From a pair of studs or huggie earrings to dazzling diamond hoop earrings, there’s something about fine jewelry on your earlobes that completes every look. So, while you’re running errands or celebrating an anniversary in style, there are a pair of gorgeous dangle earrings or subtle huggie earrings made for the occasion.
Whether you’re browsing for your first pair of diamond stud earrings or dainty huggie earrings for everyday wear, our fine jewelry specialists have put together a helpful guide to finding the ideal type of earrings to add to your collection. We want you to consider a few factors that will help you purchase responsibly and ensure you invest in high-quality earrings. From staying within your budget to finding a pair of earrings that best complement the shape of your face, allow us to share a few of our best tips and questions you should ask when purchasing your next pair of diamond earrings.
When Did Wearing Earrings Begin?
It’s been over five millennia since both men and women started wearing various ornaments in and on their ears. From lobes boasting beautiful gold dangle earrings to studs or huggie earrings pierced through the cartilage, various cultures have practiced the ancient tradition of wearing earrings. In fact, lobe piercing is one of the oldest forms of body modification. We can trace the earliest evidence of earrings throughout these regions:
- Persia
- Asia
- Greece
- Egypt
- Rome
When is the Best Time to Wear Earrings?
Earrings are jewelry items meant for any occasion. Offered in various metals, gems, shapes, and sizes, a pair of hoop or huggie earrings is suitable for all your needs.
Earrings are the ideal jewelry to wear daily for casual or formal events. You can change them out to fit the occasion or slip on a pair of sparkling diamond stud earrings that will seamlessly transform from day to night with the change of your wardrobe. The versatility of a pair of earrings is truly timeless.
How to Select Your Next Pair of Earrings
Selecting a pair of diamond stud earrings or elegant hoop earrings requires a bit of thoughtful planning. Sure, you could purchase those stunning dangle earrings calling out to you from the store display, or you could take a moment to understand which earrings may suit your needs best.
At Fink’s, we believe a pair of earrings should accommodate all your wants and needs. From fitting into your budget to complementing your current jewelry collection, some thought should go into your luxury earring purchase. When selecting your next pair of earrings, we urge you to consider:
- the shape of your face
- your budget
- type and color of metal
- precious stones or metal only
- the shape of the diamonds
- the 4Cs of a diamond
How Do Earrings Enhance Your Wardrobe?
The right pair of bold hoop earrings can accentuate the plunging neckline of your dress. However, it may cause a distraction paired with your power suit in the boardroom. Selecting the ideal pair of earrings for every outfit will help complete your desired look.
From huggie earrings to studs, earrings are an accessory that can add a subtle touch of elegance or be the highlight of the wardrobe. Every woman’s jewelry box should have a go-to pair of earrings for everyday wear and a pair for a night on the town. As you consider the perfect pair, keep in mind the needs of your wardrobe. The perfect pair of earrings can:
- accentuate your neckline
- transform the look of your wardrobe from casual to formal
- help show off your personality
Why Does the Shape of Your Face Play an Important Role in Earring Selection?
Just like selecting your wardrobe, not every pair of earrings will be the right fit. While a stunning pair of dangle earrings may look gorgeous on you, a lovely pair of huggie earrings may not have the same effect. Like clothing, earrings can help camouflage or accentuate features. Considering the shape of your face can help you select the ideal size, length, and stone cut of your earrings, bringing out your best features.
Benefits of Selecting Earrings According to the Shape of Your Face
If carefully selected, a pair of stud or hoop earrings can minimize features you wish to hide while enhancing those you wish to draw attention to. When you select a pair of earrings that suit the shape of your face, you can help highlight your high cheekbones or elongate the roundness of your face.
What Types of Earrings Are Best for Your Facial Shape?
The most ideal earrings are those with a shape opposite to the shape of your face. It’s a simple little rule of thumb that can have a considerable impact. For instance, you can give your profile an elongated look with long, dangle earrings or soften those sharp features with solitaire stud earrings or dainty huggie earrings.
Face Shapes:
- square
- narrow
- oval
- round
Best Earring Types for a Square Face Shape
If you have a square-shaped face, you’ll notice you don’t have narrow areas between your forehead and cheekbones or from your cheekbones to your jawline. In fact, a square shape face will typically have the same width across the forehead, cheeks, and jawline, creating a square appearance.
Choose circular earrings, and round stone cuts to give your square features the appearance of softer, more delicate facial features. Likewise, round stud earrings rounded dangle earrings, and circular hoop earrings will help soften your features. Hoop earrings with oversized designs will distract from sharp angles and put the focus on your beautiful earlobe accents.
We highly recommend a pair of IPPOLITA Classico Sterling Silver Wavy Open Oval Dangle Earrings. These oval dangle earrings are ideal for providing the illusion of an elongated face. You'll love how they soften your naturally squared jawline and draw the eye to your accessories.
We also adore this pair for its wavy design, which adds a sense of motion. In addition, the beautiful curvature of these dangle earrings is ideal for creating a delicate appearance.
Best Earring Types for a Narrow Face Shape
Those with a narrow face shape will experience a less defined forehead and cheek width. A narrow-shaped face emphasizes length. If you wish to minimize this feature, dangle earrings will be your best friend.
