The Physiognomy Ear

The difference between a drop earring and a dangle earring is how it hangs. A drop earring extends down below the earlobe but is stationary, while a pair of dangle earrings’ design allows it to swing. On 1stDibs, find a selection of earrings.

Yes, you can use clip-on earrings on pierced ears. The different kinds of clasps featured on clip-ons will still secure them to your earlobes if you have a piercing. However, wearing clip-ons exclusively could cause your piercings to gradually close up over time. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of clip-on earrings.

Swing earrings are earrings that swing back and forth as you move. Most people refer to them as dangle earrings. They differ from drop earrings, which remain stationary despite your movements. Find a wide variety of dangle earrings from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

A cluster earring is an earring that usually has a round shape and a particular design. Specifically, the earrings feature small gemstones or pearls that completely cover their surfaces. Cluster earrings can include studs that don't extend below the earlobe and drops that hang below the ear but remain stationary when you move. You can also find some cluster styles that include a dangling element, such as a single pearl or solitaire gemstone. Find a variety of cluster earrings on 1stDibs.

An inlay earring is an earring that shows off a certain decorating technique. In jewelry making, inlay is the process of carving small recesses in the surface of a metal, like platinum, gold or silver, and then filling them with precisely cut accent materials. You can find inlay earrings featuring a variety of semiprecious stones and gemstones, such as lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, opal and turquoise. They may also be decorated with inlays of shells, beads, glass and other materials. Shop a range of inlay earrings on 1stDibs.

No one knows for sure where pearl earrings originated, but scholars have determined that they date back to ancient times. According to surviving records, the ancient Chinese often presented members of royal families with pearls as gifts. During the 1st century B.C., Julius Caesar passed a law stating that only members of the ruling class could wear pearl jewelry. Shop a large collection of pearl earrings on 1stDibs.

A princess earring is an earring set with a gemstone featuring a princess cut. Square in shape with rounded corners, the princess cut shows off a symmetrical design that many people find appealing. As a brilliant cut, the princess also brings out the sparkle of gemstones. Shop a selection of princess-cut earrings on 1stDibs.

A dangle earring is an earring that hangs below the earlobe. The length, style or material of an dangle earring can vary.

An ear clip is a type of mechanism of attaching earrings to your ear. These are typically omega-backs but without posts. Ear clips are perfect for women who do not have pierced ears.

Latch earrings are earrings that have a particular kind of back. Specifically, they feature a post that slides through a piercing and then fits into a metal fastener that has a loop on one end and a hinge on the other. Sometimes people refer to them as latchbacks. Find a wide range of earrings on 1stDibs.

To clean your earrings, follow the care instructions provided by the maker. Doing so will help to ensure that you remove debris and discoloration safely. If you no longer have the directions, check the brand's website for more information or contact its customer service department for advice. Generally, most earrings can be cleaned with mild dish soap, warm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab. Shop a wide variety of earrings on 1stDibs.

Nap earrings are earrings that feature a certain type of backing. Specifically, they have round, disc-shaped backings mounted on threaded posts. To put them on, you screw the backing into the post of the earring. Once in place, nap earrings are extremely secure, as they must be unscrewed prior to removal and are unlikely to come loose. Explore a wide variety of earrings on 1stDibs.

Also known as “huggies,” sleeper earrings are small hoops that don't have sharp posts with a separate backing. They're called “sleeper” earrings because you can sleep in them comfortably without a post jabbing into the back of your ear.

An earring jacket fastens to the post and, like a jacket, wraps around the bottom of your ear. They don't serve a purpose other than adding another fashionable element to the earrings.

Leverback earrings have a curved edge and no backing. They typically latch behind the ear like a fishhook. Only people with pierced ears can wear leverback earrings.