The Different Types of Earrings

Earrings are a versatile accessory that can add a touch of elegance and personality to any outfit. From classic studs to glamorous drop earrings, there are many styles to choose from. However, the type of earring is not the only consideration; the earring back is also an important element that can affect comfort. In this article, we will explore the various types of earrings and the different types of earring backs. Understanding these options can help you choose the perfect earrings for any occasion.

Browse our selection of exquisite earrings.

Stud earrings

Stud earrings are a timeless and versatile accessory that can effortlessly elevate any look. Their simple yet elegant design features a single gemstone or metal ball that sits directly on the earlobe, making them comfortable and easy to wear for any occasion.

Windsor 1.20ct Diamond Stud Earrings in 18ct Yellow Gold

Diamond Stud Earrings

Diamond stud earrings are a classic choice that exudes sophistication and glamour. They feature a single, sparkling diamond that is securely set in a metal mounting, allowing the diamond to shine and sparkle with every movement. Diamond studs are a popular choice for everyday wear and special occasions, adding a touch of luxury to any outfit.

Knot Stud Earrings in 18ct Yellow Gold

Gold Stud Earrings

Gold stud earrings are another stylish option that adds a touch of warmth and elegance to your look. Whether you prefer classic yellow gold, modern white gold, or trendy rose gold, there is a gold stud earring to suit every style and taste.

Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings in 18ct White Gold

Pearl Stud Earrings

Pearl stud earrings are a versatile accessory that can be dressed up or down, making them a classic addition to any jewellery collection. The lustrous pearls are typically set in a simple metal mounting, allowing the natural beauty of the pearls to shine.

RockChic Diamond Solitaire Earrings 0.84ct in 18ct White Gold

Solitaire Earrings

Solitaire earrings are a variation of stud earrings that feature a single, prominent gemstone, typically a diamond, set in the centre. The focus is on the beauty and brilliance of the solitary gem, making solitaire earrings a classic and elegant choice for any occasion.

Sundance Diamond Stud Earrings 0.40ct in 18ct Rose Gold

Bezel Earrings

Bezel earrings are a type of stud earring where the gemstone is surrounded by a metal rim, known as a bezel, which holds the stone securely in place. This style adds a contemporary and sophisticated touch to traditional stud earrings, offering both style and security for the gemstone.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings are a classic accessory that can add a touch of glamour to any look. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, hoop earrings are a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions. cherished symbols of Irish heritage and romantic commitment, enduring through generations as meaningful tokens of affection and connection.

Bohemia Diamond Hoop Earrings 0.27ct in 18ct Yellow Gold

Small Hoop Earrings

Small hoop earrings are a subtle and understated option that is perfect for everyday wear. They can add a touch of elegance to any outfit without being too overpowering. Small hoops can be simple and sleek or embellished with gemstones or intricate designs for a more glamorous look.

Bohemia Large Diamond Earrings 0.27ct in 18ct Rose Gold

Large Hoop Earrings

Large hoop earrings make a bold statement and are perfect for adding a touch of drama to your look. Whether you prefer thin, delicate hoops or chunky, oversized styles, large hoop earrings are sure to turn heads and make a statement.

RockChic Diamond Hoop Earrings 0.33ct in 18ct White Gold

Diamond Hoop Earrings

Diamond hoop earrings are a luxurious and sophisticated choice that adds sparkle and elegance to any outfit. Featuring diamonds set along the front or inside of the hoop, diamond hoop earrings are a stunning accessory that can elevate any look. Whether you choose classic white diamonds or opt for coloured diamonds for a more unique look, diamond hoop earrings are sure to add a touch of glamour to your jewellery collection.

Drop Earrings

Drop earrings are a stylish and versatile accessory that can add a touch of elegance to any outfit. They feature a decorative element that hangs below the earlobe, creating a graceful and elongated look.

