Complete Guide to Earrings: Styles, Closures, Gems

Accessories are a girl’s best friend! Nothing finishes off an outfit quite like the perfect pair of earrings. However, with so many styles available it can be hard to choose the right ones. Regardless of how classy a pair is, if they don’t match the style of your outfit, it can be enough to create a fashion nightmare. So, it’s imperative that you understand all the types before choosing which ones to buy. Hence, we’ve created a complete guide to earrings with everything you need to know.

Types of earring styles: hoops, studs, dangle, drops
Types of earring closures and clasps:
The difference between interchangeable and convertible earrings
Popular types of metals used in earrings
Popular types of gems used in earrings
and what it means for earrings to be ethically sourced

When selecting earrings, you need to consider all of the above, especially when making a significant investment. The earrings not only need to match the wearer’s personal style, but also ensure a comfortable fit that makes the earrings a confidence booster as opposed to a nuisance. And of course, you want to make sure your earrings are manufactured in an ethical manner that fall in line with their beauty, not against it.

So, we’ve created a complete guide on everything you need to know to select the perfect pair of earrings for you or a loved one.

Types of Earrings

There are many types of earrings. In fact, there are even more than you may realize! Let’s take a look at the different styles.

Stud Earrings

Stud earrings are very versatile and should be included in every woman’s collection. This style is small and fits against the earlobe. The earring closure is not visible, so it gives the illusion that the earring is floating. You will find that stud earrings come in many styles such as gold stud earrings, diamond stud, silver stud earrings, and more.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings resemble a ring. They feature a semicircular or circular design that’s open and passes through the earlobe. Hoop earrings are available in many varieties and sizes. Some women prefer large hoops, and others prefer small hoop earrings. They can be made from virtually any type of material, from sterling silver to gold.

Drop Earrings

Drop earrings are primarily made of two parts. They have a stud that connects to the earlobe and then a charm that dangles down from there. Hence, the earrings look like they are dropping from the ear. Drop earrings are available in many shapes and sizes. The charms can look like teardrops, circles, squares, and just about any other shape you can imagine.

Button Earrings

Button earrings are as cute as a button. They are round stud earrings that are usually small, but can be larger. Styles tend to be simple but may contain ornate filigree, gems, or a mixture of metals.

Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earrings are named appropriately. They feature the same shape as a real chandelier and may even consist of several levels of decorations. This style usually gives a dangling appearance and hangs below the earlobe. Chandelier earrings are available in many styles and colors. They can be made from gold, silver, or any other metal, and contain diamonds or other gemstones of your choice.

Dangle Earrings

Dangle earrings are similar to drop earrings, but usually hang down further. Dangles are designed so that the charm “dangles” and sways beneath the earlobe. This style can connect to the ear using a post or a hoop, depending on which you prefer. They are available in all types of metal and feature diamonds or one of many other types of gemstones.

Popular Gemstone for Earrings

TextInterchangeable earrings and convertible earrings have gained a great deal of popularity within the last decade. While you may have heard of them, do you know the difference?

Moonstone Earrings

Moonstone is from the feldspar mineral family. The stone is opalescent and is found in many shades, including blue, peach, yellow, brown, gray, green, pink, and even colorless. The clarity of moonstone ranges from opaque to transparent. Opal earrings have the closest resemblance to moonstone.

Emerald Earrings

Emerald is a gemstone that’s largely popular with royalty. In fact, Egyptians once thought this gemstone represented fertility and rebirth. It is commonly used in engagement and wedding rings but looks great in any type of jewelry.

Diamond Earrings

Diamond is the most popular gemstone. They are found in several colors, including green, red, blue, yellow, and clear, which is the most popular shade.

Sapphire Earrings

Sapphire is found in many colors but most popular in blue. It’s one of the most commonly used gemstones around the world. In fact, Princess Diana’s famous engagement ring was made from sapphire.

Amethyst Earrings

Amethysts are unusual because they feature deep shades of purple. The stone is said to have calming properties and thought to represent happiness, wealth, and love in life. Amethyst was once thought to be rarer than diamonds; however, that changed when large deposits were discovered in Uruguay and Brazil. Amethyst is now considered a semi-precious stone.

Ruby Earrings

Ruby features a vibrant and strong shade of red that’s very deep. This stone is said to represent passion and love, making it a popular choice for those looking to show their endearment. What most people don’t know is that rubies are actually red sapphires, as they originate from the same mineral.

Ethically Sourced Earrings

Gemstones that are ethically sourced are extracted using methods that are considered safe and ethical for both the environment and the workers involved. This includes the entire process from extraction and transportation of the gems to the cutting and polishing.
The socially-conscious Nguyen is one of few designers who exclusively uses recycled gold for her 18K pieces and recycled diamonds for her new designs.
In conclusion, if you haven’t checked out Nina Wynn’s earring collections, you should do so now! She makes some of the most beautiful designs you’ll find anywhere! Regardless if you’re looking for a new pair of earrings for work, date night, or simply to wear every day, she has something for everyone! So, next time you’re looking for gold hoop earrings, drop earrings, opal earrings, or even sterling silver earrings, look no further than Nguyen.

