Which Earring Type Is Best For Me?

Browse through almost any jewelry store or website's catalog and it will probably become apparent right away that the selection of earrings alone can be dizzying.

Studs. Hoops. Drops. Huggies. Chandeliers. Ear crawlers. Ear cuffs. Jackets. Threaders. Climbers. Each category of jewelry described in its own language, displayed in its own environment, photographed so as to look absolutely perfect.

But who are they supposed to look perfect to? That is precisely the question that most earring guides fail to ask and answer properly.

An earring type choice is not only a question of taste. It is a lifestyle choice. An earring worn on Mondays during a busy day at an office desk will be different from an earring that will be worn during a wedding ceremony. An earring that would stay in place throughout a gym workout will be different from an earring that looks stunning on a date. An earring that a minimalist wears is very different from an earring that a maximalist wouldn't want to go out without.

This guide will provide you with all the answers to the question "which earring type is best for me?" This guide will tell you about all major earring types, what each of them is used for, for whom each earring type is truly meant, and how using lab-grown diamonds allows making those earrings more accessible and comfortable than ever before.

The Types: Before Getting to Them — 3 Questions to Answer First

Selecting the right earring type is not only about being trendy but about taking into account your lifestyle and needs when wearing jewelry. And the following three questions may be helpful in answering them.

Question 1: How Physically Active Is Your Daily Life?

Take a moment to consider what your everyday life involves in terms of physical activity.

For physically active people who are engaged in any kind of physical activity (work, caring for young children, sports and workout, spending a lot of time outdoors), secure and comfortable earring types are needed.

For those whose lives do not involve such a level of physical activity, there is room left for bigger, more complicated, or insecure styles.

Question 2: What Is Your Daily Environment?

Consider how the environment where you spend most of your time affects your style choices.

A professional working environment will require simple designs like studs, huggies, or hoops, whereas a more creative or casual one will allow trying out various shapes, drops, and even statement earrings.

The earrings which you will want to wear to the weekend farmers' market will be different from the earrings you would prefer for your boardroom meeting.

Question 3: Do You Want to Create an Earrings Collection or Select an Everyday Piece?

Consider your overall goal for the earrings you are choosing.

There is a great difference between the question "What earring can I wear 300 days a year?" and the question "How can I create a collection that will cover all my possible cases".

Earrings for an everyday life need to be comfortable, durable, versatile and able to withstand any physical activity. A big collection will comprise a number of different earring types for work, weekends, formal situations, travels and other occasions.

Keep these three questions in mind as you explore the types of earrings below. The best type for you will not necessarily be the trendiest one but rather the one that fits your lifestyle.

Earring Type 1: Studs – The Universally Versatile Foundation

What they are: Stud earrings are those with a stone or other ornament fastened on a post that goes through the ear and is held in place by a backing (which may be a butterfly back, a screw back or a locking back). Since studs don’t hang, there is no dangle.

Why you should consider studs: They are probably the most versatile earrings around: they go with virtually anything from a business meeting to a formal dinner, and they don’t get caught in your clothes or hair and allow you to use the phone without trouble.

Consider stud earrings the earrings version of the universally versatile white button-down shirt.

Lab-Grown Diamond Stud Earrings

Stud earrings are one of the most versatile and sensible choices for fine jewelry. A pair of well-cut lab-grown diamond studs in round brilliant or oval cuts is a great way to enjoy the true diamond sparkle in an easily-wearable everyday earring style.

Lab-grown diamonds are a great way to get more size and better quality for less money in comparison with comparable natural diamonds; this makes it possible to prioritize diamond cutting and other criteria of the lab-grown diamond and still stay within budget.

Good for:

Every day wear in formal or casual settings
Active people
Building a versatile fine jewelry collection
Minimalists, who prefer one perfect pair of earrings
First-time fine jewelry buyers
Everyone in search of an easy-to-use everyday diamond earrings

Popular Stud Variations

Round brilliant stud earrings: classic, highly versatile and designed for maximal sparkles.
Oval stud earrings: a little bit more contemporary but still versatile and very attractive.
Princess-cut stud earrings: square shaped, geometric.
Bezel-set stud earrings: diamond is encircled with metal which gives some extra protection and a sleek look.
Martini four-pronged stud earrings: classic diamond setting which allows for maximum exposure of the diamond while retaining its security.

What To Look For

In fine jewelry stud earrings it is important to pay attention to the cut quality of the diamonds, metal quality (solid 14k or 18k gold and not plated), backings (butterfly backs, screw backs and locking backs are preferred) and, depending on price, certificate (IGI or GIA) of the diamond.

Earring Type 2: Hoops — All-Rounder Casual-Elevated

What are they: Hoops are circular or semi-circular earrings that pierce the ear hole and are secured. The variety of hoops is very large, from small huggies to bold statement hoops.

