A pile of surgical steel captive bead rings and one singular black captive bead ring pictured against a white background.

Types Of Earrings: Explore Styles

If you are wondering about the types of earrings available in the jewelry world, you have come to the right place. Indeed, earrings have long been a beloved accessory, adorning ears with a touch of elegance, individuality, and personality. From classic studs to dazzling chandeliers, the types of earrings available is a vast and diverse world. Indeed, this guide will explore some of the most popular styles of earrings, providing insights into their unique characteristics and how to choose the perfect single earring or pair of earrings for you.

Types Of Earrings: Bendable Hoops

Firstly, bendable hoops are revolutionizing ear piercing jewelry. In fact, crafted from flexible materials like titanium, niobium, and surgical steel, these innovative hoops offer convenience and comfort. Additionally, unlike some traditional hoops and other styles of earrings that may require tools to open and close, bendable hoops gently bend open and close manually with your fingers.

Moreover, available in a wide range of sizes, gauges, and designs, bendable hoops cater to various ear piercings. Therefore, check out the ear piercings that these types of earrings fit in below:
  • Daith
  • Earlobe
  • Forward Helix
  • Helix
  • Outer Conch
  • Rook
  • Tragus
In short, view 2 examples of bendable hoops below.

Bendable Hoop Examples
A gold plated crystal bendable hoop featuring an array of crystals pictured against a white background. An opal earring with a spiral design around the opal and a surgical steel bendable hoop.

Styles Of Earrings: Captive Bead Rings

Secondly, captive bead rings are one of the popular styles of earrings known for their versatility and simple design. Firstly, these rings consist of a hoop with a bead held in place by tension. Secondly, they are available in a wide range of materials like surgical steel, titanium, and gold, they also come in various gauges to suit different piercings. Thirdly, smaller gauges often allow for easier bead removal, while larger gauges may require the use of ring opening pliers. Finally, captive bead rings are suitable for a variety of piercings.

Above all, I'm sure you would like to see some examples of piercings this style of earring fits in. Actually, you can check them out below:

  • Daith
  • Earlobe
  • Forward Helix
  • Helix
  • Outer Conch
  • Rook
  • Tragus
To conclude, view 2 examples of captive bead rings below.

Captive Bead Ring Examples
A gold plated opal captive bead ring pictured against a white background. A purple opal captive bead earring pictured against a white background.

Styles Of Earrings: Circular Barbells

Thirdly, we have circular barbells, also known as horseshoe barbells. Indeed, these are a popular style of earrings. In fact, they are characterized by their horseshoe shape and adorned with two threaded balls or other adornments at each end. Moreover, horseshoe barbells, available in a range of materials, like 316L surgical steel, titanium, gold, and acrylic, come in various gauges. The ideal size depends on the ear piercing and the persons anatomy, for instance. So, by carefully considering the materials, gauge size, and threading type, individuals can choose the perfect circular barbell to enhance their unique style and complement their piercings.

Above all, I'm sure you would like to know what types of ear piercings circular barbells fit in. Indeed, check them out below:

  • Daith
  • Earlobe
  • Forward Helix
  • Helix
  • Outer Conch
  • Rook
  • Tragus
In brief, take a moment to view 2 examples of circular barbells below.

Circular Barbell Examples
A blue balls 16 gauge earring pictured against a white background. A purple gem horseshoe earring featuring 5 purple gems in each ball pictured against a white background.

Types Of Earrings: Curved Barbells

Curved barbell earrings are less popular compared to other earrings. These earrings feature a curved bar with either a ball on each end or a ball on one end with an adornment on the other. Crafted from a variety of materials like surgical steel, titanium, and gold, they provide both comfort and style. Indeed, the most popular places to wear curved barbells are in rook piercings and surface tragus piercings. Actually, the rook is located in the small fold of cartilage above the tragus. In fact, the curve allows the barbell to comfortably fit within the anatomy of the rook piercing, minimizing irritation and ensuring a secure fit.

Finally, take a moment to view 2 examples of curved barbells below.

Curved Barbell Examples
An opal pink flower earring with opal petals and a surgical steel curved barbell pictured against a white background. A blue balls curved barbell earring with blue metallic balls pictured against a white background.

Styles Of Earrings: Hangers

Indeed, hanger earrings are a unique type of ear jewelry designed for stretched earlobes. Moreover, unlike usual plugs or tunnels, hangers dangle like earrings, offering a stylish and artistic way to showcase stretched piercings. In fact, they come in a variety of materials, from metals like surgical steel and titanium to organic options like wood and bone. While their design may pose a slight risk of snagging, they offer a blend of traditional earring aesthetics and the bold statement of stretched earlobe modifications.

So, take a moment to view 2 examples of hanger earrings below.

Hanger Examples
A green hanger earring. A tentacle green hanger spiral earring.

Styles Of Earrings: Industrial Barbells

The industrial barbell is a distinctive piercing jewelry piece characterized by a long bar connecting two piercings in the ear cartilage. Indeed, its bold and edgy appearance sets it apart from traditional earrings. Moreover, often featuring decorative elements in the center, it allows for unique self-expression. In fact, being crafted from materials like surgical steel, titanium, gold, and even platinum, industrials offer a range of options to suit different tastes. But, while the piercing process may be more involved, the industrial barbell remains a popular choice for its striking design and the individuality it represents.

In conclusion, take a moment to view 2 examples of industrial barbells below.