Luxury Award Winning Interchangeable Earrings

Nina Wynn’s newest earring collection, Epic earrings, features a patent-pending system that allows you to transform a few pairs of earrings into many styles. In fact, with just one pair of earrings from this collection, you can wear them in four different ways.

They feature inter-connected hinges that allow you to mix and match the pieces based on the fashion statement you’re going for that day. Furthermore, the earrings can be worn as charms or pendants as well. This collection offers endless options as there are 300 styles available in 18k gold and 500 styles of sterling silver earrings. The Epic collection allows you to create your own personalized luxury styles.

Interchangeable Earrings & Convertible Earrings

Interchangeable earrings and convertible earrings have gained a great deal of popularity within the last decade. While you may have heard of them, do you know the difference?

Interchangeable Jewelry

Though the names are similar, interchangeable and convertible earrings refer to two different design concepts.

Interchangeable earrings are usually part of a jewelry collection. These sets allow you to purchase different components that can be interchanged. For example, you can buy a pair of earrings and the dangle charm can also be worn on a bracelet or necklace from the same collection.

Convertible earrings are those that can be worn multiple ways. For example, you buy a pair of dangle earrings, and they can convert into studs or even drop earrings. Or another example would be purchasing a pair of gold hoop earrings that feature a small dangle charm. If they are convertible earrings, you can remove the dangle and simply wear them as hoop earrings.
Luxury Award Winning Interchangeable Earrings
Nina Wynn’s newest earring collection, Epic earrings, features a patent-pending system that allows you to transform a few pairs of earrings into many styles. In fact, with just one pair of earrings from this collection, you can wear them in four different ways.

Convertible Earrings

Popular Types of Metals for Earrings

Gold and sterling silver are among the most popular metals for making earrings, but they’re not the only ones used.

Gold Earrings

Earrings made from gold are generally a combination of gold and other metals such as zinc, copper, silver, and nickel. The content of real gold is measured in carats (ct) or Karats (K). This measurement basically describes the content proportions of genuine gold and other metals. The higher the content of pure gold, the more money the earrings cost. However, since gold is malleable and soft, the highest content you can buy is 24K. Though most people prefer 18K as it’s more durable. Gold earrings can be purchased in different colors such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and green gold.

Visit our Collection of Gold Earrings here

Platinum Earrings

Platinum is the most expensive and rarest of all metals. Though it is costly, it does not tarnish and will last forever. When used in earrings, it’s commonly paired with copper or cobalt to give it a different appearance. Though it’s durable on its own, platinum is even sturdier when combined with the other materials.

Titanium Earrings

Titanium is the hardest naturally occurring metal on the planet. It is lightweight, easy to color, and scratch-resistant. Titanium is commonly used for body piercings and surgical implants because it is hypo-allergenic. The only drawback is this metal cannot be resized or soldered.

Sterling Silver Earrings

Sterling silver earrings are comprised of 7.5% copper and 92.5% silver. This is a great metal choice as it’s long-lasting and durable. It’s great for use in making earrings, rings, bracelets, and other types of jewelry. The only thing to remember is that sterling silver is actually even softer than titanium, gold, and platinum, so without proper care, it will tarnish.

Nina Wynn Sterling Silver Earrings

Silver Filled Earrings

Silver-filled, or silver overlay, is a popular choice for jewelry. It is essentially a layer of silver applied with pressure and heat to coat a cheaper metal. This results in a durable piece of jewelry that will last forever and still looks great when paired with genuine sterling silver.

Base Metal Earrings

Base metals are copper, iron, brass, titanium, nickel, and more. These abundant metals can be used to make beautiful pieces of jewelry. However, they do corrode and oxidize easily.

GOLD EARRINGS

Types of Earring Closures

An earring closure is the mechanism used to secure the earring to your ear. The type of closure is necessary to consider from a comfort and security viewpoint. Let’s take a look at the most common closures.

Stud Earrings or Post Earrings

A stud or post closure is a common style, as it’s featured on stud earrings. The closure has a small hole that the stud slides into and is generally shaped like a butterfly. They are secure and comfortable as you can move the backing closer or further from your earlobe, depending on what you prefer.

Leverback Earrings

Leverbacks are an extension of a hook closure. They feature a lever at the bottom, which the hook slips into to prevent the hook from leaving your ear.

English Lock Earrings

The English lock is a closure typically used on heavy or large earrings. It features a thin lever that is hinged and secures the hook into the ear. The hinge folds out the back and makes a clicking noise when secure. These are very reliable earring closures.

Wire Hook

As the name suggests, this closure is shaped like a small hook. The hook is inserted into the ear with no other backing. It matches the contour of an earlobe and is hidden behind the ear. These closures offer a delicate and refined look. They are popular for everyday or business jewelry.

Huggie

The Huggie is a hinged hoop. It’s generally thin and small so you don’t see it when the earring is on. They are commonly found on more elegant types of jewelry.

Clip-On

Clip-on closures are made for those who want to wear earrings but don’t want to get their ears pierced. They attach to the ear using a hinged clip found on the back of the earring.

Magnetic

As the name suggests, these closures contain magnets. They secure to the ear and do not require the wearer to have pierced ears.

THE NEW REVERSIBLE HUGGIE EARRINGS

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