Gold Earrings: The Complete Style Guide

For many, gold earrings are just a part of their daily jewelry. For others, they are only worn for special occasions. Then you have those who wear 14k gold earrings to make a statement! Which one are you? Have you ever really put thought into how you wear your earrings? Here, we will give you all the ins and outs of wearing your earrings in our complete style guide!

Earring Gauges

So now you are wondering what kind of earrings you like, and maybe some you want to try. One thing that is important to know is what gauge your gold earrings are. The most common size of regular piercing earrings is going to be a 20 gauge. Now that sounds like it would be large since it is a higher number. The higher the number means the thinner the wire, or post of an earring will be. The lower the number gets, the thicker the wire or post will be. 

So, you look at what you have at home (or in your ears now) and it is highly likely that it will either be a 20 or an 18 gauge. I am sure you have seen the people who have what looks like a hole in their earlobe, which is called a gauged ear or a stretched ear. There are some that have gone as big as 2 inches! If you have ever bought a pair of earrings and your ears felt as if they may have been stretched, or feel sore, it could be due to not wearing the correct gauge (plug). Prolonged wearing of a larger gauged earring is what will eventually cause the larger holes in the earlobe (don’t worry, it takes many months). 

Types of 10k Gold Earrings

Whether you are looking to spruce up your style, or add a little sparkle, you look to gold earrings. There are so many different options with earrings, just like with gold chains and bracelets. Knowing the different styles and ways to wear gold earrings can help you determine what the best type for you would be. You can learn more about the different styles of earrings below.

Stud Earrings

stud-earrings

Gold stud earrings are quite common and popular among both men and women. Stud earrings are used in most piercing situations for the ears. A stud will have a straight post that goes through the ear. What sits on the earlobe will likely be small but can be any shape or stone. 

Hoop Earrings

gold-hoop-earrings

Hoop earrings come in many sizes and shapes. A hoop earring will have a straight, or slightly curved post or wire that goes through the ear. Hoops are commonly a circle, but many new shapes like squares, hearts, and other shapes are also common. 

Cluster

cluster-earrings

Cluster type earrings are traditionally a post or stud type of earring, but instead of just one shape or stone against the lobe, there is a cluster. Depending on the size of the cluster, there can be a center stone or gem, with 6 stones or gems surrounding the middle one. This might look like a flower in the smaller sizes.

Drop/Dangle/Chandelier

drop-down-gold-earrings

These styles of earrings normally have a post or a hook that goes through the ear, and instead of sitting on the earlobe, the earring will hang down past the lobe. With a drop style earring, there will be a piece that hangs down but doesn’t really move. A dangle earring will have free movement and depending on the shape will swing or swivel. A chandelier style earring gets its name from the actual chandelier. The shape will have a tiered look, with layers of gems or designs, and would likely dangle from the earlobe.

Other Common Styles (Threader, Barbell, Huggies, Tunnels, Tapers) – With so many different styles, not all are as common as others, but some you may come across could be threaders. Threader earrings will have a long wire or post that goes through the ear and connect to a very thin chain and have a shape or stone attached at the end. This style will dangle from the ear and are commonly small and dainty. Huggies are a much smaller version of a hoop and connect and “hug” your earlobe. Lastly, the barbell, tunnels, and tapers are used in larger gauged piercings or to start the gauging process.

Earring Backs & Closures

Not only does the type of earring you wear matter, so does the back of it. Many never realized there are different kinds of backs or closures to an earring. Some are simple backs, and others are specially designed to help prevent drooping or falling off. Check out the different backs and closure types below.

Gold-earring-styles

Push Backs (Butterfly Back) – These are the most common style of backs for post or gold stud earrings. The end of the stud goes through a small hole in the middle of the back, and the back will then be pushed up against the back of the earlobe. Friction ensures that the back does not slip off. Some push backs may have a larger flat surface, and this helps from larger earrings to droop in the front.

Screw Backs – These types of backs are like the push back, but they screw onto the stud for further protection against falling out. This type of backing is commonly used for diamond earrings or those that are more expensive.

