A guide to diamond earrings

Welcome back to the Diamonds Hatton Garden blog where we showcase the latest from our Hatton Garden jewellers. In today’s blog we explore the world of diamonds earrings and offer our insights into the various styles and designs that are available.

Earrings are without doubt one of the most popular types of diamond jewellery. Worn for centuries, they have become associated with womanhood and, almost, a coming of age. Indeed, earrings, for over 7000 years, have been found across the world in ancient sites and are thought to have originated in Asia. In many cultures and contexts, earrings have traditionally been worn as symbols of cultural or tribal identity, as markers of age, marital status, or rank, or because they are believed to have protective or medicinal powers.

Beautifully crafted, diamond earrings are a symbol of grace and elegance and can complement and make outfits pop with beautiful detail. Depending on the event or occasion, it is important to have the right type of earrings. The most common types of diamond earrings include (both in terms of style and their clasping mechanism)

  • Studs
  • Hoops
  • Huggies
  • J-Hoops
  • Drops
  • Dangles
  • Chandeliers
  • Day & night

Diamond Stud Earrings

Stud earrings, or studs, are one of the most famous kinds of diamond earrings. Studs are small, simple earrings and are great for everyday use. The size, shape and material of the earrings is a matter of personal taste. However, they all have in common that they are directly attached to the earlobe and don’t dangle. A classic example of stud earrings are solitaire studs. Diamond studs glam up every outfit and you won’t have to be afraid to overdo it. We often consider diamond stud earrings as one of the jewellery pieces every woman should own. 

diamond stud earrings london

Hoop earrings

One of the types of diamond earrings that seem to never go out of style are the hoop earrings. Distinctive of the diamond hoops is obviously the shape. These earrings come in many different sizes. From tiny 10 mm hoops to impossibly large hoops that are more than 70 mm! We often see celebrities wearing the latter mentioned huge XL hoops. But many hoops are actually a bit more subtle and sophisticated. A set of small hoop earrings is suitable for an everyday look. Whereas bigger hoops are considered more evening wear.

AS29 18kt white gold Essentials round and baguette diamond hoop earrings  silver MYE213ER - Farfetch

Huggie hoops

Technically, huggie hoops belong to the subcategory of hoop earrings. But I wanted to mention them separately. Not only because diamond huggies are very popular, but also because they are a bit thicker than regular hoop earrings. You can find them in almost every true diamond lover’s jewellery box. Chances are you also see them on your Instagram feed. From celebrities to influencers, everyone shows how to rock these diamond huggies. The huggie hoop earrings fit closely around the earlobe. It looks like they hug the earlobe, hence the name. Because these earrings fit so tight, the hinge is usually (nearly) invisible when they are worn.

0.25ct Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings 9ct Gold - QVC UK

J-Hoop earrings

Another type of diamond earrings that you might expect under hoop earrings are the J-hoops. J-hoop earrings thank their name to their design. Instead of a full circle, the j-hoop looks more like a partial circle. The back of the earring is open. The remaining part of the earring looks like the letter J. Design-wise, j-hoops actually look a lot like huggie hoop earrings, but they don’t go all the way around.

Diamond J Hoop Earrings with Hidden Ruby Gemstone in 18k White Gold (2 ct.  tw.) | Blue Nile

Drop earrings

The name already explains it. Diamond drop earrings are those that ‘drop’ just below the earlobe. They are stationary or move just a little bit. Often, the earring is all one piece. In rare occasions, the earrings are not completely solid. For example when there is a diamond or a gemstone hanging on the bottom. But most often, they are simply one whole. Because these earrings are so inflexible, drop earrings are usually not very large. Drop earrings look a lot like dangle earrings. If the drop earring features a pear cut diamond, we call it a teardrop earring.

diamond drop earrings London

Dangle earrings

People often mistake dangles for drops. A dangle can be a drop but a drop cannot be a dangle. As you know, drop earrings to not move – unless they move together with the body. But diamond dangle earrings typically hang below the earlobe and move. There are countless of styles, sizes and types of dangle earrings. Some are very short and modest, like a single chain dropping from the hook and holding an ornament. But they can also be bigger and have multiple layers. Some dangle earrings are so big, they (almost) reach the shoulder. We call these kind of earrings shoulder dusters. You know, because they dust the shoulder – well, sort of.

Graduated Diamond Dangle Earrings 14K | Ben Bridge Jeweler

Chandelier earrings

When you hear the term ‘chandelier’ your mind probably immediately drifts off to lavish ballrooms with chandeliers on the ceiling. Well, your mind is not wrong. But instead of on the ceiling, the chandelier is attached to your ear. Chandelier earrings, or chandeliers in short, are ear jewels that hang like extravagant light fixtures. Just like a chandelier on the ceiling, the chandelier earrings instantly draw the attention. We don’t consider this kind of diamond earrings one for everyday use. You probably spot them more often on formal and festive occasions.

Diamond Chandelier Earrings For Sale at 1stDibs

Day & Night earrings

These earrings are known under various names. But most people know them as Day & Night or Day to Night earrings. These diamonds consist of various parts. This means there are multiple ways to wear it. Usually the ‘bare’ part is similar to a stud earring, like a solitaire. There is a separate detachable part that you can attach to it. We call these Day & Night diamond earrings because you can wear the bare part during the day. When you prepare yourself for a glamorous night out, just add the other part and you are ready to go.

At Diamonds Hatton Garden our experienced team of family jewellers are on hand to assist you with your diamond jewellery needs. Whether you are looking to buy loose diamonds or explore gorgeous diamond engagement rings, our experts can help you. Book your personal appointment today via info@diamondshg.co.uk or on +44 7951 060238.