The Ultimate Guide to Earrings

From demystifying all those earring terms to the dazzling details that help you find the exact pair you're looking for, this beginner’s guide to earrings will have you shopping like a pro in no time. We're spilling all our expert know-how on finding the best earrings that complement your style, how to shop for fine earrings online, and a peek at the most popular earring types with serious staying power.

Understanding earring terms

Wondering if drop earrings and dangle earrings are the same thing? Unsure of what trending earring styles like “nap earrings” and “ear jackets” actually look like? Don’t be! Here’s a quick run-through of what each earring style looks like as well as other common questions about earrings like the best earring backs and finding earrings for sensitive ears. Once you’ve mastered these basic buzzwords, you’ll be ready to shop confidently.

Classic earring styles

These timeless earring silhouettes are a top choice for everyday earrings and special occasions, alike. These earring styles are listed in order from smallest to largest, but actual sizes can vary so it’s a good idea to check the listing details for your dream earrings to confirm.

• Stud earrings: From minimalist, small balls to tiny whimsical shapes and twinkling gemstones, stud earrings are among the most popular styles for effortless, everyday wear.
• Dangle earrings: Extending below the earlobe, dangle earrings get their name from their ability to swing back and forth or side to side. They may feature a traditional post and back or a thread-through wire and come in a variety of lengths from short to shoulder-brushing designs.
• Drop earrings: A jewelry trend that’s here to say, drop earrings fall a little deeper below the earlobe. Unlike dangle earrings, drop earring styles are sway-free and stationary.
• Hoop earrings: With a circular or semi-circle design, hoop earrings resemble rings that pass through the ear. Look for hoops in a variety of sizes—from itty bitty huggie earrings to larger, neck grazing styles.
• Chandelier earrings: As their name implies, chandelier earrings are multi-tiered dangle earrings that resemble the iconic light fixture. Chandelier earrings feature eye-catching details like sparkling gemstones and ornate shapes.
• Threader earrings: This style features a long, delicate strand that “threads” through your piercing and dangles both in front of and behind your your lobe for an edgy, elegant look.

Unique earring styles

Traditional earring styles are typically worn on the lobe. Why stop there? These unique earring styles are designed to be worn on the mid- to upper-ear. Worn as an alternative to classic earrings or in addition to your favorite pairs, these non-traditional styles add instant interest to your accessory collection.

• Cartilage earrings: These small studs or tiny hoops are designed to be worn in various areas of your ear cartilage. Although they’re often interchangeable with traditional studs and hoops, the posts on cartilage earrings could be a bit shorter than the norm.
• Cuff and wrap earrings: Worn on one ear or both, cuff and wrap earrings fit snugly around the top or sides of your ear. These earrings for non-pierced ears stay in place using tension. .
• Ear jackets: Ear jackets are a style of earring that sits on both the front and back of your earlobe. Instead of a traditional earring back, the back of an ear jacket includes a decorative accent that hangs below your ear from behind rather than in front of your lobe like a traditional dangle earring.
• Ear climbers: Ear climbers feature a stylish design that “climbs” up the length of your ear rather than hanging below your lobe. It can give the look of multiple piercings but only requires one.

Types of earring backs

On traditional post earrings for pierced ears, there are several different types of earring backs to choose from. Many online earring shops on Etsy offer the option to choose an earring back style (including clip-on backs if you don’t have pierced ears). Here’s how to hold your studs and sparklers in place:

• Post earrings are most often available with a push back, also known as a friction back. This style features a small back that pushes onto the post. For more security, opt for a screw-back closure which requires twisting to tighten the back onto the post.
• Flat-back earrings, also known as nap earrings, are designed to be poke-free and comfortable to sleep in or wear under headphones. Most-flat back earrings are held in place with tension. To remove flat-back earrings, simply tug on the back to loosen it from the post.
• Hinge-back earrings have a hinged post that snaps into place on a groove at the back of the earring. Hinged backings are a common closure for hoop earrings. Similarly, lever-back earrings feature a wire that goes through your piercing and clasps at the back to form a closed loop for a secure hold.
• Hook earrings resemble a question mark and they thread through your piercing and hang at the back of your earlobe. Hook backs are commonly found on drops, dangles, and chandelier earrings.
• Clip-on earrings have a hinged clip that clasps your earlobe from the front and back—no need for pierced ears!

