# Earring Guide ## Earrings: Types, Sizing, Gold Quality & Care Earrings are the most versatile category in fine jewelry — from everyday huggies and studs to statement hoops and drops. The right choice depends on your face shape, lifestyle, and occasion. All DEEVE earrings are crafted in solid 14K or 18K gold with IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds where applicable. Authored by [Ara Talachian, Master Goldsmith & Certified Gemologist](/pages/ara-talachian-master-goldsmith-certified-gemologist). On This Page [Quick Answer](#quick-answer) [Earring Types](#types) [Hoop Sizing](#hoop-sizing) [Backing Types](#backings) [Gold Quality](#gold) [Face Shape Guide](#face-shape) [Care & Maintenance](#care) [FAQ](#faq) Quick Answer: 6 Key Facts About Earrings - **8 main earring types** — studs, hoops, huggies, drops, dangles, threaders, ear cuffs, and climbers - **Hoop sizing** — 8–12mm huggies, 15–20mm small, 25–30mm medium (classic everyday), 35mm+ statement - **Most secure backing** — screw backs and threaded posts; push backs are standard for everyday wear - **14K gold is best for daily wear** — harder and more scratch-resistant than 18K; both are hypoallergenic - **Face shape matters** — elongated styles for round faces; most styles suit oval faces - **Clean weekly** — mild soap + warm water + soft brush for daily-wear pieces Earring Types ## Your Complete Guide to Earring Styles **Studs** Single stone or design that sits directly on the earlobe. The most versatile style — works for every occasion from office to evening. Secured with a post and backing. **Hoops** Circular earrings that loop through the piercing. Available in diameters from 8mm huggies to 60mm+ statement hoops. A wardrobe staple in every size. **Huggies** Small hoops (8–15mm) that hug close to the earlobe. Ideal for a subtle, modern look or stacking with other earrings. The most wearable hoop style. **Drop Earrings** Hang below the earlobe with a stationary design. Elegant and sophisticated — perfect for special occasions and evening wear. **Dangle Earrings** Feature moving elements that swing freely below the ear. Create beautiful movement and catch light dynamically. Best for evenings and events. **Threaders** Delicate chain or bar that threads through the piercing. Contemporary and airy — a modern alternative to traditional earring styles. **Ear Cuffs** Wrap around the ear cartilage without requiring a piercing. Modern and edgy — perfect for a curated ear look without additional piercings. **Climbers / Crawlers** Follow the curve of the ear upward along the lobe, creating an elongated silhouette. A contemporary style that works beautifully with short hair. Hoop Sizing Chart ## How to Choose Your Hoop Size Diameter Style Look Best For 8–12mm Huggies Sits close to lobe Everyday, professional, stacking 15–20mm Small Hoops Hangs just below lobe Subtle statement, any occasion 25–30mm Medium Hoops Classic everyday hoop Casual to dressy, most versatile 35–40mm Large Hoops Frames the face Confident statement, evenings 45mm+ Extra Large Bold and dramatic Statement occasions, fashion-forward For a full size reference including earring stud carat sizing, see the [Jewelry Size Chart Guide →](/pages/jewelry-size-chart-guide#earring-sizing) Backing Types ## Earring Backing Security Guide **Push Backs (Butterfly)** Standard friction backing. Slides onto the post. Secure for everyday wear — the most common backing type. **Screw Backs** Thread onto the post for maximum security. Best for valuable pieces and active lifestyles. Cannot fall off accidentally. **Lever Backs** Self-closing hinged mechanism. Very secure and comfortable — popular for drop and dangle earrings. **Latch Backs** Hinged closure that clicks into place. Common for hoop earrings. Secure and easy to use. **Threaded Posts** Premium system where the backing screws onto threaded posts. Used for fine jewelry and high-value pieces. Maximum security. Gold Quality ## 14K vs 18K Gold for Earrings Property 14K Gold 18K Gold Gold purity 58.3% 75% Hardness Higher — more scratch-resistant Softer Colour Classic gold tone Richer, warmer tone Best for Daily wear Special occasions Hypoallergenic Yes Yes All DEEVE earrings are solid gold — never plated. [Full 14K vs 18K gold comparison →](/pages/14k-vs-18k-gold) | [Gold Jewelry Guide →](/pages/gold-jewelry-durability-quality-longevity-guide) Face Shape Styling ## Choosing Earrings for Your Face Shape **Round Face** Choose elongated styles — drop earrings, dangles, and long threaders create vertical length and balance the face shape. Avoid large round hoops. **Oval Face** Most styles work beautifully. Oval faces are the most versatile — from huggies to statement hoops to drops, all proportions suit this shape. **Square Face** Soften angular features with hoops, curved designs, and drop earrings. Avoid geometric or angular styles that echo the jaw line. **Heart-Shaped Face** Balance a wider forehead with styles that are wider at the bottom — teardrop drops, chandelier earrings, and medium hoops work well. Care & Maintenance ## How to Care for Gold Earrings **Daily Habits** Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising. Apply perfumes and lotions before putting on earrings. Last on, first off. **Cleaning** Warm water + mild dish soap + soft brush. Soak 10–15 minutes, brush gently, rinse, pat dry. Clean weekly for daily-wear pieces. **Storage** Store each pair separately in a soft pouch or compartmentalized box. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity. **Professional Care** Annual inspection recommended — prong check, backing security, professional clean. All DEEVE pieces covered by lifetime warranty. [Complete Jewelry Care Guide →](/pages/jewelry-care-guide-hub-1) | [Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide →](/pages/jewelry-cleaning-guide) | [Lifetime Warranty →](/pages/warranty-commitment) FAQ ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What are the different types of earrings?** A: The 8 main types are studs, hoops, huggies, drop earrings, dangle earrings, threaders, ear cuffs, and climbers. Each suits different occasions and face shapes. **Q: What hoop earring size should I choose?** A: 8–12mm huggies for minimalist everyday wear; 25–30mm for the classic everyday hoop; 35mm+ for a statement look. See the full sizing chart above. **Q: What is the most secure earring backing?** A: Screw backs and threaded posts offer the most security — the backing threads onto the post and cannot fall off. Lever backs are also very secure and easy to use. **Q: Is 14K or 18K gold better for earrings?** A: 14K is better for daily wear — harder and more scratch-resistant. 18K has a richer colour but is softer. Both are hypoallergenic. [Full comparison →](/pages/14k-vs-18k-gold) **Q: How do I clean gold earrings at home?** A: Soak in warm water with mild dish soap for 10–15 minutes, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and air dry. Clean weekly for daily-wear pieces. [Full cleaning guide →](/pages/jewelry-cleaning-guide) **Q: What earring style suits a round face?** A: Elongated styles like drop and dangle earrings create vertical length and balance a round face. Avoid large round hoops. **Related Guides** [Jewelry Size Chart →](/pages/jewelry-size-chart-guide) | [Jewelry Care Hub →](/pages/jewelry-care-guide-hub-1) | [Diamond Education Hub →](/pages/diamond-education-hub) | [14K vs 18K Gold →](/pages/14k-vs-18k-gold) | [All Jewelry Guides →](/pages/jewelry-guides-central-hub) [Shop All Earrings →](/collections/earrings-all) | [Gold Hoop Earrings →](/collections/solid-gold-hoop-earrings) | [Diamond Stud Earrings →](/collections/diamond-stud-earrings) | [Gold Stud Earrings →](/collections/solid-gold-stud-earrings) --- > Source: [DEEVE](https://deeve.ca/pages/earring-guide)