Hoops, Studs and Drops: Choosing Earrings

Earrings change how a face looks more than most pieces of jewellery. The choice usually comes down to three styles, and each has its place.

Studs

A stud sits on the earlobe with no hanging part.

• Look: neat, quiet and classic.
• Best for: daily wear, work, and as a base for other jewellery.
• Comfort: the lightest of the three styles, which is easy to wear all day.
• Care: simple to clean, and secure with the right backs.

See diamond studs buying guide.

Hoops

A hoop is a ring that passes through the piercing.

• Look: casual and contemporary. Small hoops, often called huggies, sit close to the lobe. Larger ones make a statement.
• Best for: relaxed outfits, and a modern approach to dressing up.
• Comfort: light in small sizes, heavier as they grow.
• Things to check: the closure should be secure. Some hoops snap shut, others hinge.

Drops and danglers

Drops hang below the lobe, sometimes with movement.

• Look: elegant and dressy. They lengthen the neck and frame the face.
• Best for: evening, weddings and occasions.
• Comfort: depends on weight. Long, heavy pairs can tire the ears.
• Care: they can catch on hair and clothes.

Which to choose when

| Occasion | Studs | Hoops | Drops | |---|---|---|---| | Office | Excellent | Good, if small | Good, if short | | Casual | Good | Excellent | Fine | | Evening | Good | Good | Excellent | | Wedding | Good, with a bold necklace | Fine | Excellent |

In words: studs are best at work, hoops suit casual days and drops suit evenings and weddings.

Matching your necklace

Pair bold earrings with a simple necklace, or simple studs with a bold necklace. Wearing both bold makes each compete. See how to layer necklaces and pendants.

Matching your hair

Hair down covers drops, so studs and small hoops show better. Hair up shows off drops and larger hoops.

Matching your face

Face shape can guide the choice. See earrings for your face shape.

Other styles to know

• Ear climbers or crawlers: travel up the ear.
• Cuffs: wrap around the outer ear without a piercing.
• Jhumkas and chandbalis: traditional bell and crescent styles.

For the full list, see types of earrings: a complete guide.

Common questions

Which earrings are best for sensitive ears? Ask about the metal of the post, and choose lighter pieces. See skin sensitivity and jewellery metals explained.

Can I sleep in hoops? It is better to remove them, since they can catch on bedding.

How many pairs do I need? A small set of studs, a pair of hoops and a pair of drops covers most occasions.

How to decide in the shop

Try one pair of each style, then look at yourself from a distance, because earrings read differently from across a room than in a close mirror. Ask yourself three questions. Can I wear these for ten hours? Would I wear them with at least three outfits? Do they suit the hair I usually have? The pair that gets three yeses is the one to buy first.

A simple starter wardrobe

If you are building from nothing, a pair of studs comes first, because they will be worn most. A pair of small hoops or huggies comes second, for casual days. A pair of drops comes third, for evenings and weddings. Many people find that these three pairs cover almost every day of the year, and that further purchases are about taste rather than need.

Caring for each type

Studs need their backs checked. Hoops need their closures to be kept clean, because dirt can build up where the hoop meets itself. Drops need a gentle wipe, since they hang freely and collect dust and hair products. In each case, store pairs together in a soft pouch so that you never have to search for a missing one, and so that the metal and the stones do not scratch each other.

Build your set

Browse our diamond earrings, or book an appointment to try styles on.