Earring guide
Quick answer: The main types of earrings are studs, huggies, hoops, and drop or dangle earrings, plus styles such as chandeliers, threaders, climbers, ear jackets and ear cuffs.
Studs sit on the lobe, huggies wrap closely around it, hoops form a circle or oval, and drops and dangles hang below the lobe. "Statement" describes a bold look rather than one construction. Pearl earrings come in many of these shapes. For everyday wear, compare size, weight, post material and closure.
On this page
Types of earrings at a glance
| Type | Typical length in our shop | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Studs | about 15 to 26 mm | Everyday wear, work, layering |
| Huggies | about 12 to 25 mm | Everyday wear, ear stacks |
| Hoops | about 23 mm and up | Day to night |
| Drop and dangle | about 27 to 78 mm | Dinners, events, gifts |
| Statement | 45 to 137 mm | Occasions, simple outfits |
Type 1
Stud earrings
Stud earrings sit directly on the earlobe on a post, with a back that holds them in place. They do not swing, which makes them the easiest type to wear all day and the most common pick for work, school and everyday routines. Common stud styles include single-stone, cluster, halo and pearl studs, plus shaped studs such as flowers, hearts and bows, from tiny dots to larger sculpted designs that cover more of the lobe.
- Gold Wing Heart Stud Earrings: about 15.8 mm long, 18K gold plated brass with S925 sterling silver posts
- Baroque Cultured Pearl Studs: 15 mm long with a cultured freshwater baroque pearl
Type 2
Huggie earrings
Huggies are small hoops that wrap snugly around the lobe, usually with a hinged closure instead of a separate back. Because they sit close to the ear, they work like a stud with a little more shape, and many people wear them in a second or third piercing.
- Emerald Green CZ Huggies: a compact 12 mm hoop in 18K gold plated stainless steel, hinged closure
- Golden Glow Pavé Huggie Hoop Earrings: 23 mm long in 14K gold plated brass with clear zirconia, hinged closure
Type 3
Hoop earrings
Hoop earrings are circular or oval shapes that pass through the piercing or attach on a post. They range from slim everyday hoops to wide, textured or stone-set designs. Hoops are measured by length or diameter, so a 25 mm hoop sits about an inch long.
- Twisted Gold Hoops: a 26 mm C-shaped hoop in 14K gold plated stainless steel with a post back
- Pavé Crystal Hoops: 25 mm teardrop hoops with clear cubic zirconia and a hinged closure
Type 4
Drop and dangle earrings
Drop earrings hang below the lobe from a post, hook or hoop. "Drop" often means a fixed piece that hangs straight down, while "dangle" usually means a piece that swings more freely, but stores use the two words almost interchangeably. Drops add movement and frame the face without the size of a full statement earring.
- Angel Wing Drop Earrings: 40.4 mm long in 18K gold plated brass with S925 sterling silver posts
- Moonlight Cultured Pearl Drops: 27.5 mm long with cultured freshwater baroque pearls
Type 5
Statement earrings
Statement earrings are the boldest type: long chains, oversized shapes, mixed materials or bright color. They work best with a simple neckline and hair pulled back, so the earrings carry the look.
- Grid Statement Earrings: 67 mm long in zinc alloy and resin with S925 sterling silver posts
- Angel Wing Statement Earrings: reach 137 mm (5.4 in)
Other earring styles to know
Not every earring fits neatly into studs, hoops or drops. These styles describe how an earring is shaped, worn or attached, and they can overlap: a chandelier earring is often also a statement earring.
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Chandelier earrings
Multi-tiered designs that hang below the lobe, often worn for evening.
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Threader earrings
A thin chain or wire that passes through the piercing and hangs on one or both sides.
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Ear climbers
Earrings that extend upward along the outer edge of the ear from a lobe piercing.
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Ear jackets
A front stud paired with a decorative back piece that shows below or behind the lobe.
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Ear cuffs
Designs that grip the outer ear, and many do not need a piercing.
Pearl earrings: cultured vs imitation
Pearl earrings can be studs, drops, hoops or statement pieces. Cultured pearls form inside a living mollusk after a pearl farmer starts the process, and freshwater cultured pearls come from freshwater mussels. "Baroque" describes an irregular, non-round shape, not whether a pearl is natural or cultured. Imitation pearls are manufactured to look like pearls. Under the FTC Jewelry Guides (16 CFR Part 23), sellers should clearly describe cultured and imitation pearls so they are not mistaken for natural pearls.
For example, the Royal Garden Cultured Freshwater Pearl Drops use baroque cultured freshwater pearls, while the Golden Bloom Studs use imitation pearls around a tiger's-eye center.
Shop pearl earrings
Types of earring backs and closures
Which earring back should you choose? For everyday studs, push backs are common and easy to use. For huggies and small hoops, hinged closures keep things compact. For hanging earrings, hooks and lever backs are common. Each of our product pages lists its own closure or post material in the details, so check there before you buy.
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Push back
Also called a butterfly or friction back: a small clutch that slides onto a stud post. The most common back for studs.
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Screw back
Threads onto a threaded post for extra hold. Common on valuable studs.
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Hinged (huggie) closure
A hinged bar that clicks shut inside the hoop. Used on most huggies and many hoops.
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Lever back
A curved wire with a hinged lever that locks closed. Common on drops.
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Hook
Also called a French wire or fish hook: an open curved wire that passes through the ear, often with a small rubber stopper.
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Latch back
A post that hooks into a catch on the back of a hoop.
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Flat back (labret style)
A flat disc sits behind the ear and the decorative front screws or presses in. Common for some lobe and cartilage piercings.
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Clip-on
A hinged clip for unpierced ears.
How to choose your everyday pair
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For everyday wear
Start with smaller studs or close-fitting huggies, roughly 25 mm or under. Consider the weight, the closure and whether the design might catch on hair, scarves or headphones. Size alone does not decide comfort.
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For movement without much size
Pick a short drop around 25 to 40 mm.
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For events
Go longer or bolder with drops over 40 mm or a statement pair.
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For a gift when you are unsure
Small studs or simple huggies are versatile starting points if they wear pierced earrings. Check their preferred metal color and style first.
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Check the weight
Where a product page lists grams per earring, lighter pairs are usually more comfortable for long days.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common types of earrings?
Studs, huggies, hoops, drop or dangle earrings and statement earrings. Pearl earrings come in all of these shapes.
What are huggie earrings?
Huggie earrings are small hoops that "hug" the earlobe closely, usually with a hinged closure. They are a common everyday style because they sit close to the ear.
What is the difference between huggies and hoops?
Huggies are small hoops that sit tight around the lobe, usually under about 25 mm, with a hinged closure. Hoops can be larger and hang farther from the ear.
What is the difference between drop and dangle earrings?
Drop earrings usually hang straight down from the lobe, while dangle earrings swing more. Many stores, including ours, group them together.
What type of earring back is most secure?
Screw backs, properly closed lever backs and well-fitted hinged closures are generally designed to resist coming loose. Security still depends on the design, fit, condition and whether the closure is fully engaged, so check your earrings regularly.
Which earrings are best for everyday wear?
Studs and huggies, because they are small, sit close to the ear and are easy to wear with anything.
Find your everyday pair
Studs, huggies, hoops, drops and statement styles, with the exact size and materials listed on every product page.
Shop all earringsFree U.S. & Canada shipping. Ships within 2 to 5 days.