Earrings are more than just accessories; they're expressions of individual style and personality. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey through the diverse and captivating world of earrings for women. From timeless classics to trendy statement pieces, we'll explore the various types and styles that add flair to any look.
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EARRING AND EAR PIERCING JEWELRY
- HOOP EARRING
- HUGGIE EARRINGS
- STUD EARRINGS
- EAR CUFFS
- CLIP ON EARRINGS
- DROP EARRINGS
- DANGLE EARRINGS
- THREADER EARRINGS
- CHANDELIER EARRINGS
- CLIMBER EARRINGS
- EARRING JACKETS
WHAT IS AN EARRING?
An earring is a piece of jewelry typically worn on the earlobe but can also be attached to other parts of the ear, such as the helix or cartilage. It consists of decorative elements, which can range from studs and hoops to more elaborate designs like dangles or chandeliers. There are many different types of earrings, in this blog post we'll explore the most popular types of earrings. Earrings come in various materials, including metals, gemstones, plastics, and other materials, allowing for a wide range of styles to suit different tastes and occasions.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REGULAR EARRING AND EAR PIERCING JEWELRY
While the terms earring and piercing are often used interchangeably when referring to ear jewelry, there are notable distinctions. The main difference is that earrings have a thinner bar than ear piercing jewelry.
Regular earrings are primarily designed for the common ear lobe piercing which is pierced with a thinner needle, typically a 20 gauge needle. In contrast when a professional piercer, pierces the following ear locations, such as helix, conch, tragus, rook, and conch, the piercer typically uses a 16g needle, a thicker gauge compared to the common 20g ear lobe piercing. Therefore earrings typcially have a thinner bar than piercings Consequently, not all ear piercing jewelry is suitable for regular lobe piercings. However you can choose to put a regular 20G earring in your pierced hole, but this hole will become a little smaller over time and then it is difficult to put a real piercing in it.
Moreover, the design of the earrings also differs. Regular stud earrings for the lobe often employ butterfly backings, whereas ear piercing jewelry commonly utilizes flat backs or round backs for studs.
TYPES OF EARRINGS
HOOP EARRINGS
Hoop earrings are classic and never go out of style. They come in different sizes, offering a variety of looks from simple to bold and dramatic. You can easily wear hoops from day to night, and they go well with both casual and dressy outfits.
HUGGIE EARRINGS
Huggie earrings fall under the hoop earring category, but due to their soaring popularity, we've carved out a separate space for them. Huggies are petite hoop earrings that snugly encircle the earlobe, prioritizing comfort and adaptability. Typically featuring simpler designs, these earrings are favored for their understated charm.
STUD EARRINGS
Stud earrings embody simplicity and elegance, with their understated designs often showcasing a subtle charm. This makes them a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion. Studs are available in a wide array of designs, ranging from classic diamonds to vibrant gemstones, allowing individuals to add a personalized touch to their
EAR CUFFS
Ear cuffs bring a modern and edgy flair to conventional earrings. This type of jewelry is worn around the outer edge of the ear, slipping effortlessly over the cartilage to achieve a helix or conch piercing appearance. The cuffs gently embrace the ear, crafting the illusion of multiple piercings without the need for a long-term commitment. Perfect for those desiring a non-traditional aesthetic, ear cuffs boast a diverse range of designs, spanning from delicate and dainty to bold and intricate..
CLIP ON EARRING
Ideal for individuals without pierced ears, clip-on earrings offer a chic alternative. Unlike conventional earrings with posts and backs, clip-ons have a "back" that slides away from the front, attaching to the earlobe. This design is particularly suitable for lightweight hoop earrings. Additionally, it provides greater adjustability compared to traditional hinge earrings, as the spring accommodates various ear shapes. These earrings seamlessly blend comfort and flexibility with style, boasting a diverse array of designs to cater to different tastes and preferences.
DROP EARRINGS
Drop earrings are earrings that suspend below the earlobe, typically showcasing a short gemstone drop with a simple and delicate design. Similar to dangle earrings, they share the concept of hanging elements, but drop earrings are notably shorter in length.
DANGLE EARRINGS
Dangle earrings feature a lengthy design that hangs gracefully from the earlobe. Not only do they add an elegant touch, but they also beautifully frame the neck and face, creating the illusion of a longer and slimmer appearance. While similar to drop earrings, dangle earrings usually have a longer drop.
STATEMENT EARRINGS
The pain level for a forward helix piercing is typically around a 5 out of 10 on the pain scale. Like most ear piercings, there's a moment of sharp pain that fades quite swiftly. While individual pain tolerance varies, expect a brief sting or pinch during the piercing process, followed by mild soreness or discomfort afterward.
THREADER EARRINGS
Threader earrings are a type of chain earring that involves threading the chain through your earlobes. This versatile style accommodates a variety of preferences, ranging from subtle and minimalist to bold and daring, lending a unique and distinctive look to your ear.
CHANDELIER EARRINGS
Chandelier earrings are characterized by their elaborate and tiered design, resembling the elegance of a chandelier. These ornate earrings often feature cascading gemstones, beads, or intricate metalwork, making them a glamorous choice for special occasions.