Latch Back – Latch back closures are often found in hoop and “huggie” style earrings. The latch is a small wire or post that clips down on the back of the earring to secure it closed. This back is attached to the earring already and is not an additional piece.

Levers – The lever style can be found with a drop or dangle earrings. The hook goes through the ear, and the back of the earring levers closed against the hook to secure in the ear. This back is also attached to the earring and is not an additional piece.

Fishhooks – A fishhook style earring is a wire of the earring that looks like a fishhook. This is curved and goes through the ear, and normally does not have anything that goes on the end. Some people do use a small rubber stopper that can slide onto the wire to help secure the earring in the ear.

Other Common Backs (Clip-on, Magnetic) – For those who do not have pierced ears but still want the ability to dress up the ears can use magnetic earrings, or clip-on. The clip-on style is like a lever, but there is a flat or slightly pointed piece that clamps onto the ear. They don’t hurt, but attach snugly to be sure the earring does not come off. Magnetic earrings work in a similar way using magnets instead of clamps or levers.

How to Pair Your Earrings

Pairing your earrings can be difficult for some people. You have so many options, and you just don’t know what to wear with what. Matching your earrings with your outfit isn’t the only thing you should do. There is also your face shape and skin tone. Some skin tones (like pale or milky white) may look better with a pair of white gold earrings versus yellow gold. But others who have darker skin tones, 14k gold earrings tend to show off their luster and shine better.

When looking at gems, or what color to wear with your gold earrings, often the deeper darker colors help make the yellow gold stand out. Gemstones like emeralds, rubies, sapphires can make the gold pop. Wearing like colors (burgundy, dark greens, and blues) can also make the gold pop. If you aren’t one who prefers colors, neutrals like black and white are the best when pairing your earrings.

If you are like most people, you wear what you feel like wearing or what fits your personality best. Some love the big hoops with intricate designs while others will opt for a more dainty or simple approach. Also, many choose their gold earrings based on the situation. Some earrings are better suited for a night out, while some may be more traditional for the workplace setting.

Common Questions Asked About Gold Earrings

You think you’ve figured out what type of earrings you like, and what closure you prefer…but now you want to learn more. How do you clean them? Can you sleep in them? What about showering in them? Can I wear them all the time? Don’t worry, we got the answers for you!

Can I wear my Gold Earrings all the time?

Yes, but it depends on you. Depending on the style of earring you are wearing, they may not be comfortable to wear all the time. Normally, if someone chooses to wear a pair of earrings all the time, it is likely going to be a stud or post style earring. Smaller hoops are often worn consistently every day. Gold Earrings that are 10k or 14k are likely to withstand the daily wear and tear they may endure. 18k and 24k gold earrings are softer and may scratch easier if worn all the time.

Can I shower with them?

Yes, however, it is not recommended. Having earrings on when in the shower poses a risk of losing one of those beauties. Earrings that are made from yellow gold, titanium, or stainless steel are more likely to hold up to the harsher chemicals in soaps and shampoos. But even though they can withstand it, you don’t want to risk losing them (or get caught in your hair).

Is sleeping in them ok?

Again, yes, this is ok, but it depends on you and the style of earring. The larger style earrings are likely to not be comfortable when trying to sleep. Additionally, the back of the earring may also make a difference too. Earrings with a fishhook style may stab into your neck and be uncomfortable. Same with stud earrings, they may also poke into the neck.

How do I clean my earrings?

There are a few different ways you can clean your earrings. There are jewelry cleaners designed for specific metal types and stones. So, if you have 10k gold earrings, you will want to use a gold cleaner and not a silver cleaner. You can also soak your earrings in warm water with light soap and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you don’t have the brush, you can also use a q-tip to remove and residue. Keeping your earrings clean is important as dirty earrings can cause infections or residue to build up in or around the piercing. You should also use an antiseptic to clean your earlobes often to help ensure the cleanliness of your earrings.

 

The Gold and Diamond Room offers an abundance of gold earrings in various styles, sizes, and shapes. We offer a little something for everyone, take a peek at our Gold Earrings inventory online or in-store!