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Earrings are a must-have fashion accessory for women. These jewels enhance their beauty by complementing make-up or an outfit. Nowadays, earrings are worn for a wide range of occasions, from everyday life to the most festive of events. True symbols of elegance and femininity, these accessories come in an incredible number of styles and models, old and new, to suit all tastes and looks. If you’re looking for a gift for a woman who likes to enhance her allure, earrings are an excellent choice! Want to find out more about earrings? Discover their characteristics and our advice.
The different types of earrings
The different styles of women’s earrings have evolved considerably over the years. Today, trends are numerous and the selection of models available is almost infinite. Large or small, simple or composed, minimalist or adorned with stones, these jewels allow you to create a multitude of looks to enhance your charm. Are you hesitating between chips and pendants? Looking for jewelry ideas for a wedding or anniversary? We invite you to discover the main types of jewelry that can adorn your ears.
Hanging earrings
Also known as ear pendants, these short or long accessories feature a pattern that oscillates with your movements. Several styles are possible, depending on the materials used. Classic models are generally made of metal and may be adorned with stones or pearls.
The most trendy models are fantasy or regressive earrings, with pendants that evoke a geometric shape, a flower or a heart. These original jewels, which can be silver- or gold-plated, are often made in workshops. They can be customized in color and style, according to your aesthetic preferences. Whether chic, delicate, classic or imposing, earrings are the perfect accessory to enhance an evening outfit or a dress specially chosen for an important event.
Creole earrings
Creoles are round earrings in the shape of a hoop. They can vary in diameter and thickness. On classic models, the rings are generally smooth and circular. Today, jewelers and designers offer earrings that are twisted, engraved, brushed or decorated with different motifs, from inexpensive models to luxury ranges. Shapes are changing too: creoles are no longer just round, they can also be square, triangular, heart-shaped or sun-shaped. Mini-créoles bring a trendy, rock look to the wearer. Large creoles are ideal for enhancing casual wear, evening dresses or colorful outfits reminiscent of vacations and islands.
Clip-on earrings
Clips may remind you of the imposing earrings that were all the rage in the 80s. But in recent years, these earrings have made a comeback, and are more comfortable to wear than their predecessors. The more imposing clips can be worn in the evening or at a party to emphasize your style. However, if you opt for this eye-catching jewelry, avoid wearing other imposing pieces and prefer to complete your look with, for example, a discreet necklace or bangle bracelet. Clips are also available in a smaller, simpler version, with a motif that protrudes only slightly from the lobe.
Jewelry for non-pierced ears also includes ear rings, which you probably know as earcuffs or ear cuffs. These faux piercings are available in a variety of models that adapt to your lobes or other cartilage areas. It’s a fashion trend that lets you create a multitude of looks by moving and changing jewelry as you please.
Fancy earrings
Costume jewelry is often perceived as cheap, low-quality jewelry. However, even if they are sold at more affordable prices than classic metal and gemstone jewelry, costume earrings can be unique pieces, made in designer workshops from luxury materials. This is particularly true of earrings made from recycled leather, or creative jewelry made from resin, pearls or glass.
These earrings can feature childlike shapes such as butterflies, flowers or simple geometric forms. Other models, which can be described as original earrings, are more ethnic or bohemian in style.
Fleas and ear studs
Ear chips are little jewels, both chic and discreet. They feature a small, round or minimalist motif mounted on a stem. This can be pearls, stones or a pattern made of metal or another material. In common parlance, chips are often referred to as mini-bijoux, mini-puces or even ear studs. These “mini”-sized accessories are very light: they are worn daily by most women, especially for work. This type of jewelry is ideal for those who can’t stand heavy earrings and want to brighten up their faces in a chic, discreet way.
Personalized earrings
Sometimes you want to treat yourself to earrings that really match what you like. Despite the wide choice of models available on the market, it’s not always easy to find the perfect piece of jewelry. In this case, you should consider opting for personalized jewelry! This can be created from A to Z according to your preferences. You choose the shapes, colors and even materials. For something even more unique, some jewelers or designer workshops offer to engrave your jewel or add an element with the inscription or symbol of your choice.
The different earring fasteners
When choosing your earrings, it’s also important to consider the type of clasp you want. Here are the most common fastening systems.
