Studs, Hoops or Drops? A Guide to Earring Types and Face Shapes

Earrings sit close to your face, so they shape your look more than any other piece. Here are the three main types and when to choose each.

Stud earrings

They sit on the earlobe without moving. Studs are the base of every jewelry box: right for work, for sleeping in, and for pairing with a bold necklace. For example, round halo solitaire studs, or moissanite stud earrings for maximum sparkle.

Hoop earrings

They circle the earlobe. A small, snug hoop (a huggie) is delicate and works every day, while a larger hoop adds presence. For example, the 3 mm stone hoop earrings.

Drop earrings

They hang below the lobe and move as you move. Drops lengthen the line of the neck and draw the eye down. A short drop works for the office too, like the pavé hoop with a pear drop, and a long sparkling drop is for events, like the teardrop halo earrings.

Which earring for which face

• Round face: drops and longer styles add a vertical line. Skip large round hoops.
• Long face: larger studs and hoops add width.
• Heart-shaped face: earrings that are wider at the bottom, like drops, balance a narrow chin.
• Square face: hoops and rounded shapes soften the jawline.
• Oval face: almost every style works.

These are guidelines, not rules. The earring you enjoy wearing is the right one.

A few more tips

• Hair worn up shows off drop earrings; hair worn down hides small studs.
• Big earrings with a big necklace is usually too much. We covered pairing in our jewelry sets guide.
• 925 silver earrings are comfortable for everyday wear and easy to clean.

Shop all silver earrings for women.