CLIMBER EARRINGS
Climber earrings climb up the ear when worn, resembling elongated stud earrings. They elegantly follow the curve of the earlobe, providing a dynamic and modern appearance. Loved for their unique and contemporary appeal, these earrings are a top choice for those who enjoy unconventional designs.
EARRING JACKETS
Earring jackets are handy add-ons that jazz up your stud earrings. They're like little jackets you add to your existing earrings. Despite being a small change, they're a fun way to upgrade your earrings. Just attach them to the back of your studs, and you've got a whole new look, making it easy to customize and switch up your classic studs for different occasions.
TYPES OF EAR PIERCING JEWELRY
HOOPS
There is a variety of hoop piercings suitable for ear piercings, including Clicker Ring Hoops, Seamless Rings, Segment Hoops, and Captive Bead Rings.
CLICKER RING HOOPS
Clicker hoops are a type of hoop earring characterized by a hinged design that makes them easy to open and close. They are popular for ear piercings, especially cartilage piercings like the helix, rook, or tragus. The "clicker" mechanism refers to the hinge that clicks into place, securing the hoop in position.
We really love Clicker Hoops for ear piercings, and they're the main type we sell in our online store. They're super easy to put in and close, plus they're comfy and versatile. We suggest going for surgical stainless steel, titanium, or solid gold for the best quality.
SEAMLESS RINGS
Seamless rings stand out as a type of hoop earring recognized for their smooth and unbroken circular design. To wear them, you gently pull the metal apart, slide them into your piercing, and then push them back together. Unlike traditional hoop earrings with clasps or closures, seamless rings create a neat and polished appearance by maintaining an uninterrupted circle. These rings are commonly used as body jewelry, especially in various ear piercings like helix, cartilage, or daith piercings. The lack of a visible opening or closure gives seamless rings a sleek and minimalist look, making them a favored choice for those aiming for a modern aesthetic in their piercings.
SEGMENT HOOPS
Segment hoops are hoop earrings with a segmented design, unlike seamless rings. They consist of distinct sections that form the complete hoop, connected by subtle closures. These earrings are a bit challenging to close, so it's recommended to have someone help you put them on.
CAPTIVE BEAD RINGS
A captive bead ring (CBR) is a type of hoop earring commonly used as body jewelry. It consists of a circular metal ring that is open with a small gap, and a captive bead, which is a small ball or bead that fits inside the ring. The bead is held in place by the tension of the ring, creating a secure closure. To wear a captive bead ring, the ring is opened, and the bead is inserted. This style is popular for various piercings, including ear piercings (such as helix or cartilage piercings), nose piercings, lip piercings, and more. These earrings are a bit challenging to close, so it's recommended to have someone help you put them on.
STUD EARRINGS
A stud earring for ear piercings typically consists of a straight post with a decorative front, often secured with a backing. The post is inserted through the pierced hole, and the front part, known as the stud or the earring's face, is visible on the front of the earlobe. In ear piercing jewelry, there are two primary types of stud earrings: flat back studs and round back studs. Both types can feature either internal threading or external threading.
FLAT BACK STUD EARRINGS
Flat back stud earrings, also known as labret studs, are a type of stud earring with a flat, disk-like backing instead of a traditional pointy or protruding one. The flat back provides a comfortable and secure fit against the earlobe or piercing site, minimizing irritation and making them suitable for various piercings, including cartilage, tragus, and helix piercings.
We adore flat back stud earrings and proudly offer a diverse selection in our store. When it comes to ear piercing jewelry, we consistently recommend these stud earrings for their exceptional comfort and suitability for ear piercings.
ROUND BACK STUD EARRINGS
Round back stud earrings, also known simply as round studs, are a type of earring characterized by a rounded or spherical back. Unlike traditional stud earrings with a flat back, round back studs have a curved, circular shape on the side that comes into contact with the earlobe. The front part of the earring can feature various designs, such as gemstones, pearls, or other decorative elements.
STRAIGHT BARBELLS
Straight barbells are a type of body jewelry consisting of a straight rod with threaded or screw-on beads at both ends. These barbells are commonly used in various piercings, and they are especially well-suited for industrial piercings.
CIRCULAR BARBELLS
Circular barbells, also known as horseshoe barbells, are a type of body jewelry characterized by their circular shape with two threaded or screw-on beads that can be removed. They resemble a horseshoe, with the beads sitting at the ends of the circular bar. The circular design allows for a versatile range of uses in different piercings.
CURVED BARBELLS
Curved barbells are a type of body jewelry featuring a curved rod with removable beads or ends. This design makes them particularly suitable for piercings where a straight bar may not be the most comfortable or visually appealing choice.
Curved barbells are well-suited for rook piercings, snug piercings, and anti-tragus piercings due to their accommodating shape. The versatility of curved barbells makes them an excellent choice for these specific piercings, offering both comfort and aesthetic appeal.
GAUGE EARRINGS
Gauge earrings for ear piercings refer to earrings that are categorized by their gauge size, which is a measurement of the thickness of the jewelry. The gauge size is denoted by a numerical value, with smaller numbers indicating thicker jewelry. Common gauge sizes for earrings range from 20 to 00, with 20 being thinner and 00 being thicker.
