Style, Jewelry & Accessories

Earrings

8 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of earrings — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Earrings are one of the easiest pieces of jewellery to give, since fit is rarely an issue and most people wear them daily. The pairs that get worn are usually small and simple. Think plain studs for every day, or a pair of hoops that goes with work clothes and weekend clothes. Statement pieces can go over well too, but only for someone who already wears bold jewellery. Before you choose, look at what they wear now: the metal colour, the size and whether they have one piercing or several. Then pick something that fits that habit, not something that asks them to change it.

Kind 1 of 8

Studs: the everyday pair

Studs sit flat on the earlobe with a post and a back, so they're the pair people forget they're wearing. That makes them a safe gift for almost anyone with pierced ears, from a teenager to a grandmother. A single stone, a small ball or a plain metal disc all work. Before buying, check the metal colour they usually wear and the backing type. Screw backs and locking backs stay put better than basic push backs. Keep the size modest unless you know they like a bigger look.

  • Representative moissanite studs in a forest-green holiday jewelry box

    Curated pick$50–$100

    DovEggs Moissanite Studs

    A giftable jewelry pick with material, size and exact-style details worth checking first.

  • Representative photo-style image of classic stud earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Classic stud earrings

    These small, elegant earrings offer a subtle accent for everyday wear or special occasions.

Kind 2 of 8

Hoops that go with everything

Hoops are round or oval, and they run from a small, close fit to a wide, dramatic circle. Medium hoops in gold or silver tone suit people who want one pair for most days. Large hoops suit someone who already wears bolder pieces. Check the diameter in millimetres, not just the photo, and look at the thickness, since thin hoops read delicate and chunky ones read casual. Also check the closure. Hinged snap closures are easier to put on than wire hoops that thread through.

  • Representative photo-style image of hoop earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Hoop earrings

    A versatile accessory, hoop earrings frame the face beautifully and can range from subtle to statement-making.

Kind 3 of 8

Studs for men

Men's studs are usually simple: a small dark or clear stone, a flat metal top or a tiny black disc. They suit a partner, brother or son who already has a piercing and wears the same pair over and over. Find out whether they wear one earring or two, since some sell as singles. Match the metal to their watch or rings, and stay small. A stud that's too big or too shiny is the most common miss here.

Kind 4 of 8

Huggies: small hoops that hug the lobe

Huggies are tiny, thick hoops that sit snug against the earlobe with almost no gap. They're a good pick for someone who likes hoops but finds bigger ones catch on scarves, hair or phone calls. They also work well in second or third piercings. Check the inner diameter against where they'll wear them, because a huggie that fits a lobe may be too tight higher up the ear. Plain metal pairs are the most versatile, and small pavé stones add a bit of sparkle.

  • Representative photo-style image of petite huggie hoop earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Petite huggie hoop earrings

    These snug-fitting hoops "hug" the earlobe closely, offering a comfortable and understated alternative to larger hoops.

Kind 5 of 8

Dangle earrings with some movement

Dangle earrings hang below the lobe and move as the wearer does. They cover everything from a small charm on a short chain to layered chandelier styles meant for parties. They suit someone who dresses up often or who likes their earrings to be noticed. Look at the total length and weight, since long or heavy pairs can pull on the lobe and end up in a drawer. Chandelier styles are best for someone you've actually seen wear statement jewellery.

  • Representative photo-style image of dangle earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Dangle earrings

    With elements that swing freely, dangle earrings create captivating movement and draw attention to the neck and jawline.

  • Representative photo-style image of chandelier earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Chandelier earrings

    These intricate and often multi-tiered earrings make a grand statement, perfect for formal events and adding dramatic flair.

Kind 6 of 8

Women's studs and ear climbers

Women's studs come in more shapes than the basic round stone: small flowers, pearls, geometric shapes and clusters. Ear climbers are a related style. They go in like a stud, then run up the edge of the ear in a line of stones or metal. Climbers suit someone who likes a modern, stacked look, while classic studs suit anyone. Check the metal colour, the backing, and for climbers, whether the length will sit well on the shape of their ear.

  • Representative photo-style image of ear climber earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Ear climber earrings

    Designed to ascend the curve of the ear, ear climbers create an illusion of multiple piercings with a single, stylish piece.

Kind 7 of 8

Drop earrings for dressing up

Drop earrings hang straight down from the lobe, often a single stone, pearl or teardrop on a short, fixed piece. They move less than dangles and look polished, so they're a good choice for a mom or partner who dresses up for dinners, weddings or the office. Short drops are the most wearable. Check the length, and check whether the pair uses a post back or a hook, since hooks can slip out without a stopper.

  • Representative photo-style image of elegant drop earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Elegant drop earrings

    These sophisticated earrings feature an ornament that gracefully hangs just below the earlobe, adding a touch of refinement.

Kind 8 of 8

Threaders: a fine chain through the ear

Threader earrings are a thin chain or bar that passes through the piercing and hangs on both sides of the lobe. They look light and modern, and they suit someone who likes minimal jewellery with a bit of movement. The wearer can adjust how long each side hangs. Check that the chain isn't too fine to handle easily, and look at whether there's a small stone or bar at the end, which helps hold it in place.

  • Representative photo-style image of unique threader chain earrings — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Unique threader chain earrings

    Offering a modern and delicate aesthetic, threader earrings feature a chain that passes through the earlobe, creating a floating effect.

How to choose earrings as a gift

  • Look at the earrings they wear most and match that metal colour, size and style instead of guessing at something new.
  • Count their piercings before you shop, since a second or third hole opens up huggies, small studs and climbers.
  • Check the backing or closure; secure backs and hinged hoops get worn more than pairs that feel easy to lose.
  • When in doubt, go smaller, because a subtle pair fits more outfits and more days than a statement one.
  • If they only wear certain metals, stick to that metal rather than a mixed or plated alternative.

Usually safe to skip

  • Very large or heavy statement earrings for someone who normally wears small studs; they rarely make it out of the box.
  • Clip-on styles for someone with pierced ears, or pierced styles for someone without piercings, which happens more often than you'd think.
  • Novelty or seasonal earrings as the main gift; they're fun for a day but seldom become a regular pair.

Questions people ask about earrings

What earrings make a safe gift if I don't know her style?
Small studs or medium hoops in the metal colour she already wears are the safest choice. They go with nearly any outfit and suit most ages. Skip long dangles or big statement pieces unless you've seen her wear them.
What's the difference between huggie and hoop earrings?
Huggies are very small, thick hoops that sit tight against the earlobe. Regular hoops are larger and hang with a visible gap below the ear. Huggies are more low-key and work well in extra piercings.
Are drop earrings and dangle earrings the same thing?
Not quite. Drop earrings hang straight down and stay fairly still, often with one stone or pearl. Dangle earrings are usually longer and move more, and chandelier styles are the most elaborate version.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All earrings picks

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