What are the best earrings for sensitive ears?

Hypoallergenic earrings are the top choice for sensitive ears. They’re designed using materials like surgical steel, stainless steel, or precious metals for irritation-free wear. An earring’s listing details will typically share the materials the earring is crafted from and whether it’s considered hypoallergenic.

In addition to these hypoallergenic materials, you may see other common jewelry terms listed to describe an earring. For example, a stamp that says “925” indicates sterling silver while “750” indicates gold. Cute clay earrings are a popular choice and are often crafted from polymer clay in a wide range of colors. These styles are a top choice for lightweight earrings.

What are earring gauges?

Earring gauge refers to the thickness of an earring’s post. The larger the gauge size, the smaller and more delicate the post will be. Regular earrings are generally 20g and 18g. By comparison, body piercings like navel rings have larger gauges—between 14g and 12g.

Tips for buying earrings online

Shopping for earrings online on Etsy presents you with nearly endless options for personalization and personality. Jewelry shops on Etsy design cute and casual earrings, statement-making stunners, and exquisitely detailed fine earrings crafted with precious metals and gorgeous gems. As you shop for earrings online, there are a few simple ways to find the perfect pair.

First, start with a search on Etsy. Try to describe your ideal pair in a few words: men’s diamond earrings or unique earrings.

Applying some filters to your search can be helpful. Category, Price, and Estimated delivery date filters will help you narrow down your options, bringing you that much closer to the earrings of your dreams.

On the hunt for a one-of-a-kind pair of vintage earrings? Vintage sellers on Etsy curate beautiful collections of jewelry through the ages.

You can also use the Search by image feature in the iOS app to snap or upload a photo of a pair you’ve had your eye on. We’ll surface items that resemble the image you share. Download the app for iOS to get started.

When you spot the style that speaks to you, click through to the listing to see important details about the craftsmanship of the item, like the materials used. Shops may also offer a free shipping guarantee to US buyers, which means orders of $35 and up from that shop will ship free.

We’re pretty sure the pair you pick will be a perfect fit, but in the event something goes wrong, you can get a full refund with Etsy Purchase Protection. This peace of mind can be especially useful when shopping for fine earrings online.

How to choose earrings

When it comes to choosing a pair of earrings that looks good on you, we say go with what you love! That “new earrings confidence” is really all you need for lovely looking lobes.

When it comes to the best earrings for your skin tone, think complementary. There’s a lot of variation within the actual colors of each common earring material. Yellow gold, for instance, can range from warm bronze tones with strong orange undertones to a much cooler, almost lemony-yellow hue.

Match the tone of the material to the undertones in your skin: Sport yellow and rose gold earrings if you have a warmer skin tone. Silver, white gold, and platinum are well suited to cooler skin tones.

How to choose the best earrings for your face shape

Choosing earrings for your face shape is all about identifying complementary styles. First, determine whether your face shape is round, square, oval, heart, or triangle shaped. You can do this by gazing in a mirror and tracing the outline of your face with an erasable marker. Step back, and your face shape will remain.

Earrings for round faces

For a round face, think narrow not wide when it comes to selecting earrings. Hoops, studs, and drop earrings are great choices.

Earrings for square faces

For a square face, choose earrings with round or curved details like elongated ovals.

Earrings for oval faces

For an oval face, you have a little more leeway to explore styles that complement both round and square faces. Hoops and studs draw the gaze toward the middle of your face.

Earrings for heart faces

For a heart-shaped face, a pair of drop earrings that’s wider at the bottom than the top will balance the silhouette of your face.

Earrings for triangle faces

For a triangle face, look for earring styles that draw attention to your jawline like dangle earrings.

Rather than focus exclusively on your face shape as you choose earrings, accessorize to accentuate your favorite features. The shape and size of an earring can draw attention to that area of your face, neck, and shoulders that you adore. Stunning studs bring attention toward the center of your face, while chandelier earrings emphasize your neckline. Bold, geometric designs made from colorful acrylic can bring attention to your dazzling smile as they sway each time you laugh.

Pro tip: Check out the buyer reviews on a listing before you purchase! Many buyers will share a photo that can help you imagine how your favorite pair might look on you, too.