Why go for hoops: Hoops bring more movement and character to the earrings and look less formal than drops but still more sophisticated than studs. Just by adding lab-grown diamond hoops you can elevate your basic look.

Good for:

 Everyday casual and business-casual outfits
 Creative environments and weekends
 People who find studs too simple
 Bringing a bit of sparkle and movement to the look

Types of Hoops

Plain gold hoops: Classical type which goes great with any jewelry.
Diamond hoops: Hoops studded with lab-grown diamonds bringing extra sparkle.
Huggie hoops: Small hoops which rest right against the ear lobe.
Geometric hoops: Squared, rectangular or trendy types of hoops.

Hoops Size Guide

14–20mm: Subtle hoops
25–35mm: Classical hoops size
40–50mm: Fashionable hoops
55mm and over: Hoops for special occasions or weekend looks

Things to consider when choosing: Make sure you buy high-quality hoops made of 14K or 18K gold, secure hinge or click closure and lab-grown diamonds. Thin hoops can bend and settings can get into the hair.

Earring Type 3: Huggie Hoops – The Practical Everyday Version of Hoops

Description: Huggie hoops are small hoops, measuring about 10–18 mm, made to fit snugly around the earlobe. They fasten in a hinged design that snaps shut with ease.

Advantages of huggie hoops: They give you the best of both worlds – the looks of hoop earrings with the safety and convenience of stud earrings. You won't have to worry about your earrings swinging, getting caught in your hair or clothes, or becoming problematic when you use your phone.

Lab-grown diamond huggies: Diamond pave or bezel setting in the outer curve ensures a beautiful continuous sparkle without adding bulk to your earrings.

Ideal for:

* Daily use and an active lifestyle
* Work or professional environments
* People who want a little extra flair in their everyday earrings
* Layering of earrings in different piercings

Look for: Solid 14K or 18K gold huggies with a reliable hinged clasp and secure setting. Avoid thin clasps and delicate settings.

Earrings Type 4: Drop Earrings – The Must-Have for Your Occasion

What they are: These earrings hang below the earlobe in lengths starting at 0.5 inches long all the way up to statement pieces. Drop earrings may have one stone, a bar design, clusters or decorative shape.
Why choose drop earrings: Drop earrings provide added length and elegance. Since lab-grown diamond earrings are cut to perfection, they sparkle in the light and drop earrings are a great choice if you'd like your earrings to draw attention.

Best for:

 Dinner parties, celebrations and other special occasions
 Office gatherings or fancy everyday wear
 Visual lengthening of round and wide faces
 More formal appearance compared to studs and huggie earrings

Common Types of Drop Earrings

Simple pendant drops: One lab-grown diamond earrings design.
Bar drops: Diamond set bars that create a modern look.
Teardrop drops: Feminine style that will never go out of fashion.
Geometric drops: Rectangle, triangle or asymmetric design for modern jewelry look.
Cluster drops: Multiple diamonds in one drop.

What to consider: When buying a lab-grown diamond earrings piece make sure that it is securely fastened on your ear. Lever-back and omega-back closures are usually better choices than fish hook earrings.

Earring Type 5: Chandelier Earrings – Maximum Impact

What are chandelier earrings? Chandelier earrings are long, multi-layer drop earrings featuring several movable components. These earrings are typically bigger and more extravagant than regular drops.

When to get chandelier earrings: These aren't the most practical earrings on a day-to-day basis, yet they sure leave an impact. Chandelier earrings set with lab diamonds will add impressive sparkle and elegance to your wedding, gala, party, or any other fancy event.

Good for:

 Weddings, galas, and other formal events
 Important occasions and parties
 Photo shoots and special photographs
 People who like extravagant jewelry

What to consider when buying: Due to the nature of chandelier earrings being bigger and featuring several moving parts, it's recommended to choose lever back or omega back closures rather than hooks.

Type 6 Earrings: Ear Crawlers and Climbers — Contemporary Style

Description: These earrings are meant to go along the line of the ear, creating the illusion of diamonds climbing up from the earlobe.

Reasons to wear them: They provide a modern take on classic drop earrings and hoops. The unconventional shape includes the ear as part of the design and works great when combined with asymmetrical and layered jewelry pieces.

Lab-grown diamond climbers: This type usually has several small lab-grown diamonds attached to a curved piece of metal. Lab-grown diamond ear crawlers can make a statement even without being heavy and large in carat weight.

Good choices for:

Fashionable and daily outfits
Ear piercings and stacking
Asymmetrical earrings
Contemporary and unique personal style

Things to consider: It is important to find a good fit for your ear. Also, a secure post and set diamonds matter, as the earring runs along the line of the ear.

Earring Type 7: Ear Cuffs – No Need to Get a Piercing!

What are they: Cuff-style earrings do not require piercing; they are held on the outer part of the ear by pressure only.

