The Ultimate Guide to Types of Earrings

We have all fallen in love with earrings that we have seen in a TV series or movie from time to time. However, when you have them, you realize they are different than they look.

These finishing touches come in a variety of types of earrings to complement any face shape. Being so close to our eyes makes these little accessories exceptionally powerful. While they may not instantly transform you into a supermodel, they significantly influence your appearance.

How to Choose an Earring Style/Type?

While being spontaneous is occasionally acceptable, there are basic ground rules to follow when selecting various types of earrings, and doing so will almost always provide better results. Your face shape, the dress you are wearing, and the environment where you will be wearing the earrings are the most crucial factors to consider while selecting your pick. Let's delve deeper into them now and examine different kinds of earrings.

1. Earring according to face shape

If your face is already rather round, simple earrings will draw attention away from any imperfections. On the other hand, the options are abound for those blessed with an oval facial shape. Oval faces can wear almost any one of the earring styles.

The biggest headaches when choosing earrings, though, come from big, square, or rectangular faces with geometrical lines. Concerning them, dazzling, round earrings look great—just make sure the size is right for the face—as they can soften their sharp face line.

2. Earring according to clothing

Clothes significantly influence the selection of earrings you choose to wear. For example, you can choose diamonds, silver, or white gold from the chart earring types on a black outfit.

For your vibrant collectives, earrings adorned with more ostentatious gemstones or yellow gold will appear more sophisticated and enhance your attire. On the other hand, pearl earrings can effectively complement winter attire, including sweaters, of course not restricted to them.

3. Harmony with your goal

Your earrings should also match the place you are going to. Less is more when it comes to formal business settings. However, for more fun gatherings, it may be necessary to be flashy. Additionally, there are different styles of earrings that are appropriate for any occasion, such as pearl earrings.

Professional settings are known for their seriousness, so in this environment, we prefer earrings that suit us when we are serious. But if you are going to be singing and having fun at an invitation party or other event, pick earrings that will not get in the way of your laughter. If you are going in a romantic atmosphere, it might be wise to accessorize with earrings that reflect those feelings.

Most Popular Types of Earrings

There is a dizzying array of earrings available, each one tailored to a specific event or facial shape. To help you choose, we have thoroughly examined 30 different types of earrings. Each pair of earrings was carefully analyzed to determine their potential use and the facial shapes that would complement them. You'll see all earring types that are in fashion here.

1. Stud Earrings

The stud earrings feature a variety of intricate designs, including triangles, stars, hearts, and flowers, and are worn as a single piece on the earlobe.

For the earring enthusiasts, the most common type of earring is the classic round stud.

Where to wear:

Stud earrings can be worn for special occasions as they are elegant and eye-catching and are associated with diamonds.

Best for face shapes:

Stud earrings appeal to everybody. On an oval face, it can emphasize the symmetry of the face, and on round faces, it makes the width of the face look more balanced and thinner. On the other hand, it can soften facial features in people with sharp facial features.

2. Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings are either completely circular or semicircular in design. They can emphasize your elegance and look excellent with the entirety of your attire.

Where to wear:

Hoop earrings with a thin circle are perfect for any outfit, while bold designs are appropriate for special occasions such as parties or ceremonies.

Best for face shapes:

Hoop earrings soften the sharp lines of faces, making them a great option for square or rectangular face shapes. However, they also work well with oval face shapes.

People with square or rectangular faces look lovely in the hoop looper's rounded shape. On the other hand, oval face lines also complement them beautifully.

3. Drop Earrings

Drop earrings swing down from the earlobe. They go exceptionally well with gemstones, pearls, or circular figures like heart shapes.

Where to wear:

Drop earrings can be paired with your preferred attire, worn on an unconventional outing, or at a social gathering with friends.

Best for face shapes:

Regardless of your facial shape, drop earrings will look great on you.

The downward elongation of the earring makes rounded facial features look thinner, while the circular patterns on the earring blend perfectly with sharp facial features.

4. Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earrings have ornate figures that make your face appear brighter, just like a chandelier illuminates the room. In most cases, the artistic aspect of the earring is emphasized through the use of multi-layered figures.

Where to wear:

Chandelier earrings are designed to enhance your elegance for special nights, invitations, weddings, and dinners.

Best for face shapes:

Chandelier earrings can also be used on all facial features with their vertically extending framework and rounded patterns. However, they look best on heart-shaped face shapes.

5. Dangle Earrings

Dangle earrings are known as swinging and dancing earrings. They typically have a lengthy form or are made up of multiple parts.

Where to wear:

Dangling earrings can be the finishing touch to any outfit. These earrings are perfect for any formal evening out. The simpler designs are also ideal for everyday wear.

