What are the main types of earrings?

The main styles are studs, hoops, drop earrings, dangle earrings, huggies, chandelier earrings, ear cuffs and ear climbers. Each has a different silhouette and suits different occasions, outfits and ear shapes.

What earrings are best for everyday wear?

Studs and small hoops are the most practical for daily wear because they sit close to the ear, are unlikely to catch on clothing and tend to be lightweight. Gold and sterling silver are the most comfortable metals for long-term wear.

Do you need pierced ears to wear earrings?

Many styles require a piercing, but clip-on earrings and ear cuffs are designed specifically for unpierced ears. Some clip-on designs are indistinguishable from pierced styles and can be just as secure and comfortable.

What are earrings?

By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026

Definition

Earrings are ornaments worn on the ear, most commonly through a piercing in the lobe, and they come in a wider range of styles than almost any other piece of jewellery. Studs sit flat against the lobe; hoops form a continuous circle or semi-circle; drop and dangle earrings hang below the lobe in varying lengths; huggies wrap close to the lobe; and ear cuffs clip to the cartilage without a piercing. They are made in every material imaginable, from fine gold set with diamonds to everyday silver, and they suit any occasion from work to weddings.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of earrings?: The main styles are studs, hoops, drop earrings, dangle earrings, huggies, chandelier earrings, ear cuffs and ear climbers. Each has a different silhouette and suits different occasions, outfits and ear shapes.
What earrings are best for everyday wear?: Studs and small hoops are the most practical for daily wear because they sit close to the ear, are unlikely to catch on clothing and tend to be lightweight. Gold and sterling silver are the most comfortable metals for long-term wear.
Do you need pierced ears to wear earrings?: Many styles require a piercing, but clip-on earrings and ear cuffs are designed specifically for unpierced ears. Some clip-on designs are indistinguishable from pierced styles and can be just as secure and comfortable.

Designing a ring

Talk through earrings with us

Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.

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