Industrial Barbell Examples
A titanium industrial bar earring with externally threaded ends pictured against a white background. A rainbow zig zag industrial bar pictured against a white background.

Types Of Earrings: Labret Earrings

Labrets are versatile pieces of jewelry, therefore, they are sometimes used in ear piercings. Indeed, they use a flat backing with a screw on front for comfort against the back of the ear. In fact, this design minimizes irritation. Moreover, crafted from materials like surgical steel, titanium, gold, and acrylic, labrets offer options for various sensitivities and styles. Also, as far as designs are concerned, there are too many to count.

Above all, let's review the ear piercings that a labret fits in. Indeed, check out the piercings below:

  • Earlobe
  • Helix
  • Inner Conch
  • Tragus
Finally, take a moment to view 2 examples of labret earrings below.

Labret Earring Examples
A titanium spike labret featuring a spike on the front of a labret stud pictured against a white background. A jade green stone earring pictured diagonally against a white background.

Styles Of Earrings: Plug Earrings

Plugs are unique earrings designed to expand the earlobe, distinguishing them from traditional earrings. Occasionally, people refer to them as gauges. Firstly, although plugs can be worn in other styles of piercings, they are most common in the earlobes. Secondly, available in various sizes and materials like surgical steel, glass, wood, bone, and stone, they offer a wide range of styles and aesthetics. Finally, while stretching the earlobe requires care and carries potential risks, plugs enable distinctive self-expression and individuality. Moreover, they offer a unique form of body modification, allowing wearers to customize their look with a wide array of materials and designs.

In conclusion, let's take a moment to view 2 examples of plug earrings below.

Gauge Earring Examples
One of a pair of pyrex glass mushroom gauges with a blue top mushroom and a white stem all with a black background that has glow in the dark sparkles pictured against a white background. One of a pair of surgical steel gauge earrings with a black o-ring pictured against a white background.

Styles Of Earrings: Segment Rings

Segment rings are a sophisticated type of earring characterized by a seamless, unbroken appearance. Unlike captive bead rings, they feature a hidden segment that allows for easy insertion and removal. In fact, crafted from materials like surgical steel, titanium, niobium, and gold, they offer a variety of styles and suit different sensitivities. While inserting the segment can have a slight learning curve, their sleek and minimalist design makes them a popular choice for those seeking a clean and elegant look.

Above all, I'm sure you would like to see some examples of piercings this style of earring fits in. Actually, you can check them out below:

  • Daith
  • Earlobe
  • Forward Helix
  • Helix
  • Outer Conch
  • Rook
  • Tragus
In conclusion, let's review 2 examples of segment rings below.

Segment Ring Examples
Black spiral design segment ring pictured against a white background. Rainbow segment ring pictured against a white background.

Types Of Earrings: Stud Earrings

Another one of the types of earrings are stud earrings. Indeed, stud earrings are a classic earring type that fits in smaller gauge piercings of the earlobes. These simple yet elegant earrings feature a small post with a decorative top, such as a gemstone, pearl, or intricate design. Moreover, their compact size makes them comfortable for everyday wear to places including out to dinners, at home, or at special events. Also, stud earrings can be worn in many ear piercings creating endless possibilities for self-expression and personal style.

Undoubtedly, you would like to see some examples of piercings this style of earring fits in. Indeed, you can check them out below:

  • Earlobe
  • Helix
  • Inner Conch
  • Tragus
Finally, let's review 2 examples of stud earrings below.

Stud Earring Examples
A pair of gold plated pearl studs pictured against a white background. A pair of diamond studs pictured against a white background.

Styles Of Earrings: Tapers & Spiral Tapers

Unlike plugs and tunnels, tapers are conical-shaped jewelry used to gradually enlarge earlobe piercings. Moreover, they are typically made from materials like surgical steel, acrylic, bone, wood, and horn. While their elongated shape may increase the risk of snagging, tapers are crucial for safe stretching. When used correctly, they allow for controlled expansion of the piercing hole, enabling wearers to incorporate larger jewelry sizes. Beyond their functional role, tapers can also serve as unique and stylish accessories themselves.

Finally, let's review 2 examples of taper earrings below.

Taper Earring Examples
One of a pair of surgical steel taper earrings with 2 O-rings pictured against a white background. One of a pair of multicolor spiral glass taper earrings pictured against a white background.

Types Of Earrings: Tunnels

Flesh tunnels are hollow cylindrical earrings that indeed create a unique, open look in stretched earlobes. Available in various materials like stainless steel, titanium, glass, wood, and bone, they offer a wide range of aesthetic options. At any rate, tunnels are a bold statement piece in the realm of body modification. In fact, their open design and versatility in materials make them a popular choice for those who embrace unique and expressive styles.

Finally, let's review 2 examples of tunnel earrings below.

Tunnel Earring Examples
One of a pair of cobra flesh tunnel earrings with a brass cobra in the center of a surgical steel tunnel pictured against a white background. One of a pair of green opalite glass tunnels pictured against a white background.

In Conclusion...

With such a vast array of earring styles available, the possibilities for self-expression are truly endless. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of studs, the playful charm horseshoe earrings, or the dramatic flair of plugs and tunnels, the right pair of earrings can elevate any look and boost your confidence. So, embrace the diversity of earring styles and discover the perfect single or pair of earrings to showcase your unique personality.

Author: Scott S.
Style Earrings

Need to find a piercer? Check out the Association of Professional Piercers.

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