Best for face shapes:

Dangle earrings, with their downward extending designs, are very well suited to oval facial features and even to faces with rectangular features.

However, since they have the ability to make round facial features look narrower, they can also be used comfortably on these facial features.

6. Huggie Earrings

Huggies are thick, little earrings in the shape of rings. These earrings are perfect for layering with a variety of outfits and accessories, like purses, thanks to their snug fit around the ear.

These earring models are frequently preferred by young and middle-aged women.

Where to wear:

Huggie earrings are adaptable accessories, and their casual appearance makes them perfect for daily use. Or, for a more formal event, try a Huggie earring adorned with diamonds.

Best for face shapes:

Huggie earrings are the most flattering choice for petite and round faces. Having said that, they work wonders on oval faces by reducing the sharpness of other facial features.

7. Cluster Earrings

Cluster earrings are created by arranging gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, in a decorative pattern around a single stone set in the center.

Often seen in universal designs, these earrings are made with a clustered effect.

Where to wear:

Cluster earrings are suitable for special occasions and evenings. These earrings are especially bright and will be noticed in low light.

Best for face shapes:

Cluster earrings are minimalist in design and are perfect for round and heart-shaped facial features, while they are ideal for oval facial features with a ring model that hangs slightly downwards.

8. Threader Earrings

Threader earrings have thin chains that are suspended from the ear. These earrings, which are typically crafted from gold or silver, sway gracefully and captivate the eye.

Where to wear:

Threader earrings are the perfect accessory to complement your everyday business attire while at the office. Additionally, these earrings are the most suitable for semi-formal events or dinner parties.

Best for face shapes:

Threader earrings can create the illusion of having narrower facial features on individuals with round and wide faces. On the flip side, oval faces will accentuate them to perfection with the right chain length.

9. Jacket Earrings

Jacket earrings are designed to encircle the entire or a portion of the earlobe securely. They possess a contemporary appearance along with a minimalist and sophisticated design. Jacket-style earrings are mostly preferred by young and middle-aged women.

Where to wear:

Jacket earrings are the perfect office earrings. For a romantic date, they also feature chic designs that can match your own personal style.

Best for face shapes:

The jacket earrings are an attractive option for oval faces. Individuals with oval face shapes should opt for short and voluminous earrings. Jacket earrings provide these two attributes in a highly fashionable manner.

10. Ear Cuffs

Ear cuffs are earrings that wrap around the outer part of the ear and do not need to pierce the ear. Silver and white gold are the most popular choices. It is highly popular due to its modern, attractive, and flashy look.

Where to wear:

Their understated styles are great for lounging about in and will go with practically everything you own. On the other hand, more elaborate patterns are available for more formal events.

Best for face shapes:

Ear cuffs accentuate individuals with prominent cheekbones as they draw attention to the ear area. On round faces, it may be incorporated as a single ring, while on oval faces, it may be employed as multiple rings.

11. Tassel Earrings

Tassel earrings create a striking visual that dances as it moves. Combined with different colors and materials, these earrings are usually available in colorful and playful options. 

Tassel earrings appeal to a wide age range, but they are especially ideal for women in their 20s and 40s.

Where to wear:

Tassel earrings reflect the colorful mood of summer. You can wear them daily or on special nights, wherever you want to make your energy feel.

Best for face shapes:

Tassel earrings work very well on small and round facial features. However, the short ones of these earrings look very stylish in oval face shapes.

12. Teardrop Earrings

A teardrop earring resembles a teardrop shape. The preferred material for these earrings is gold or other gold-toned materials. Teardrop earrings appeal to almost all age groups. They are especially ideal for those who love an elegant and classic style.

Where to wear:

Teardrop earrings are suitable for formal occasions such as weddings and parties. You can accessorize your purses, caps, and clothing with these earrings made of a variety of gemstones.

Best for face shapes:

Since they are so subtle, teardrop earrings look wonderful with round faces. Large teardrops, on the other hand, accentuate oval faces beautifully.

13. Lever Backs

Leverbacks are a locking mechanism for earrings. The strap inside the ear is fixed to the ear with a locking mechanism on the rear side. They go well with a wide variety of earrings.

Where to wear:

Lever backs are compatible with any earrings, providing extensive versatility. It goes well with both simple and elaborate earrings, so you can wear them both for special occasions and on a daily basis.

Best for face shapes:

Lever-back earrings allow those with oval and geometric face shapes to wear minimalist styles effortlessly.

When used with more minimalist earrings, they can also work perfectly with round facial features.