Colourless Pear Diamond Drop Earrings 2.02cts in 18ct White Gold

Teardrop Earrings

Teardrop earrings are a popular style of drop earrings that feature a teardrop-shaped decorative element. This classic shape is elegant and flattering, making teardrop earrings a timeless choice for any occasion. Teardrop earrings can be simple and understated or embellished with gemstones or intricate designs for a more glamorous look.

RockChain Two Stone Diamond Drop Earrings 0.61cts in 18ct Yellow Gold

Diamond Drop Earrings

Diamond drop earrings are a luxurious and sophisticated choice that adds sparkle and glamour to any look. Featuring diamonds set in a drop style, they are a stunning accessory that can elevate any outfit. Whether you choose a classic design with a single diamond or opt for a more elaborate style with multiple diamonds, diamond drop earrings are sure to make a statement and add a touch of elegance to your jewellery collection.

Diamond & Enamel Chandelier Drop Earrings 5.60ct in Platinum and Enamel

Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earrings are a glamorous and elegant accessory that adds sophistication to any outfit. Characterised by their elaborate design, these earrings feature multiple tiers or layers of dangling elements, resembling a chandelier. Made from a variety of materials such as metals, gemstones, and pearls, chandelier earrings vary in style from simple to ornate.

Their movement catches light and sways with the wearer, creating a dazzling effect. This versatility allows them to be worn for both formal occasions and everyday wear, adding a touch of glamour and making a bold statement.

Bubbles Fancy Sapphire Half-Hoop Earrings 4.99ct in 18ct Rose Gold

Huggie Earrings

Huggie earrings are a stylish accessory that offers a snug fit around the earlobe, giving the impression that the earring is "hugging" the ear. This design makes huggie earrings comfortable to wear and perfect for everyday use.

Gold huggie earrings, including those made from white gold, are a popular choice for their classic and timeless appeal. Whether in yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, these earrings can be simple and understated, featuring a plain metal band, or more elaborate with added gemstones or intricate designs.

Their small size and secure fit make them ideal for stacking with other earrings or wearing alone for a subtle yet stylish look. Gold huggie earrings are versatile enough to complement any outfit, from casual to formal, making them a must-have addition to any jewellery collection.

Threader Earrings

Threader earrings are a unique and elegant style of earrings that feature a long, thin chain or thread that threads through the earlobe. The chain is typically made of metal, such as gold, and can vary in length, allowing for different levels of dangle and styling options.

One end of the chain is usually adorned with a decorative element, such as a gemstone, bead, or charm, while the other end is left plain to thread through the earlobe. The threaded design gives the illusion that the chain is floating through the ear, creating a delicate and ethereal look.

Threader earrings are versatile and can be worn in various ways, such as a simple thread through the earlobe for a minimalist look or looped and twisted for a more intricate style. Their lightweight and comfortable design makes them perfect for everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit.

Celia 1.00ct Diamond Set in 18ct Yellow Gold

Jacket Earrings

Jacket earrings are a stylish and versatile accessory that adds a unique twist to traditional stud earrings. Also known as earring jackets or earring enhancers, jacket earrings consist of two parts: a stud earring and a removable decorative element that sits behind the earlobe, known as the jacket.

The stud earring is worn in the front of the earlobe, while the jacket is placed behind the earlobe, adding an extra layer of detail and dimension to the earring. Jackets can come in various designs, from simple metal shapes to intricate patterns embellished with gemstones or pearls.

Jacket earrings offer a customisable and interchangeable look, allowing you to mix and match different studs and jackets to create a variety of styles.

Brilliant Tanzanite Stud Earrings 1.36ct in 18ct White Gold

Halo Earrings

Halo earrings are a stunning and elegant style of earrings that feature a central gemstone surrounded by a halo of smaller stones. This design creates a dazzling and eye-catching effect, making halo earrings a popular choice for special occasions such as weddings, parties, and formal events.

The central gemstone in halo earrings is usually a diamond, although other gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are also commonly used. The halo of smaller stones serves to accentuate the beauty and sparkle of the central gemstone, creating a look of luxury and sophistication.