Much like a square face shape, dangle earrings provide distraction. The appearance of a fuller facial shape can be achieved with shorter dangle earrings with volume. Elongated curves within a pair of dangle earrings highlight the cheekbones while taking the focus off of your elongated facial features.
Best Earring Types for an Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape tends to have a narrow forehead and narrows into a rounded chin. The oval facial structure offers striking, high cheekbones. If you have an oval-shaped face, you are lucky to be able to wear nearly any type of earring you desire!
Whether you prefer elegant dangle earrings or bold, angular hoop earrings, your oval face shape complements them all. In addition, your facial structure has blessed you with versatility and proportions, which allow you have fun and experiment with everything from huggie earrings to studs.
Grace your lobes with the Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold 7mm Akoya Chain Dangle Earrings. The pair are ideal for wearing with your casual, everyday wear. And when it’s time for an evening out, dress them up with your favorite gown and be amazed at their versatile appeal.
Best Earring Types for a Round Face Shape
A round face tends to have a wider cheekbone area, while a narrow forehead and jawline. This facial structure resembles a fuller, circular look. Your ideal earring type is a long teardrop dangle earring, as they help elongate your features.
However, if you wish to give a slimming effect, long, thin dangle earrings tend to distract from the roundness of your cheeks. You may want to avoid rounded dangle earrings, hoop earrings, and large round solitaire stud earrings.
We think you’ll love our stunning Sabel Collection 14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings. Not only do these beauties offer .50 cttw diamonds, but they also add style and texture and elongate your facial structure.
Why Stud Earrings Are the Most Versatile
Your jewelry collection isn't complete without a pair of stud earrings. Studs are a timeless classic, offering style, versatility, and beauty. Stud earrings in any metal or gemstone are ideal for any face shape, wardrobe looks, or occasion. A pair of stud earrings offer the perfect solution for the woman who:
- is a minimalist
- prefers one pair that suits her entire wardrobe
- wants to go from daytime errands to a fancy dinner with one pair of earrings
How to Select High-Quality Stud Earrings
We encourage you to learn a bit about selecting a diamond before venturing out for your diamond stud earrings. Selecting a pair of high-quality stud earrings will help ensure you make a wise investment.
It would help if you considered various factors when shopping for your perfect pair of stud earrings. Perhaps the most important is familiarizing yourself with the GIA's 4Cs of a Diamond.
Understanding the 4Cs of a Diamond
The 4Cs of a diamond will help you select the best quality diamond for your budget. The 4Cs are the industry standard for evaluating a stone’s overall quality and value. While all four should be considered and work together to define a diamond’s overall performance, quality, and value, understanding them can help you prioritize which C’s are most important to you. The 4Cs of a diamond include:
- cut
- clarity
- color
- carat weight
Additional Considerations When Shopping for Your Ideal Earrings
Our jewelry experts have added a few tips for your fine jewelry investment. From comfort to security, these helpful considerations will assist you in your decision-making.
- Metal Selection
- Setting Security
- Earring Backs
Consider Your Earring Metal Selection
Selecting your perfect pair of earrings also includes considering the precious metal.
A few essential considerations are involved when selecting the metal for your new accessories. This extends beyond just the look of your hoop earrings, studs, or huggie earrings. Other than color, considering the metal of your new earrings includes metal allergies, weight, and price.
Our fine jewelry experts have some helpful tips if you know you have a metal sensitivity to gold or other alloy metals. If you have experienced severe metal allergies, you should avoid white, yellow, and rose gold earrings.
Platinum offers an ideal alternative for your sensitive earlobes, as it is hypoallergenic. In addition, platinum helps reduce irritation and allergic reactions, allowing you to accessorize comfortably.
Some metals and earring settings may not provide the comfort of all-day wear. Heavy metals or bulky earring settings can weigh down your lobes.
Some metals will also carry a higher price tag. From the amount of metal in a setting to platinum versus white gold, be mindful of your budget when selecting the metal for your diamond studs, dangles, or huggie earrings.
Ensure the Security of Your Earring Setting
If the earrings you’re eyeing are adorned with beautiful gemstones, it’s essential to ensure their security. Diamond stud earrings, for example, are designed with minimal setting coverage to maximize the appearance of a diamond’s size. Unfortunately, while this makes for a striking pair of studs, it also leaves your stones more vulnerable if not properly secured in their setting.
While you should always shop with a reputable jeweler, you may also consider a bezel setting, especially for larger diamonds. This can help prevent the loss of a diamond or loose diamonds within a setting.
Consider the Earring Backings for Optimal Security
To increase the security of your fine jewelry purchase, consider the backings of your earrings as you make your selection. Examine each pair’s backings, particularly earrings with larger stones or those set in heavier metal.
Many high-quality diamond stud earrings often come with screw backs or locking backs. Take a moment to examine your earring backings to ensure their security.
We invite you to visit one of our locations and allow our team of earring experts to help you find your ideal pair. From diamond education to caring for your earrings, we’re here to help you find the perfect huggies, studs, or dangle earrings to add to your jewelry collection.