14. Clip on Earrings

Clip-on earrings are attached to the earlobe without the need for ear piercing. These types of earring closures are perfect for extended and comfortable wear, ensuring safety and style.

Where to wear:

Clip-on earrings are available in a wide variety of styles, ensuring that there is a style suitable for any occasion.

Depending on your style, you can also find pearls with stones, metallic, and many more.

Best for face shapes:

Clip-on earrings are suitable for all facial shapes; however, oval face contours are particularly well-suited to larger designs.

15. Pearl Earrings

Pearl earrings are a popular choice, especially with pointed bottoms that draw attention to the contours of your face. Pearl earrings, being a timeless earring style, can be preferred by women of all ages.

Where to wear:

Pearl earrings are versatile and can be worn with any outfit. In the workplace, they work just as well.

Best for face shapes:

Pearl earrings look perfect on round facial features. If you have an oval face, though, pearl earrings—which can be made more dramatic with a few embellishments—are a great choice.

There are also impressive designs for facial features characterized by geometric lines.

16. Barbell Earrings

Barbell earrings are a type of earring in the focus of young people with their sporty look. They have two spheres sailing on a small metal rod. With their simple and elegant design, these cubes can also be used as a complementary finishing touch to your outfits.

Where to wear:

Barbell earrings are suitable for regular wear with casual and athletic attire. They are also suitable for social events and semi-private gatherings.

Best for face shapes:

Barbell earrings are a great way to draw attention to oval facial features. However, faces with rounded features allow the prominent features to be seen. On heart-shaped faces on the other hand, these earrings reveal their sporty nature.

17. Ear Climbers

Climber earrings wrap the ear upwards and have a design that appears to be multiple piercings. They are usually fixed to the ear with a strap or a wire.

While expensive alternatives use precious birthstones such as diamonds, birthstone and sapphires, more affordable alternatives use precious stones such as zircons and pearls. (image source: sacet.com)

Where to wear:

Ear Climbers come in a wide variety of patterns and designs. You can wear these earrings for special occasions and nights out or the simpler designs with your daily outfits.

Best for face shapes:

Ear Climbers fit perfectly with oval and rectangular facial features. Of course, heart-shaped facial features are no exception.

18. Statement Earrings

Statement earrings are characterized by their large and striking designs that draw attention. Gold is the top material in these earrings. However, it is also widely available in many different alternatives, such as gemstones with intricate designs.

Where to wear:

Statement earrings are a type of earring that is certain to garner attention on particularly significant days and nights. You may select these earrings for festivals and special events.

Best for face shapes:

Statement earrings are suitable for all face shapes. However, the big ones might be a bit much for petite faces. But they are great options overall, and they work wonders when you need to mask sharp angles or lines on your face.

19. Clip Back

Clip-back earrings are affixed by pinching the earlobe at both ends and can be worn without ear piercings. You need to align the two halves of the earring so that the prongs rest on your ear canals.

Where to wear:

Clip-backs are a popular choice for everyday use due to their practicality and comfort. On the other hand, due to their refined appearance, they are also commonly worn in corporate settings.

Best for face shapes:

Clip-back earrings are frequently favored for oval faces as they are typically paired with a second earring. Having said that, round faces look great in their minimalist designs.

20. Halo Earrings

Halo earrings usually consist of small gemstones, such as zircons or diamonds, arranged in a circular pattern around a pearl or gemstone. They emit a sophisticated aura of glamour and glitz.

Where to wear:

Halo earrings are designed for special occasions and evening affairs. These earrings will not only enhance your minimalist aesthetic but they will also provide a subtle brightness to any environment in which you wish to make a statement.

Best for face shapes:

Halo earrings are a timeless jewelry accessory that never goes out of style. The minimalist style of the diamond stones belies the exceptional craftsmanship of the earrings, which will boost your confidence with their styles.

21. Hinge Backs

Hinge-back earrings, which come in a variety of designs, such as hoop earrings, stud earrings, dangle earrings, and cluster earrings, have a locking mechanism behind them. Hinge backs style earrings are ideal accessories for daily activities, as their mechanism provides comfortable and practical use.

Where to wear:

Hingeback earrings are comfortable accessories suitable for daily wear and office settings due to their user-friendly design.

Best for face shapes:

Hinge-back earrings featuring simple designs can appear quite elegant on individuals with petite faces, whereas those with oval faces may find shorter, broader designs more advantageous.

22. Magnetic Earrings

Magnetic earrings are perfect for those who prefer not to get their ears pierced. Young adults, who often purchase new products first, are the followers of them.

Where to wear:

Magnetic earrings are ideal for everyday wear due to their comfortable fit. Their sporty and minimalist style makes them a practical earring for vacations and outside events like a party, festivals, and so on.