Halo earrings come in a variety of styles and designs, from classic and timeless to modern and contemporary. They can be set in various metals such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum, allowing you to choose a style that complements your personal taste and preferences.

Bubbles Diamond Stud Earrings 0.86ct in 18ct Yellow Gold

Cluster Earrings

Cluster earrings are a beautiful and intricate style of earrings that feature a grouping of gemstones or pearls clustered together to create a stunning and eye-catching design. The gemstones or pearls in cluster earrings can vary in size, shape, and colour, allowing for a wide range of styles and looks.

Cluster earrings can be simple and understated, with a small cluster of gemstones or pearls, or more elaborate and ornate, with a larger cluster that makes a bold statement. They can be designed in various shapes, such as round, oval, or floral, and can be set in different metals, such as gold or platinum, to suit your personal style and preferences.

The Different Types of Earring Backs

There are several types of earring backs, each offering varying degrees of security, comfort, and ease of use. Here are some common types:

Pushbacks: Pushbacks, also known as butterfly backs, are the most common type of earring back. They consist of a small metal piece with two loops that you push onto the earring post to secure it in place. Pushbacks are easy to use and provide a secure fit.

Screw backs: Screw backs feature a threaded post that you twist into a matching earring back to secure it in place. Screw backs offer a high level of security but can be more difficult to put on and take off compared to pushbacks.

Latch backs: Latch backs, also known as hinged backs, have a hinged closure that snaps shut to secure the earring in place. Latch backs are easy to use and provide a secure fit, making them a popular choice for dangle and drop earrings.

Fish hook wires: Fish hook wires are long, curved wires that pass through the earlobe. They are commonly used for drop and dangle earrings. Fish hook wires are lightweight and comfortable to wear but may not provide as secure a fit as other types of earring backs.

Lever backs: Lever backs feature a hinged lever that snaps shut to secure the earring in place. Lever backs offer a secure fit and are less likely to fall out compared to other types of earring backs. They are commonly used for dangle and drop earrings.

Omega backs: Omega backs consist of a hinged clip that grips the earlobe to secure the earring in place. Omega backs are commonly used for heavier earrings or for people with stretched earlobes, as they provide a secure fit and distribute the weight of the earring more evenly.

Clip-On Earrings: Clip-on earrings are a stylish and versatile accessory that offers a convenient alternative to traditional earrings for those without pierced ears. These earrings feature a hinged clip mechanism that attaches to the earlobe, providing a secure and comfortable fit.

The Different Types of Earrings at Pragnell

At Pragnell, we offer a stunning collection of earrings designed to elevate your style and compliment any outfit. From classic diamond stud earrings or elegant hoop earrings to glamorous statement options, our collection features a variety of styles to suit every taste and occasion.

For those looking for something truly special, our selection of solitaire and cluster earrings offers timeless elegance and sophistication. Whether you prefer the subtle sparkle of a single diamond or the intricate beauty of a cluster of gemstones, our earrings are expertly crafted to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Visit one of our showrooms today to explore our full range of earrings, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation with one of our experts. Discover the perfect pair of earrings to enhance your look and make a statement wherever you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to our most commonly asked questions. Should you want to find out more please feel free to Contact Us and begin your Pragnell experience.

Halo earrings can be stud earrings, but they are not limited to that style. While stud halo earrings are common, halo designs can also be found in drop, dangle, or hoop earring styles.
For a formal occasion, it's best to choose elegant and sophisticated earrings, such as diamond studs, pearl studs, or chandelier earrings. These styles add a touch of glamour without overpowering your look.
Yes, you can mix and match different metals for your earrings. Mixing metals can create a unique and stylish look, adding depth and interest to your outfit.
Some of the most popular gemstones for earrings include diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. These gemstones are prized for their beauty and durability, making them ideal for earrings that are worn frequently.
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