Stud Earrings

Nearly every woman has several pairs of studs in her jewelry box – they’re one of the most popular earring styles! Studs usually feature a stationary ornament, such as a solitary stone or singular metal shape, and typical backings include post/clutch, post/clip or pierced screw. These classic pairs radiate a more refined, sophisticated look. Stud earrings are available in a variety of precious metals, gemstones and designs. Favorite options often include a single diamond or gemstone – but other petite and stylish options could be a cluster of tiny gems or small gold or sterling silver shapes such as hearts, knots or balls.

Hoop Earrings

Just as the name suggests, this earring style features a hoop that circles from front to back, around the ear, and usually secures with a snap-bar, hinged post or lever backing. Hoop earrings come in all shapes and sizes – you can find simple designs made from gleaming precious metal or more glamorous options encrusted with diamonds and gemstones. Small basic hoops are perfect for everyday wear, and larger embellished hoop earrings are great for special occasions and expressing a bold sense of style.

Drop Earrings

Falling below the ear, drop earrings can be further categorized into various styles such as dangle, chandelier, linear, doorknocker and tassel, and generally finish with post/clutch, post/clip, earwire, leverback or hinged post backings. Drop earrings gently sway as you move, adding an elegant touch to any outfit – a great choice for those in search of something a bit dressier, though there are many casual styles as well.

Chandelier Earrings

As mentioned above, this glamorous style falls under the drop earrings category. Chandelier earrings are named for their resemblance to the ornate light fixtures of the same name and feature multiple dangling drops that cascade down and create spectacular movement, glistening from every angle. Perfect for festive holidays and big nights out, chandelier earrings are also a beautiful choice for your bridal jewelry, should they match your desired aesthetic.

Linear Earrings

Another member of the drop family, linear earrings exude a sleek and refined elegance worthy of a red-carpet event. If you want to add interest all the way down the line, search for long gemstone styles that mimic the look of a tennis bracelet. For even more intrigue, opt for graduated designs, colorful multi-gemstone pairs, dramatic black diamond duos or plain polished bars for a classic look.

Huggie Hoop Earrings

Smaller than classic hoops, huggie hoops offer a just-right size that closely hugs the ear. Many use a snap-bar or hinged post backing rather than typical post/clutch backings. Because of their petite size, huggie hoop earrings work well for casual, business or nighttime wear. Huggie earrings are available in various metal types, plain or embellished with gemstones, or featuring intricately designed patterns and scrollwork.

Bead Earrings

Offered in a wide range of styles, from single-bead studs to hoops and drops with multiple beads, bead earrings look great alone or paired with other earring types.Bead options can include opaque gemstones, colored glass, or gold or sterling silver balls.

Estate Earrings

Vintage earrings are pre-owned pieces that are 20 or more years old. Our Estate jewelry collection features one-of-a-kind earrings that make an ideal gift for almost anyone. You can find vintage studs, drops, chandeliers and more from iconic eras such as Victorian, Art Deco and Edwardian, to name a few. 

Earring Backs

Earring backs are an essential part of any pair of earrings, as they may inform how a particular pair of earrings will look and feel without trying them on.

Post/clutch backings are perhaps the most popular style of earring backs for pierced ears. A thin post slips through the piercing and is secured into a separate piece: the clutch backing.

Flat backings are part of a unique pushpin design. These flat, smooth earring backs won’t poke or jab, making this style perfect for both lobe and cartilage piercings, and ensuring all-day comfort that’s ideal for active lifestyles and 24/7 wear. A flat backing is inserted first into a pierced ear, then the front post slides inside to secure. 

Clip/post backings are also worn with pierced ears, but unlike the post/clutch combo, this earring is a self-contained piece where the post slips through the piercing and clips shut with a hinged back, securing the post.

Clip backings offer a self-contained design that gently clasps onto the ear without the need for a post, making these earrings suitable for both pierced and non-pierced ears.

Snap-bar backings, commonly found on hoop earrings, feature a thin post that slides through the piercing and securely snaps into place.

Hinged posts function similarly to snap-bars, but these earrings consist of a hinged, self-contained piece, resembling clip earrings.

Lever-backs are also self-contained and lack a conventional straight post. Instead, the "post" is integrated into the rounded earring itself.

Earwires resemble hooks. They pass through the piercing with the excess "wire" discreetly hanging behind the ear and are typically seen in drop earring designs.

Pierced screw backs are self-contained pieces requiring you to gently screw the earring back into place. Non-pierced screw backs function similarly but lack a post and rest flatly against the ear once secured.

Materials

Here at Ross-Simons, our earrings are made with high-quality precious metals including platinum, yellow gold, white gold and rose gold – in karats ranging from 10kt to 18kt. For those seeking a luxurious look at a more affordable price, we also offer earrings in sterling silver and 18kt gold over sterling silver in yellow, white and rose hues.

