Glossary of earring terms

We all hear these terms batted around - huggies… sleepers…cuffs… but what do they mean? Let’s break it down.

Barbell
A barbell earring is a straight bar with a bead at each end; one or both of which can be unscrewed. 

Chandelier
Theatrical and eye-catching, these long dangly earrings are characterised by their elaborate design that resembles a chandelier.

Climber
This is an edgy new trend, with the earring heading up the ear rather than hanging down.

Cluster
Cluster earrings are made up of several stones or gems grouped together. These earrings come in the form of a stud and sit at the top of the earlobe. 

Cuff
C-shaped hoops that have been around for hundreds of years. Usually worn as a single earring near the top of the ear.

Dangle
Similar to drop earrings but longer and have more movement to them. Dangle earrings allow for more design detail.

Drop
The focal point hangs slightly down from the earlobe. Drop earrings are usually a simple style and stay pretty still.

Hoop
Classic, timeless and versatile, the hoop is a circular design that looks like a ring and passes through the earlobe.

Huggie
Huggie earrings wrap snugly around the earlobe. They’re a mini, more understated hoop and perfect for everyday wear. 

Jacket
An ear jacket consists of a stud that sits at the front of the earlobe, and the main part of the earring that hangs behind the ear, peeking out underneath the earlobe.

Sleeper
Small and thin hoop earrings, sleepers are designed to be comfortable enough to wear continuously, including while sleeping.

Stud
A small, simple earring attached to a post that passes through the ear to a backing. Ideal for safe, everyday styling either on their own or as part of a stack.

Teardrop
Does what it says on the tin! This is a drop earring in a classic and elegant teardrop shape.

Threader
These contemporary earrings thread a delicate chain through the lobe and hang on both sides of the ear, not just the front.

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