Earrings Guide: Earring Types, Gemstones, Metals & Styles

Earrings frame the face and finish an outfit, and this guide organizes them the way shoppers actually look for them: by gemstone, from amethyst and aquamarine through diamond, emerald, garnet, opal, pearl, ruby and sapphire; by metal and material, including gold, platinum, palladium, silver tones, pearl and mother of pearl; by style, including stud, hoop, drop, chandelier, beaded, bridal, fashion, designer and children's earrings; and by wearer and theme, including men's and religious earrings. Use the navigation below to reach each earring guide, and page two of this guide for the remaining earring types, gemstones and metals, so every earring style covered in the Jewelry Guide is no more than one click away from this page.

An assortment of stud, hoop, drop and gemstone earrings in gold and silver arranged on pale silk

More to Explore

Welcome to the earrings section of the Apparel Search Jewelry Guide. In this section you will find a great deal of information regarding jewelry. Most importantly, you will find information about fabulous earrings. Research earring news, earring blog posts, etc. If you are a jewelry designer or simply a person that enjoys earrings, this is a perfect place for you.

Earrings are ornaments worn on the earlobes or other parts of the ear. They come in various types, including studs, hoops, dangle earrings, and ear cuffs. Earrings can be simple or elaborate, incorporating gemstones, pearls, or intricate designs.

Clover Shaped Earrings

Heart Shaped Earrings

Hoop Earrings

Lab Created Gemstone Earrings

Lever Back Earrings

Men's Earrings

Mother of Pearl Earrings

◊ Next Earrings Page

You may find the following sections of our fashion jewelry guide to be of help.

Bracelets

Necklaces

Rings

Watches

Jewelry by Design

Jewelry by Metals

Jewelry by Stones

Jewelry Network

How This Guide Is Organized

Earring shopping usually starts from one of three questions: a stone, a material, or a shape. The gemstone guides, amethyst through sapphire and beyond, each cover that stone's color, meaning, and the earring styles it suits, and most link onward to the matching rings, bracelets and necklaces guides for readers building a set. The material guides cover the metals used for ears, where sensitivity matters more than in any other jewelry form, and pearl and mother of pearl in depth. The style guides, stud, hoop, drop and chandelier among them, are construction-first: how the earring is made, how it fastens, and how it should hang.

Occasion and wearer cut across those groups. Bridal earrings are chosen against a dress, a hairstyle and a long day of photographs; fashion and designer earrings follow the season's shapes; men's earrings favor studs, small hoops and restrained materials; and children's earrings are sized and made for small ears with safety in mind, including secure backs and smooth finishes. Starting from the closest match in the navigation above will land on the guide written for that exact need.

Common Questions

What are the main types of earrings?

The main construction types are stud earrings, which sit on the earlobe, hoop earrings, drop and dangle earrings, which hang below the lobe, chandelier earrings, and clip, cuff and threader styles. Each type is covered by its own guide in this section, alongside guides organized by gemstone, by metal and by occasion.

How do I choose earrings for everyday wear?

Start with comfort and security: a light stud or small hoop in a metal your ears tolerate, with a back that stays on through sleep, scarves and phone calls. Gold, platinum and properly described hypoallergenic fittings suit sensitive ears best. Once the everyday pair is settled, drop and gemstone earrings can be chosen purely for occasion and color.

Which earring guides are on page two?

Page two of this earrings guide continues the listing with the remaining earring types, gemstones and metals. Both pages together cover every earring guide in this section, and each individual guide covers its type's styles, materials, fittings and care.