huggie earrings are some of the earring types that remain a classic. So whether you are aiming for delicate or dramatic, boho or street, hoop earrings are a style for everyone.
Chandelier Earrings
This bold statement style dangles from the ear lobe and is suspended from a post, making them dangle earrings. Usually embellished with gemstones or other precious gems, they are made from precious metals. Chandelier earrings are fitting for glamorous evening looks.
These earrings come in different shapes and sizes, from diamond shapes that create geometric designs to a more circular shape or even tassel earrings. Teardrop earrings also fall under this category.
Cluster Earrings
With brilliant clusters of diamonds or cubic zirconias to create exciting patterns, cluster earrings are a variation of simple diamond studs. Cluster earrings are a playful statement piece that often features a round center diamond encircled by baguettes for a halo style, marquise cut diamonds in flower arrangements, or other types of artistic arrangements, such as jacket earrings. Less commonly, clusters can also contain a center diamond in a teardrop shape, but they always include intricate designs.
Threader earrings
Following a minimalistic trend, threader earrings are dangle earrings with a modern interpretation of a drop earring, which dangles with a slim chain that enters the earlobe. Choose a streamlined chain with gemstones at either end or a geometric shape to contrast sharply against the fluidity of the chain. They combine well with types of earrings, such as clip-on earrings or climber earrings.
Ear Cuffs
Ear cuff earrings are a type of clip-on earrings that hug the shell of the ear for an ultra-modern ear piercings look, and work well paired with other earrings. Even women with no earlobe piercing can wear a pair of ear cuff earrings. Ear cuffs can be worn as part of an ear stack or on their own for a minimalist look. Bajoran earrings also fall within this category. In addition, cuffs are sometimes used to mimic the style of barbell earrings.
Other earring features that come with purchasing ear cuffs include wearing mismatched earrings while still looking stylish. For example, one could wear studs and crawler earrings in one ear and Bajoran earrings or earspool earrings in the other. Sometimes the wider the variety of the different earrings worn, the more modern it looks.
Earrings Back Types
There are many different back types to consider when choosing your earrings, and different types of earrings require different earring backs. Selecting the suitable earring back types for your earlobes is essential in keeping the earring in place and secured.
Push Backs
Push backs feature a straight post passed through the piercing and into a small metal piece. Push backs are the most common earring back. A push back is often used for its a type of back that is easily replaceable. A similar but more secure back is the screw back.
Screw Backs
Screw backs are similar to pushbacks, except for a removable screw called the clutch, which holds the post in place. A screw back keeps the earring in place, giving you extra security than a regular post backing. Screw-backs are also ideal for people living an active lifestyle.
Omega Back
A post is passed through the earlobe and secured by a hinged wire that flips up. The design is named for the hinged wire, sometimes shaped like the Greek letter “omega.”
Fishhook
A long curved wire is passed through the ear piercing, holding it in place, also known as a French hook. These earring backs are most often used dangle earrings, but they can also be seen in other types of earrings.
Clip-On
Designed for those who do not have their ears pierced, clip-on earrings are secured by a hinged clip instead of a hook.
Lever Back
A lever back has a hook passed through the piercing and is held in place by a hinged lever.
Latch-Back
A hinged wire is passed through the earlobe and snaps into a U-shaped lock with gentle pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
To do so:
1. Get a dish of warm, soapy water which contains a MILD detergent.
2. Put the earrings in the bowl and gently wash them with a cloth to remove dirt and grease.
3. If they require something more substantial, use a SOFT toothbrush and gently remove the stubborn dirt.
4. Rinse in clean water and dab them dry using a lint-free cloth.