Guide to Earrings
Ever wonder about the difference between a drop earring and a chandelier earring?
Earrings come in many different styles. Learn about different earrings designs and the devices that attach them to our ears.
Most jewelry designers just naturally prefer some methods of constructing jewelry to others. However, as the designer is not the only person who is going to be wearing the jewelry it is important to have a range of styles in any design portfolio.
This article will walk you through the different types of earrings and earring hangers.
Obviously, the most important aspect of an earring is comfort. No matter how beautiful or appropriate an earring selection might be, if it is too heavy for extended wear it is going to sit in your jewelry box unworn.
We all know that it is kind of gross to be trying on pierced earrings at a store. But if you have any doubt at all about the weight of the earring carry some disinfectant wipes with you and wipe the earring down prior to trying it on.
Leave the earring on for a few minutes, shake your head - how does it feel? Any discomfort with this brief trial - put the earring back. Never mind about the other shoppers staring at you - they wish they had thought of the idea.
To follow is a quick guide to earring design:
- Chandelier - very popular the last few years. As the name implies this style of earring has multi-level branches that hang down from the earring base. Normally gemstone briolettes (tear drop shaped gems) hang from the branches.
- Drop - usually one larger gemstone, geometric shape or charm hangs from the earring base normally facing forward. Some drop earrings combine a charm and a gemstone. The basic design of the drop requires the earring to hang in a straight line from base to end.
- Hoop - Angelina Jolie is the queen of the gold hoop earrings (find out where she buys them). As the name implies this earring is round or slightly oval and runs through the piercing in your ear. Hoops come in many circumferences from quite tiny to shoulder dusting.
- Stud - Round gemstone earring with a post and earnut that goes through the post at the back of your ear to hold the earring on. Diamond studs are a classic look that are appropriate worn with ripped jeans to evening gowns.
Types of earring hangers:
- Fish Hook - this is a type of earring hanger. As the name implies the part that goes through your ear resembles a fish hook
- French Hoop - a rounded hanger that is open at the bottom to allow it to past through your piercing.
- Leverback - made for both pierced and non-pierced earrings. The back of the hanger flips up to press against the back of your ear to hold the earring in place.
- Screw On - non-pierced earring hangers with a terminator that screws up against the back of your ear to hold the earring in place. Rarely seen now except with vintage earrings. Most screw on earrings are extremely uncomfortable to wear for any length of time.
The earring shown on this page is a hybrid design. The basic construction is a gold hoop. However, the hoop is set with a ruby drop then hung on a fish hook hanger.
