Earrings are a perfect way to express your personal style, whether you're keeping it casual or dressing up for a special event. With so many types of earrings to choose from, including in our Australian jewellery store, it can be tricky to know which style will work best with your look - and it can be very easy to get stuck in a style rut.
That's why I've created this handy guide to the different kinds of earrings, along with styling tips and inspiration to help you find the perfect pair to suit you and your outfits.
Earrings are one of the most noticeable pieces of jewellery because they are often are in the direct field of vision for anyone interacting with you.
Yet as a wearer of earrings it can be so easy to forget just how impactful they can be: they just lurk on your ears, out of your own sight - and sometimes out of mind too. As an Australian jewellery designer with decades of experience, even /collections/stering-silver-earringsI am guilty of this!
So I'm here to help us all to pay a bit more attention to earring styles by considering different types of earrings and how to wear them. Whether you're drawn to simple studs, love the swing of dangle earrings, or want to make a bold statement, I've got you covered. And the best part? You can explore all of these styles in our unique range of Australian earrings.
Let's get started ...
Stud Earrings: The Wardrobe Essential
Stud earrings (also known as post earrings) are the unsung heroes of any jewellery collection. They're often small, simple, and perfect for everyday wear. Perhaps you wear the same pair of studs almost every day, causing them to disappear into the background.
But with some consideration and varying of the types of studs you wear, they can also add interest to casual outfits and a touch of sparkle and flash when dressing up.
Why You'll Love Them:
- Ideal for everyday wear, casual outings, and even formal events, depending on the style and your other jewellery.
- Generally easy to wear and easy to match to your wardrobe.
- Perfect as a subtle addition to layered jewellery looks.
- Great for second or third piercings to add dimension to your style.
My main advice for wearing stud earrings is to have a variety of them in your jewellery collection and, most importantly, remember to swap them around, even for everyday wear.
Not only will this add interest to your look, but it will give you a chance to clean your earrings if needed. Studs especially are prone to collecting residue from hair washing and showering. Learn more in our Jewellery Care & Cleaning Guide.
Our Australian Stud Earrings collection includes everything from dainty gemstone studs to classic small gold ball studs and larger sterling silver ball studs.
An example of some simple and small gemstone studs are our Garnet & Solid Gold Stud Earrings, which are great for adding a small pop of colour and sparkle to your everyday, along with being suitable for more dressy occasions.
There are also more unique studs in a button earring design, which are a great choice for post earrings that are more engaging and eye-catching - an example are our Coral Silver Button Earrings. Consider pairing earrings like these with a matching pendant necklace to complete your outfit.
For a polished look, pair our classic and simple large silver ball studs with a bold statement necklace and some stackable rings.
Dangle & Drop Earrings: Add Some Swing & Sparkle
Dangle and drop earrings bring movement and elegance to any outfit. They're another must-have in any jewellery collection - and again, a variety of drop and dangle earrings will stand you in good stead.
Why You'll Love Them:
- Will often add eye-catching sparkle and movement to your look and will frame your face.
- Huge variety in designs, from small and subtle to much bolder, more dramatic earrings.
- Simple drops can be perfect to make a change from everyday studs.
Drop and dangly earrings can be small or subtle or be much more bold and eye-catching, depending on the design. Either way, drop earrings and dangle earrings are always going to be eye-catching because they are much more likely to add movement and sparkle, much more clearly framing your face than most stud earring designs.
Consider occasionally changing out your everyday studs for a simple pair of drop earrings that are comfortable for all day wear. An example is our Chrysanthemum Silver Drop Earrings: lightweight drops which will add interest to your outfit, without dominating.
If you're heading out to a social event, then consider going for something bolder - more along the lines of many dangle earring designs. Our Eucalytpus Flower Silver Dangle Earrings will work beautifully, including for more casual occasions.
For something more bold and colourful, look at dangle or drop earrings with different coloured metals or gemstones. Consider wearing our beautiful Starburst Amulel Opal Drop Earrings, which aren't so bold that they will dominate your outfit, but they will certainly add some sparkling silver along with a pop of opalescent and gold colouring to an outfit. Consider pairing them with the matching Starburst Opal Pendant Necklace for a more striking look.
Our Dangle & Drop Earrings collection includes everything from everyday dangles to standout pieces that will steal the show.
Hoop Earrings: From Classic to Contemporary
Hoop earrings have stood the test of time: they have been worn for millennia all over the world - and for good reason. They're versatile, stylish, and can range from super simple and classic to bold and creative.
Why you'll love them
- Timeless style that never goes out of fashion - and they're fun to wear!
- Versatile designs from very simple to bold and statement-making.
- Ideal for layering with other earrings if you have multiple piercings.
- Lightweight hoops will also make a good change from your everyday studs.
Our Hoop Earrings range includes both minimal designs and eye-catching statement pieces.
If you're not used to wearing hoop earrings, then I recommend you give them a go and see how even the simplest pair can elevate your look. Consider wearing a pair of Large Gold Hoop Earrings with a white linen shirt and jeans, pairing them with simple gold stacking rings - or wear them with a little black dress if you're going out.
Looking to add a simple pop of colour? Then our fun Blue & Gold Beaded Hoop Earrings will be your friend, along with our other colourful beaded hoop designs.
For more dramatic hoop earrings, look for more ornate styles which can really make a statement, such as our Wattle Wreath Silver Hoop Earrings. These types of intricate hoop earring can work beautifully as a focal point for your outfit, so consider going without a necklace and adding a simple silver stacking rings set for extra sparkle.
Statement Earrings: Be Bold & Dramatic
When you want to make an impression, Statement Earrings are the way to go. These earrings are all about expressing your unique style with bold designs, intricate details, and beautiful materials.
