How to Choose Earrings: Studs, Hoops, Drops and Pearls

Earrings are the one piece of jewellery you put on before you leave the house and don't take off until the evening, so they should suit your day, not just your outfit. Studs, hoops, drops and pearls differ in real ways: comfort, style and the occasions they suit. And once you start thinking about diamond earrings, new questions appear: natural or lab-grown, which certificate, which fastening.

In this article we go through the four basic types, tell you what to look at when buying diamond earrings, compare them in a table and finish with a quick guide to deciding. If you are buying them as a gift, there are some tips at the end to help you get it right.

How to choose earrings: the four types and their character

Before you look at stones or metals, ask yourself a simple question: when will you wear them? Some earrings work for the office, the gym or everyday life; others for a wedding or a Christmas Eve dinner. If you want a full overview of every style, you will find it in the article What are the different types of earrings?.

Stud earrings: the everyday all-rounder

Stud earrings sit close to the lobe, don't catch on your hair or scarf and can be worn from morning to night without a second thought. That is exactly where a diamond shines: a single well-set stone is a complete look.

• Fastening: usually a butterfly back that slides onto the post; with larger stones, a screw back is more secure.
• Size: look at the total weight of the pair (in carats) and also at the diameter, because at the same weight one shape can look bigger than another.
• Who they suit: anyone who wants one pair that works for any plan.

Hoops: from discreet to statement

Hoop earrings come in two versions today. Small, close-fitting hoops of around 10 to 15 mm in diameter feel delicate and work for every day; large ones are a statement accessory. The bigger the diameter, the more weight on the lobe, so with large hoops choose a slim profile.

Drop earrings: for dinners and big occasions

Drop earrings move with you and draw the eye to your face and neck. Length is what matters: short ones can be worn in the daytime, long ones are for the evening. For original earrings that don't go over the top, a short drop with a single stone is the middle ground.

Pearl earrings: quiet elegance

Pearl earrings give a polished, calm look with no effort. Pearls differ in origin and shape: freshwater pearls are more affordable and come in varied shapes, akoya pearls stand out for their roundness and lustre, and Tahitian or South Sea pearls tend to be larger and rarer. Do bear in mind that a pearl is softer than a diamond and doesn't like perfume, hairspray or acids: put them on last. To choose between the two stones, see the article Pearls vs. diamonds: what is the difference?.

Diamond earrings: what to check before you buy

Diamond earrings sit right next to your face, where sparkle is most noticeable. At Omara we only work with diamonds that have an independent GIA or IGI certificate, both natural and lab-grown. The difference between them is mainly origin and price, not appearance: lab-grown diamonds cost approximately 60% to 80% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality. For a pair of earrings that means either a larger stone for the same budget, or a saving.

And to be upfront about the other side of the coin: if you ever sell them, you will typically recover approximately 20% to 40% of the purchase price with a lab-grown diamond, and 40% to 60% with a natural one. Buy earrings because you like them and will wear them.

Five things worth checking

• Certificate: ask for the GIA or IGI certificate and about the quality of both stones in the pair.
• A matched pair: the two stones should look alike in size, colour and clarity; you wouldn't notice with one, but two side by side give it away.
• Setting: prongs let more light in; a bezel setting protects the stone better from knocks.
• Fastening: especially with larger stones, a screw back is not a luxury.
• Metal: if your ears are sensitive, ask for the exact composition of the alloy.

White, yellow or rose gold earrings: how the effect changes

The metal changes the character of an earring almost as much as the shape. Yellow gold brings warmth and a classic feel; white gold earrings for women are cooler and more modern, and make the diamond look even brighter; rose gold adds a soft, romantic tone that flatters many skin tones. Purity (normally 14 or 18 carat, meaning approximately 58.5% or 75% gold) affects colour, hardness and price.

Comparison: which type of earring goes with what

The table shows how each type behaves in real life. It is a guide, not a rule: a short drop can be more practical than huge hoops.

Which earrings to choose: a quick guide to deciding

Earrings as a gift: how to get it right

Earrings are a much-appreciated gift, but also a very personal one. A few pointers to avoid a miss:

• Notice what they already wear: yellow or white gold, hoops or studs, large or small.
• Check their ears are pierced: it sounds obvious, but it is the most common reason a gift can't be used.
• If in doubt, simple studs: there is no size to get right as with a ring, and they go with any look.
• Browse a selection made for gifting: in gift earrings you will find styles to start with.

Summary: start with when you will wear them

The best earrings are the ones you actually wear. For every day, studs or small hoops; for the evening, drops; for a calm, understated style, pearls. With diamonds, watch the certificate, that the pair is matched and the fastening, and be clear on how natural and lab-grown differ.