Why choose them: Ear cuffs allow you to change your look and style without another piercing procedure. They are perfect to use with other jewelry pieces for a trendy layered look.

Lab-grown diamond ear cuffs: Lab-grown diamonds pave or bezel set on a cuff can create a fantastic sparkling line in the ear. Cuff-style earrings are perfect for lovers of crawler or stacked earrings.

Good for:

People without cartilage piercings
Enhancing your ear stacking look
Fashion and modern looks
Important occasions and days when no physical activity is planned

What should you consider: The fact that cuff-style earrings are not held with piercing means that there is a chance they may move or even get off in case of strong movements. So, for precious diamond cuff earrings, be careful about how you wear them.

Earring Type 8: Threaders and Ear Wires – Light and Minimalist

What are they? Threaders are earrings that have a very thin chain or wire which passes through the earlobe and then hangs from one or both ends.

Why get them? They are light, minimal, and provide a modern touch to an outfit in a very understated way. Lab diamonds threaders will give the same minimalistic look but will also be sparkling in addition to the elegant style of the earring itself.

For minimalist styles
For special events and evening wear
For people who like light earrings
To create a delicate and effortless style

What to remember: The fact is that threaders are not the most convenient choice of daily earrings as they may require some time to put on or take off.

Which Earring Types Do You Actually Need?

There is no need for all types of earrings. A proper selection will be based on your needs and preferences.

Creating Your First Earring Collection

If you're just starting with earrings, keep it basic:

1. Lab grown diamond studs — Buy one beautiful pair. These earrings are highly versatile and suitable for wearing daily.

2. Diamond huggie hoops — If you want some variation and additional styling without compromising your comfort and safety.

3. Drop earrings — Buy one pair to complement special occasions like dinner parties.

In total, those three options will cover most of your daily needs and special occasions.

Expanding Your Current Earring Collection

Think about what else you may need:

If you have already bought studs but want something more interesting, buy drop earrings.
If you have statement earrings but need more variety in everyday earrings, go for huggies or get better studs.
Your earrings look alike? Buy crawler earrings or ear cuffs for something more modern.
Want something casual? Medium hoop earrings will come in handy.

Remember that the point of having earrings is not owning all kinds of them.

Selecting Earrings Based on Your Way of Life

Your schedule can give you some ideas regarding what type of earrings you may choose.

The busy woman:
Pick huggies and secure stud earrings that are less likely to get caught in hair or clothes than drops.

The professional:
Elegantly crafted stud lab-grown diamonds 0.50-0.75 carats per each ear are great options for everyday wearing. Keep drops for business presentations, dinner, and evening engagements.

Creative professional:
Here you can be more creative with your choices. You may use drops, crawlers, cuffs, and even small chandeliers depending on your work environment. The combination of an asymmetric stud earring and a cuff earring will look modern and stylish.

The casual way of life:
Studs and hoops will be the right choice. Huggies and drops can be added for some variation to your everyday style.

Occasion buyer:
Drops and chandeliers will be great for the event you plan to attend, while you should have one beautiful pair of stud earrings for everyday use.

The best set of earrings is always the one matching your lifestyle.

Popular Earring Types To Avoid

Selecting earrings goes beyond style. Here are a few important things to consider that could change how frequently you end up wearing your jewelry.

Choosing improper clasp type:
Do not choose regular fishhooks for expensive man-made diamond drop earrings. Instead go for lever-back or locking closures.

Picking statement earrings first:
Sure, chandeliers are pretty, but try starting out with studs or huggies before spending money on occasion earrings.

Neglecting comfort:
Earrings can turn out to be very heavy. Remember to think about their weight, design and clasp security.

Selecting improper hoop size:
Huggies suit day to day and business occasions well, while larger hoops will suit casual or statement looks.

Failing to account for your hairstyle:
Drops can easily tangle in loose hair. If you wear your hair loose, perhaps it's better to opt for shorter drops, huggies or studs.

Selecting the Perfect Earring Types For Your Lifestyle

One type of earring does not meet all criteria to be called the "perfect" one. It depends on your lifestyle, comfort level, style preferences, and other aspects.

Stud earrings will suit your active lifestyle. Huggies provide security for everyday wear. Hoop earrings are fun earrings, and drops and chandelier earrings are more glamorous.

Earrings made of lab-grown diamonds allow you to have a complete set for any occasion, including the best and certified diamonds for any type of earrings you select.

Select the styles that suit you and start creating your collection piece by piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the best earring type for everyday wear?

Diamond stud earrings are the best choice for everyday wear.

Q2: What's the difference between huggie hoops and regular hoops?

Q3: Are drop earrings appropriate for everyday wear?

Yes, drop earrings can be appropriate for everyday wear when they are lightweight and comfortably sized

Q4: What earring closure is most secure for valuable lab-grown diamond earrings?

Q5: How many earring types should I own?