- The stroller clasp or butterfly clasp is one of the main types of fastener. The latter resembles a butterfly with a hole in which the earring post is housed. Jewelry with a stroller clasp is easy to put on and take off, perfect for earrings that you take off every day.
- The screw clasp is more reliable than the previous clasp. It is recommended for high-value jewelry to limit the risk of loss.
- Sleepers are very popular antique fasteners, as they are comfortable and practical. In fact, their name means that this type of jewelry can be worn at night.
- Hooks are generally found on dangling earrings. Like stroller clasps, these fasteners are recommended if you regularly remove your jewelry, especially when showering or playing sports.
- Some creoles may have their own type of clasp, consisting of a wire that fastens into the hollow end of the ring. Other fastenings are possible for this type of jewelry, such as hooks or butterfly clasps.
- Clips are a special type of fastener that hold on to the ear by pinching. It’s the type of clasp best suited to non-pierced ears.
Earring materials
As earrings are beauty accessories designed to be noticed and admired, it’s possible to find a multitude of different models, both in terms of material and color.
Metals are generally the main material used in earrings made by jewelers. Gold, one of the most precious metals, is rarely used on its own. As a rule, it is mixed with silver, copper or other noble materials to create strong, long-lasting alloys. Rose gold, for example, contains large quantities of copper to give it its characteristic hue. Yellow gold is rich in gold, but also contains silver and copper. The color then varies according to the percentage of each metal in the alloy. Silver or silver-plated earrings create brilliant jewels that have the advantage of matching many shades of outfit and make-up. Other metals are appreciated for their purity as well as their modern, trendy appearance. Such is the case with steel earrings, which can be made from surgical stainless steel. The latter is worn for its hypoallergenic properties, particularly immediately after piercing to enable rapid healing of the lobes or cartilage.
Precious, semi-precious and fine stones are also widely used. Some have a very specific color, while others are bicolored or have many different colors. Here are a few examples of gems and minerals used for earrings, necklaces and bracelets: agate, amazonite, amethyst, aventurine, crystal, lapis lazuli, malachite, onyx, opal, zirconium oxide, quartz, rhodolite.
For some years now, natural materials have been enjoying real success in the jewelry world. While cultured pearls have long been used in the past, other materials such as shells and wood are also very popular with women.
As ecological issues are one of our major concerns today, recycled and eco-responsible materials are also a big hit. Leather is one of these luxury materials that is enjoying a second life thanks to the creation of leather earrings! This soft, pleasant-to-the-touch material is available in different types of leather:
- marine leather, which may be made from the skin of salmon or other fish;
- BEEF LEATHER ;
- vegan leather, 100% vegetable ;
- reptile leather: snake, crocodile ;
- synthetic leather.
Other materials, such as metal and natural stones, can be obtained in an eco-responsible way to create ethical jewelry.
How to choose your earrings?
The best earrings are the ones you like best and choose according to your desires! However, some jewels are better suited to a particular face shape or hairstyle.
For rounded faces, the ideal choice is angular earrings that counterbalance the softness of the features to create a harmonious, seductive ensemble. Long pendants are also recommended to give your face an elongated effect.
For square faces, it’s the other way around: turn to round earrings to soften your features.
Do you have an oval face? This allows you to wear all types of earrings!
In terms of hairstyle, you can opt for small earrings if you have short hair. For longer haircuts, you can opt for more showy models.
Don’t forget to consider the length of your neck. If your neck is short, it’s best to avoid earrings that are too long, as they tend to overwhelm your posture. For long necks, you can opt for long earrings that will enhance your face by framing it harmoniously.
Fancy earrings: discover the Nune online store
Would you like to treat yourself to some colorful new earrings? Are you looking for a pretty piece of jewelry to match your hammered leather necklace or rush bracelet? Céline Wibault invites you to discover her collection of colorful leather jewelry to accentuate your charm and natural beauty! Guaranteed nickel-free, leather jewelry can be an ideal gift for a flirtatious woman who likes to be fashionable. Nune’s earrings, bracelets and necklaces can be personalized to create a unique and precious piece of jewelry! Other eco-responsible materials are also available to create accessories that suit you: gems and minerals, shell mother-of-pearl, vegan leather, metal…
