Your Guide to Different Types of Earrings

Did you know that the most-sold jewellery item of all time is? You might have guessed already if you spotted the title of this blog post! Yes, earrings!

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the most popular jewellery type in the world. Next, we’re looking at the various types of earrings, plus a brief peeks into the history of earrings.

Earrings have remained popular for more than 7000 years and originated in Asia. Ancient Sumerian women's earrings are the earliest earrings archaeologists have discovered—they date from perhaps 2500 B.C.E. and are typically gold hoops. Yes, hoops that remain a popular type today.

What do earrings symbolise?

In many cultures and contexts, earrings have traditionally been worn as symbols of cultural identity, as markers of age, marital status, or rank, or because they are believed to have protective or medicinal powers.

Did you know that men wear earrings first? Yes, you read that right—Persian men, to be precise. Today, men wear earrings as a fashion statement and status symbol. Men who wear earrings want to stand out and often only wear an earring in one ear. 

Earpieces gained more popularity during the early 1900s when the fashionable hairdos of the era allowed for earrings to be seen and admired. 

There are three different types of earrings in the world. You might find articles that list more than 10. However, these will only list different fasting earrings. There are only three types. So what are they?

Stud

Studs are the most straightforward type of earring. They are relatively small, usually with a single stone or a small cluster of gems. Studs are placed directly on the earlobe. Undoubtedly, stud earrings are the most popular style of earrings – and many will argue that they are also the eternal design.

Hoop

As the name suggests, hoop earrings are round. They go all the way around, from the front of the earlobe to the back of it.

Hoop earrings can come in various sizes and designs. They can be smooth or set with diamond-like stones.

Drop

Drop earrings hang below the earlobe and are typically static, almost like a stud earring with extension. Drop earrings are a timeless classic and are usually worn on special occasions or evening (gala) events.

What are your favourite earrings to wear? Our customers love the gypsy style in gold and rose gold. We have sold over 40 pairs since launching the store in January 2022. 

 Fancy a new pair? Check our collection of earrings.