Best for face shapes:

Magnetic earrings are particularly suitable for individuals with round and petite facial structures.

However, there are also various designs available for larger and more geometric face shapes.

23. Cartilage Earrings

Cartilage earrings are designed with hoops, chains, or stones to be worn on the bone-like regions within the ear. These earrings come in clip-on, magnetic, and pierced options.

Where to wear:

Cartilage earrings typically possess a sporty aesthetic, featuring zirconia stones, and are suitable for daily wear or special events.

More ostentatious models may be donned on special occasions and evenings.

Best for face shapes:

Cartilage earrings are suitable for oval facial contours. These earrings can elegantly complement heart-shaped facial features due to their minimalist design.

24. Ball Earrings

Ball earrings, with their timeless and understated design resembling a ball, are an ideal accessory to complement your refined style. The most common metals for these studs are gold and gold plating.

Where to wear:

The ball earring is appropriate for formal occasions. It is a rare design in which simplicity exudes elegance. Stunning on every wearer, these earrings are sure to be a hit with you, too.

Best for face shapes:

Ball earrings look great on round face shapes. However, you can use double or triple models on oval face lines. It goes without saying that you should consult your best friend. No hard feelings later.

25. Spiral Earrings

Spiral earrings feature a spiraled design that captivates attention with their occasionally inward and downward configurations.

Where to wear:

Spiral earrings are mostly preferred for everyday wear despite their attractive design. However, you don't need to make an excuse to wear these earrings on special days and nights; just wear them and go.

Best for face shapes:

Spiral earrings with rounded lines work perfectly on oval face shapes. The types that extend downwards can soften the round face lines and make them look narrower.

26. Feather Earrings

Feather earrings are a style of earring that mimics the appearance of a feather, favored by individuals who appreciate a distinctive accent. In some designs, feathers can be made of gold or silver instead of feathers.

Where to wear:

Feather earrings look best when worn at outdoor concerts with lots of people. You can stand out from a crowd of thousands of people with these earrings. On a more formal occasion or for a romantic evening out, though, these earrings would be perfect.

Best for face shapes:

For those with oval faces, these earrings are a top pick. Those with round faces can easily wear these earrings because they accentuate the narrowness of the face and draw attention away from the roundness.

27. Button Earrings

Button earrings, inspired by cufflinks, are crafted from gold pearls and various precious stones. Nevertheless, vibrantly painted designs exist that resemble genuine cuff links. 

This style of earrings is commonly preferred by those who appreciate a minimalist look. They are suitable for everyday use.

Where to wear:

Button earrings are perfect for formal events, while more casual styles are perfect for daily wear.

Best for face shapes:

Button earrings look perfect on round facial features. Thanks to their minimalist design, they can also perfectly complement small faces.

28. Door Knocker Earrings

Doorknocker earrings feature a large, circular loop, combining a classic design with a contemporary and stylish appearance.

These earrings are typically gold-plated over a substrate metal, such as steel.

Where to wear:

Doorknocker earrings are fashionable accessories suitable for daily use. Due to their casual appearance, they can be paired with athletic attire.

Best for Face Shapes:

Door knocker earrings are designed to wrap around the ear and are suitable for round face shapes. However, wider designs may be suitable for oval facial features.

29. Screw Back Earrings

Screw-back earrings, available in various designs, including studs, balls, stones, or pearls, are typically crafted from gold or silver.

The screw-back mechanism of these earrings facilitates convenience and compatibility with various earring styles.

Where to wear:

Screw-back earrings can be complemented with a precious stone, such as a diamond, for formal events, whereas more simplistic designs, like a top, are suitable for daily use.

Best for face shapes:

Screw-back earrings are perfect for petite faces because of their understated style. However, these earrings can perfectly complement round facial features.

30. French Wire Earrings

French wire earrings are crafted from precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum and shaped like fish hooks.

These types of earring hooks are the epitome of style, thanks to the precious stones that adorn their designs.

Where to wear:

French wire earrings are suitable for regular wear. Nonetheless, it is an earring that does not conform to its container and is a type that will be conspicuous regardless of where it is worn.

Best for face shapes:

French wire earrings are suitable for oval face shapes. However, it can also perfectly emphasize heart-shaped facial features.

Just like our forefathers did centuries ago, we at Silveristic Jewelry think that every piece of jewelry should be unique and personalized. This is why we have always made sure to include designs in our collections that allow our customers to express their unique style.

At Silveristic, you will discover a wide selection of handmade jewelry that can be tailored just for you, including unique necklaces, all types of earrings in fashion, and many more.