- Instantly elevates an outfit with a bold touch - both casual and dressy outfits.
- Perfect for making an impression at events and special occasions.
- Allows you to express your unique style and personality while standing out from the crowd.
People often associate wearing statement jewellery with dressy and even formal occasions, but that really isn't necessarily the case. When it comes to statement earrings, the right pair will do a beautiful job of elevating even the most casual outfit. For example, our Australian Flora Dangle Earrings are a long and unusual statement earring design which will really work well to add some bold flair to a casual outfit: a summery dress or a simple shirt, for instance.
However, if you are wanting to dress up for a special event, then the right pair can work wonders. See our dramatic Leaves Silver Dangle Earrings, which are a very eye-catching and long statement earring design. Wear them with a colour-blocked dress and forego a necklace to make the most of them.
Looking for long dangle earrings which are a bit more subtle? Then see our Leaf Chain Silver Dangle Earrings for a very sparkly but more subdued design. These will be gorgeous to dress up with, but will also play well with casual outfits.
Be sure to check our guide on How to Wear Statement Jewellery for lots more styling tips.
Gold Earrings: Timeless & Elegant
There's nothing like the warm glow of Gold Earrings to elevate your style. Whether in classic yellow gold or romantic rose gold, these earrings add luxury and warmth to any outfit.
- Adds a warm and luxurious glow to your style.
- Complements both casual and formal outfits.
- A classic choice that pairs beautifully with other gold jewellery.
- You can choose quality solid gold or more affordable gold options.
When it comes to jewellery, gold is a standout precious metal. It's also one of the least reactive metals, so won't have the same issues with tarnish that sterling silver can have. Unless wearing gold really isn't for you, then having some earrings made in solid gold (14ct or above - 14K) in your jewellery collection is essential. Learn more About Gold Jewellery.
Pairs of simple gold studs with gemstones will add so much interest to your studs collection, allowing you to easily and simply change your everyday look or add a tiny colour-pop to any outfit. For example our much loved Opal Solid Gold Stud Earrings make a beautiful and quality pair of everyday earrings - I wear a pair of these frequently myself. Alternatively, see our bolder coloured and slightly larger Carnelian Solid Gold Stud Earrings.
For something more striking, especially when dressing up, our beautiful Dots Solid Gold Drop Earrings, made entirely in 14ct solid gold (14K) and inspired by ocean textures will be perfect. These gold earrings will look amazing with black, white or colour-blocked clothing. They're a top quality investment piece for those who love to wear solid gold jewellery.
Finally, don't forget about rose gold earrings and also more affordable options than solid gold, such as gold vermeil (a heavy plating of real gold over sterling silver). Our Double Tulip Rose Gold Earrings are one of our most loved jewellery designs and they are made in rose gold vermeil. Learn more about Different Types of Gold Jewellery.
Silver Earrings: Sparkle & Versatility
Sterling Silver Earrings are a go-to choice for their versatility, timeless appeal and array of unique and bold - yet affordable - designs. Like gold, silver will never go out of style.
- Timeless and versatile: will suit a wide array of coloured clothing and styles.
- Adds eye-catching sparkle to even the most casual outfit.
- Durable, affordable and ideal for everyday wear.
Sterling silver earrings are a much more affordable option than solid gold, but they still have the benefits of being a durable precious metal. While silver can tarnish, it's easy to manage with the right care. Be sure to read our guide to How to Properly Clean Silver Jewellery for all of my top tips.
Often wearing silver jewellery is sometimes associated with cooler toned and neutral outfits, but this certainly doesn't have to be the case. Silver will also work beautifully with bright colours: its own neutral colouring will go with pretty much anything, while adding some sparkle and shine.
Imagine wearing our striking Wattle Branch Silver Dangle Earrings with bold greens and yellows, for instance. Or our much loved and elegantly simple Forget Me Not Drop Earrings worn with pinks and reds.
For more subtle silver earrings, take a look at our Rose Silver Stud Earrings with their small, stylised flower design: one of our oldest and most loved designs. These will be great for more interesting everyday wear, as well as for wearing with casual outfits to add some sparkle and interest.
Birthstone Earrings: A Personal Touch
Birthstone earrings add a thoughtful and personal element to your jewellery collection. They make excellent gifts and are a beautiful way to celebrate yourself or a loved one.
- Adds a personal and meaningful touch to your jewellery collection.
- Makes a thoughtful and special gift for loved ones.
- Perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones.
Explore our dedicated Birthstone Earrings pieces for a range of quality handmade solid gold studs. You don't have to choose a birthstone, but can simply choose the gems you like.
These simple studs with their small pops of colour and sparkle are a perfect way to add variety to your stud earrings collection. See the garnet and solid gold studs above for just one example.
You can find other birthstone earring designs in our Birthstone Jewellery collection, which features an array of our jewellery designs, both those explicitly designed to be for birthstones and those that just happen to include those gemstones.
Choosing the Right Earrings for Your Style
When choosing earrings, think about your personal style, the occasion, and how the earrings will both complement your outfit and frame your face. And - importantly -don't get stuck wearing the same pair of earrings on repeat, day in, day out.
If you're ready for a style refresh or want to fall back in love with your jewellery collection, be sure to see our must-read Jewellery Styling Guide. Our Jewellery Shopping Guide provides links to more tips on styling and selecting the perfect jewellery for yourself, as well as gifts for special people.
Whether you're looking to add to your everyday collection or searching for a special gift, our earring collections have something for everyone. Take a look at our full range and treat yourself (or someone special) to something truly unique.
Related Reading:
- History of earrings - The Jewelry Magazine
- Earrings - Wikipedia
- Hoop Earrings: This Trend Has Been Around Since 2500 BC - Refinery 29
