Types of Earrings That Every Woman Should Own
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Throughout the centuries, earrings have been part of a woman’s wardrobe. From the queens of the Nile to nomadic women of desert tribes, to European noblewomen and imperial concubines, their ear lobes have been adorned with numerous designs in a variety of materials.
These days, women are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect pair of earrings to wear with one’s outfit. Whether it’s for running simple errands, a day at work, or a fabulous evening bash, there is that perfect pair.
In which case, there are several types of earrings that we consider a truly essential part of any woman’s jewelry box.
In this feature, we present six different types of earrings that every woman ought to own and what occasions and outfits these would suit best.
Stud or Button Earrings
The simplest earrings of all are the little studs or buttons that rest snugly on the front of your ear lobe. Almost always crafted in the simplest manner, these can be single pearls, crystals, or diamond solitaires.
There are designs that are a little more complex: tiny florals, clusters, or even larger and bolder studs made of enamel and precious metals. The rule of thumb, however, is that the surface of the stud should not exceed the width of the earlobe.
Studs are quite versatile and may be paired with either a casual or a semi-formal look. Pearl or diamond studs are particularly appropriate for work-related functions that call for a dressier than usual outfit.
Drop Earrings
It is easy to confuse drop earrings with dangling earrings, but what sets them apart from the latter is that they are but a slight extension built onto a basic stud. Drops fall just slightly beneath the earlobe but remain fixed near the ear without having to dangle lower.
For the most part drop earrings tend to be statement pieces that are best worn on big dates or for parties and special occasions like weddings or milestone birthdays.
Cluster Earrings
Clusters are a variation on the stud earring theme in that they also sit in the front of one’s earlobe, but these are usually made up of a tight grouping of beads or crystals. Many designer earrings in this category may also include enamel or nacre [mother of pearl] or more unorthodox materials like wood or tiny seashells.
A little less formal than a staid stud or a pair of drops, clusters are the perfect earrings for fun days outdoors or for traveling as these are quite comfortable to wear while adding a bit of chic to one’s outfit.
Twist Earrings in 18k Gold
Dangle Earrings
Proper danglers have a fixed part on the top that stays tight on the earlobe, allowing the rest of the piece to hang freely below it. Danglers tend to be made with more intricate designs and are considered more glamorous than either plain studs or simple drops.
These are great for adding a sophisticated nuance to plain jeans and a shirt but are also fabulous with a little black dress or a more formal ensemble.
Hoop Earrings
If you’re seriously into the Bohemian look, the simple yet striking appearance of a hoop earring may be for you. Among the lightest in terms of weight, hoops are also the oldest form of earring and have been worn by women of diverse cultures throughout history.
Hoops are usually made of thin silver or gold wire looped into the shape of a circular bangle. They may be sized small and fit snugly around the lower curve of your earlobe, in which case, these are referred to as huggies. Most hoops, however, range in size from those the size of a dollar to truly massive gypsy-style bangles.
Open Hoop Earrings by Oliver Cabell
Chandelier Earrings
If the drop is the stud’s more elegant form, the chandelier is the dangler at its most ostentatious.
This more elaborate form of the dangle earring is, as its name suggests, reminiscent of a crystal chandelier. These stunning pieces are usually made of gold, silver, or platinum and embellished with an assortment of crystals or tiny cut gemstones.
Not pieces for daily wear, these are best worn during black-tie formal events and paired with an equally stunning designer gown.
Tassel Earrings
The tassel is the midpoint between the dangler and the chandelier. It is a type of dangler that is certainly more elaborate than usual, but is not as opulent to look at as the chandelier.
As the name suggests, tassel earrings feature the fixed point that sits on your earlobe, but these are embellished with brightly colored tassels made with silk or synthetic threads.
Eye-catching and vibrant, these can actually be worn for any occasion whether it’s casual or formal as they match beautifully with practically any outfit.