Earrings Guide

From delicate diamond studs to large, dramatic hoops, earrings add symmetry and grace to any wearer, enhancing any ensemble from casual chic to black-tie formal. We offer a wide selection of diamond earrings in many different styles. Each style offers a variety of shapes, metals, and mountings; so, to help guide you in your shopping experience, we gathered some information on the most popular styles.

Stud Earrings

The smallest and simplest earring design, studs consist of a diamond, gemstone, or metal ball that appears to float on the front of the earlobe. The stud is attached to a post that goes through the ear and is held in place with either a screw or slip-on back. The classic design of the stud earring makes it an excellent choice to pair with nearly any outfit.

Three Prong Studs

Three Prong Studs
SHOP THREE PRONG

Bezel Studs

Bezel Studs
SHOP BEZEL

Four Prong Studs

Four Prong Studs
SHOP FOUR PRONG

Diamond Stud Earrings

Beautifully cut diamonds add a sparkle to the earlobe when placed in a stud setting. Simple prongs secure the diamond in place, allowing everyone in the room to appreciate the fire and beauty of the stone without incorporating additional gemstones or metal to detract from the delicate beauty of the diamond. The versatile nature of the stud earring makes these diamonds easy to wear with everything from jeans to a wedding dress. To achieve maximum sparkle and fire, Brilliance recommends choosing diamonds graded at least I-J in color and SI2 in clarity for your earrings.

Demand for Certified Diamond Stud Earrings has increased in recent years. To ensure a sound jewelry investment, you can hand-pick two, matching, loose diamonds that have been certified by a trusted gemological laboratory. Customize your own unique earrings by having your stones set in the stud setting that really catches your eye.

Gemstone Studs

A twist on the traditional diamond stud, gemstone stud earrings for women showcase the wearer's personality with a pop of color, whether it's a pair of romantic rubies, playful aquamarine, or elegant emeralds. Gemstone studs make a beautiful anniversary or birthday gift (especially if it's her birthstone!). Classic and colorful, these stud earrings never go out of style.

Shop Gemstone Studs
Gemstone Studs

Pearl Studs

A timeless and natural classic, pearl studs can be found in many colors and sizes and serve as an elegant finishing touch to any outfit. Akoya and freshwater pearls are the most common varieties, and can be accented by a single small diamond to add a little sparkle to your next night out on the town.

Pearl Studs

Metal Studs or Knots

Metal studs are more casual than diamond or gem studs but are easier to maintain and relatively inexpensive. Available in a variety of metals, the simple metal studs consist of a metal ball attached to a post, while the traditional knot features a flat or daintily braided piece of metal carefully crafted into a square knot.

Shop Gold Earrings
Metal Studs or Knots

Drop Earrings

Regal and feminine, drop earrings dangle from the ear. Created from metal, these earrings may feature diamonds, gemstones, or a combination of metals to achieve a unique look. Drop earrings can range from an inch long to nearly shoulder length, so you’re sure to find a pair that will look smashing with any outfit.

Chadellier

Chandelier

This cascading design features any combination of metal, diamonds, gemstones, and pearls in a shape that dangles from the earlobe to a point at least an inch below the earlobe. Just like the silhouette of a chandelier, these earrings start at a small stud, widen below the earlobe, and usually feature several dangling stones or metal pieces that twinkle as they move.

Metal Fashion

Metal Fashion

Gold, silver, or platinum drop earrings are modern and trendy accessories available in a wide variety of styles. These designs include circular links that dangle to the shoulder, abstract curves in bright yellow gold, and silver symmetrical designs with textured finishes. Ideal for the modern woman, these designs spice up any outfit.

Diamond Design

Diamond Design

Diamond drop earrings are often found in a line or curved shape encrusted with small stones. A popular style is the “journey” earring, with each diamond increasing in size along the curve of the earring. Other diamond drop earrings feature diamonds in circle or square shapes, or set in links that drop to the shoulder. For optimum sparkle, Brilliance recommends using diamonds graded no less than I in color and SI in clarity.

Gemstone Desing

Gemstone Design

Gemstone design earrings are similar to diamond designs. They may display one type of colored gemstone, or can alternate gemstones with diamond accents for added sparkle and fire. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, gemstone design earrings are ideal for anyone looking to add a little color to their jewelry collection.

Hoops

Hoops

These retro favorites have come back into style, and are available in a wide array of sizes and thicknesses. Large, thin hoop earrings exude a young and trendy look, while smaller hoops make a more reserved and elegant statement. Hoop earrings can be made with solid metal or set with diamonds or gemstones to add a little sparkle.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop Earrings

Metal Hoops

A classic design with a trendy kick, hoops can be found in a variety of sizes and metals. Gold, sterling silver, and platinum are the most popular types of metal hoops. They can be perfectly round, oval, square, or even star- or heart-shaped.

 

Diamond Hoops

Diamonds set into a classic hoop setting add elegance and sparkle to a time-honored style. The number, size, and setting of diamonds on hoop earrings can vary. Some styles feature diamonds set only in the front half of the hoop, while others feature diamonds on both the inner and outer side of the hoop.

 

Huggies

An updated version of the classic hoop earring, huggies are small, thick hoops that literally “hug” the earlobe. For added impact, they can be set with diamonds or other gems. Huggies usually hinge for easier insertion and removal, making this chic design one you will definitely want to add to your collection.

Types of Earring Backs

Backings serve to keep earrings in place and prevent the loss of fine jewelry and valuable gemstones. Below are descriptions of the most popular styles of earring backings.

  • Screw

  • Push

  • French

  • Latch

  • Lever

  • Screw Earring Backing

    Screw-back

    This backing style has a grooved end on the earring's post--the part that passes through the ear--that screws into a secure back to hold the jewelry in place. Screw backings are more commonly seen in premium gold and platinum earrings, to ensure valuable jewelry doesn’t slip from the ear.

  • Push Earring Backing

    Push-back

    Push backs are the most common earring backing. Comprised of a straight post that is inserted into a small metal piece behind the ear, these backs not only hold the earring in place, but many are interchangeable. This makes them very easy to replace in case you lose one. Push backs are sometimes called "butterflies" due to the distinctive shape of the metal backing piece.

  • French Earring Backing

    French-back

    Also known as a hinge or omega back, the French back is a loop of metal that hinges around the back of the ear to hold the earring in place and latches over the post where it emerges behind the earlobe. Although it is secure and comfortable, this backing is not quite as durable as other styles.

  • Latch Earring Backing

    Latch-back

    Often seen on hoop earrings, latch backs are comprised of a slightly curved piece of metal that slides through the ear and latches into a metal divot on the backside of the earring. The narrowed ends of the “U” shape of the divot ensure the metal piece remains in the latch, securing the earring to the ear.

  • Lever Earring Backing

    Lever-back

    Similar to a latch back earring, the lever back relies on a fishhook of metal that passes through the ear and is secured to a hinged lever that folds out of the back of the earring. This backing is perfect for large, valuable earrings.

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