Ornamentation

When selecting earrings, it's essential to consider how they will complement your existing wardrobe and other fine jewelry pieces. Your choice of metal, gemstones and earring style should harmonize with and enhance your clothing and fashion accessories.

At Ross-Simons, our earrings are decorated with almost any ornamentation imaginable – from diamonds and CZs to genuine precious and semi-precious gemstones to cultured and shell pearls, enamel, engravings, unique finishes and so much more!

• For a bold, fresh look, go for colorful cabochons and multi-gemstone styles.
• If you crave a little sparkle, diamonds, CZs or moissanite stud earrings are for you.
• Looking for something classic? Try white pearls or basic polished metal pairs.
• If you’re going for understated and refined, diamond stud earrings paired with a dazzling diamond tennis bracelet can elevate your ensemble.
• Women with a unique sense of style can effortlessly craft their signature looks by coordinating stud, drop or hoop earrings with engagement rings featuring complementary or contrasting designs, colors and materials.

To achieve a cohesive personal style, opt for earrings with finishes similar to your other frequently worn jewelry pieces. White gold, sterling silver and diamond earrings seamlessly coordinate with accessories crafted from the same precious metals and gemstones. If you favor rose gold or yellow gold accessories, consider earrings featuring colored diamonds to complement your preferred metal tones.

When assembling an all-diamond aesthetic, ensure consistency in diamond quality across your accessories. The carat weight of diamonds reflects their quality and influences their price. Fine jewelry with subtle diamond carat weights can be seamlessly styled together – however, a 1.00 ct. t.w. diamond bracelet or engagement ring should be paired with diamond earrings of an equal or higher carat weight to maintain balance and harmony in your overall look. 

Comfortable and Complementary

As you grow your jewelry collection, remember this key principle: wear comfortable earrings that complement your face.

While browsing, always keep an eye out for shapes and silhouettes that will soften sharp features. If you have a square or heart-shaped face, opt for long dangle and drop earrings. For a round face, a pair of medium-sized drop or big oval earrings look great and may offer an elongating effect. Hoops and big ovals also complement narrow faces.

Comfort is always key. If you have sensitive skin or often experience an allergic reaction to accessories, we suggest hypoallergenic jewelry. Stainless steel, sterling silver, platinum and 18kt gold and higher all fall into this category and will help you avoid the discomfort that is sometimes caused by a jewelry allergy.

Seamless Styles for Summer

When summer rolls around, many stylish women start to switch over to hairstyles that bring their tresses off their shoulders for a bit of cool relief – which is also the perfect time to showcase earrings! Ponytails, buns, braids and chignons all offer the chance to flaunt your favorite earrings, particularly at events like bridal luncheons, baby showers, weddings and other special occasions that often take place in the summer. Here are some top choices for summer earrings:

Oversized Earrings

With hair out of the equation, you have the freedom to showcase bold, oversized designs. For effortless, everyday elegance, adorn yourself with a sophisticated pair of large hoop earrings. To complement your sun-kissed glow, consider opting for rich 14kt yellow gold. Our collection features luxurious 14kt and 18kt yellow gold hoops, as well as more budget-friendly options featuring 18kt yellow gold over sterling silver.

Seeking a touch of glamour? Explore our range of dangly drop earrings. Chandelier earrings offer a lavish silhouette, while linear drops exude timeless sophistication. Whether you prefer dazzling diamonds and colored gemstones or crave fashion-forward affordability with CZs, we have something to suit every style.

Summer Themes, Symbols and Motifs

As the temperature rises, vibrant plant life flourishes, making floral earrings the perfect addition to your summer ensemble. Treat yourself to a statement pair of flower stud earrings or lush floral drop earrings. For a textural touch, consider leaf earrings or exotic Bali-style designs.

Another beloved summer theme is nautical-inspired jewelry. Whether you're lounging at the beach or sailing the open sea, you can easily channel seaside vibes with sea life earrings. Explore ship-inspired motifs such as anchor earrings, sailboat earrings or designs featuring roped textures. For a playful touch, dive into aquatic themes with starfish, seashells and fish earrings.

Bring on the Bright Colors

Summer invites you to embrace vibrant hues with abandon. Elevate your ensemble with a pair of bold-colored drop earrings, making a striking statement whether it's day or night. Consider turquoise earrings for a crisp, refreshing look, or opt for multicolored gemstone earrings or bright enamel earrings to infuse your style with a vibrant rainbow of hues.

On the flip side, pastel tones are also in vogue for summer. For those who prefer a softer aesthetic, select a pair of delicate earrings in pale hues. Embrace the blushing pink allure of rose quartz and morganite or exude a serene powder blue with chalcedony and aquamarine. Better yet, bask in a light minty green shade with prasiolite or calming jade.