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Everything You Need to Know About Earrings

Earrings are one of the most important pieces of jewelry for several reasons: theyre the first thing seen during any encounter since earrings are parallel to your eyes. Earrings help bring out your eye color, hair color, skin tone and facial features as well. Earrings are what people get to connect to your face to remember you by so be sure to choose a beautiful pair that suits you well. While there are many unique types and styles, Ice.com will make the choosing process much easier by defining every aspect of earrings and what outfit they suit best.

*click on the titles for a preview of each earring style and back type

Types of earrings *:

1.Drop Earrings (also known as dangle/chandelier earrings) dangle from the ear and are created from precious metals featuring a single or combination of gemstones, diamonds, pearls or only metals. Drop Earrings can hang just below the ear or can reach near your shoulders and are paired best with dresses (short, long, vintage and modern alike).

2.Stud Earrings are the smallest and simplest type of earring. Studs normally consist of one diamond, gemstone, pearl or metal ball that appear to float in front of the earlobe, but are held together with a post that goes through the ear piercing. Studs are the most universal earring style and can be worn with any look or outfit including casual, professional, active and dressy.

3.Hoop Earrings are exactly how they sound. Hoop earrings are circular or oval shaped made from precious metals alone or can be studded with gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Hoop earrings are prefect to wear with tube tops and dresses to accentuate your bare neck. If you want to spice up a plain t-shirt or v-neck, solid metal hoops are a perfect pairing. Remember that hoop earrings are normally larger than your ears so they can get heavy and tiresome when worn for a long period of time.

Types of earring backs and hooks :

1.Push Backs are the most common type of earring backing. Push backs are made up of a straight post inserted into a small metal piece held behind your ear. These are commonly found in studs and are also referred to as butterfly backs because of their distinct metal shape.

2.Screw Ins are as simple as it sounds. This backing style is similar to push backs in that instead of pushing back to clip in, they have grooves that screw into a secure backing behind the ear. These are more commonly found in expensive earring pieces to ensure the earrings never slip.

3.Hinge Backs. also known as french or omega backs is a loop of metal that is placed through the ear and hinges around the back to keep the earring secure.

4.Latch Backs are most commonly seen on hoop earrings and contain a hinged post that goes through the ear and snaps securely in place on the other side. Some latch back posts go straight through the ear and directly into a hole in the earring itself to hide any sign of earring back.

5.Lever Backs are made of a fishhook of metal that goes through the ear and secures itself to a hinged lever hidden behind the ear. This style is perfect for larger earrings.

6.Shepherd Hooks. also known as french wire and fish hooks, are used with drop earring styles because they rely on the weight of the earring to hold itself in place. The shepherd hook is made up of a curved wire that looks a lot like a shepherds staff (or fish hook if youre a fisher), often with the earring attached to the hook that slides straight through the ear and hangs there. While this method is very secure, you can buy a plastic end to slide up the end of the hook which will hold it in place all the time.

Tips for buying earrings :

1.The perfect, never-go-wrong, earring gift is one including the receivers birthstone. Birthstones are always meaningful and held dear to the wearer. Another earring go to are studs as they are the most universal and versatile earring style.

2.Buy lighter weight studs or drop earrings for first time wearers so the earrings dont weigh their ears down and feel uncomfortable.

3.If you arent sure whether youre allergic to certain types of jewelry, always go with nickel-free earrings. This will be written clear in the earring description.

4.As said in tip 1, the weight of the earring makes a big difference in comfort and appearance. A heavy earring will wear out and irritate your ears much quicker and will also make your ears droop so know what your ears can handle.

5.As always, if youre unsure about what you want or earring types and styles feel free to ask our jewelry experts. They are glad to help you choose the best earrings for any outfit and occasion.

Remember that the jewelry buying process is always fun and exciting because youre investing in something that will stay with you for many years to come. Jewelry isnt just a fashion item, but adds enhancements to your looks, features, skin tone, hair color and so much more. Choose colors and styles you love or try something new and bold to create a whole new look for yourself. Whatever your decision, Ice.com is here to help make the process as fun and simple as possible.

Be sure to check out our latest line up of earrings here and let us know what new pieces youd like to see in the future and ask any questions or comments you have below!

Thanks for reading and shopping with Ice.com,