Over 80% of women in the USA have their ears pierced (and men too). With many different styles, possible materials, and types of earrings one can wear it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many options when it comes to earring shopping. From pearl earrings to diamond stud earrings for women to gold hoop earrings for women there is a perfect piece for everyone. No matter your style you can find a pair of cool earrings to make you feel on top of the world.
What are the most popular earring styles?
The most popular modern earring styles are huggie earrings gold, diamond earrings, hoop earrings, pearl earrings, earring studs, ear cuffs, drop earrings, threader earrings, and tassel earrings. That’s a long list of possible options which can make it hard to choose. Every face has the best style to complement your cheekbones, eyes, lips, or hair – whatever it is you want to show off.
Gold earrings and sterling silver earrings are hypoallergenic and very popular. The nature of ear piercings makes people with allergies or irritations extra sensitive to the quality of these pieces. Even if you don’t have allergies to certain metals, earrings that are heavy, have tight or scratchy backs can be quite irritating.
What earrings are trending now in 2021?
The earrings trending in 2021 are all about gold. However, an earring appearing to be made from gold doesn’t necessarily mean the material won’t bother your ears. There are many materials available when it comes to gold options for earrings: gold-plated, gold vermeil, gold-filled, and 14k gold. These materials can be mixed with a variety of alloys which may potentially irritate, leave a green halo, or aggravate sensitive ears.
What earrings can I wear all the time?
The best earrings to wear all the time are made from precious metals. What material is best for you depends on your personal style and sensitivities. If your earrings are made from only precious metals they are significantly less likely to bother your ears. Whether you choose 14k solid gold, gold vermeil, gold plated sterling silver, or sterling silver depends on your budget and preferences. Precious metals can be easily polished back to shine even if they begin to tarnish. This means you can wear earrings made from precious metals in the shower and to sleep without worrying. We’re all about that!
What kind of earrings are best for sensitive ears?
To find the right earrings for sensitive ears it is always important to confirm exactly what materials are in your jewelry. Making sure your earrings material does not include nickel, brass, or other potential irritants will help save your precious earlobes! A nickel allergy is super common so nickel free earrings have become increasingly popular.
Using precious metals only ensures your earrings will last and can be quickly polished back to shine. Silver earrings are a great affordable option as they can always be polished or cleaned to look good as new. Gold earrings will never tarnish which makes them even more appealing. You can always clean or polish them to get them shiny as they will start to scratch or dull over time. Save your sensitive ears from future irritation by buying hypoallergenic earrings from reputable sources and always checking materials.
Most popular earring styles to wear for every occasion
Stud Earrings
A stud earring is typically a small piece of jewelry welded to a straight post. This earring is worn through one earring hole and typically adorned by diamonds, pearls, or other gemstones held in place by prongs. The most prominent feature of this earring is that the mechanism which holds the earring in place is typically non-visible.
When it comes to stud earring backs there are so many options from screw back earrings, latch backs, lever backs, and french clips. Often, earrings come with only one style back so it is best to know which you prefer before you purchase.
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are a circular style that looks similar to a ring. The hoop can be opened and thread through an earlobe with either a latch, angled post, or wire fixture. Often constructed of hollow metal tubing for a light feel, hoop earrings can also be made of solid metal or wire.
Hoop earrings have a long history of being worn by women. There is an ideal size for every woman. They can be worn everyday to enhance your casual style. You can also dress them up or get creative with unique stacks and studded styles. Small hoop earrings are perfect for those with a more laid back style while big dramatic hoops can add an edge to any outfit.
Drop Earrings
A drop earring fixes through the earlobe and features a stone or other adornment that hangs down from either a chain, ring, hoop or similar hanging object. There can be any length of ornament which “drops” from the piece. These earrings can also be called droplet, dangle, or pendant earrings. They can be easily dressed up for special events or formal occasions.
Dangle Earrings
Dangle earrings typically have a swaying style which swings back and forth or side to side. These earrings hang below the earlobe and the length of the swaying portion can vary depending on the specific earring style. Typically, a wire or a chain extends from a hook and hands down. At the end it can feature a gemstone, pearl, or bead. The difference between dangle and drop earrings is that drop earrings are fixed in place. Sometimes, an earring can be a combination of a drop and dangle.
Huggie Earrings
What are huggie earrings? Huggie earrings are a variety of the hoop earring style. Their name comes from a specific feature that appears to hug the ear. This style has a lever back (also known as a latchback) to hold it in place. They tend to have a thicker hoop as well. You can find silver huggie earrings as well as the more popular gold style.
Great for stacking and typically adorned with a drop adornment this earring style is great for people with sensitive earlobes. The latchback enclosure means there are no posts or pegs stabbing your ears during the night. We love this style for wearing to bed or the gym as they are quite secure.
Tassel Earrings
Tassel earrings are similar to Dangle earrings in that they also have a moving or swaying part which hangs from a hoop or ring. These earrings typically have a hook that slides through the earlobe to hold them in place. However, they can also have a stud back. The tassel earring is quite literally what it sounds like. A tassel hangs from the earring and sways with you as you move. They are typically dramatic or flashy and can be worn to special events or occasions.
Threader Earrings
Threader earrings are a unique style of earring made with a chain. The chain has a fixed post on the end of the chain which can be threaded through the ear. It has a light flexible chain which can easily be pulled through a healed earlobe piercing. You can adjust the thread through your ear to dangle how you like. These earrings may be adorned with a decorative symbol, pearl, or diamond on the end. A distinct style that is becoming more popular threader earrings can also be thread through multiple piercings.
Cartilage Earrings
Cartilage earrings are less a style of earring and more a subgenre. They are suitable for people who have their cartilage pierced. Cartilage piercings are typically more sensitive than earlobe piercings and therefore require lighter and thinner earrings to suit them. Often these earrings will be smaller studs or hoops that can be fixed in place by a concealed wire or small post back.
Ear Cuff Earrings
Ear cuffs are a style of earring that doesn’t necessarily require an earlobe or cartilage piercing. These earrings cuff or hook around the outside edge of the ear and can be tightened or hooked into place. They can be paired with other earrings for a layered look or used on the cartilage to create a pierced look without any of the pain. They are a great option for those without ear piercings or who don’t want anymore piercings.
Take that knowledge and find your perfect earrings
There are many styles, materials, and options available when it comes to earring shopping. It’s best to look at your jewelry collection (or lack thereof) and decide what’s missing.
Do you need a pair of sterling silver earrings because you only have gold options? Perhaps you have several pairs of diamond studs but no pearl earrings. Maybe you have lots of gold hoops but no silver hoop earrings. Maybe you’ve never tried gold huggie earrings and this is your sign to get yourself a pair! There are so many options when it comes to women’s jewelry that there is sure to be a pair of cute earrings you will love and cherish.