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Earring Basics

Woman holding hair up to show off diamond earrings from KAY

All you need to know about basic earring styles.


Perfect jeans. White tee. LBD. Some wardrobe essentials never go out of style. Solitaire earrings fit that description—always elegant, forever iconic. At KAY, our solitaire earring collection offers exceptional stud earrings that combine diamonds and gemstones with your favorite shapes and settings. For birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just because, shop KAY’s solitaire earring collection for her and for him, and find your own way to give a little sparkle.
Shop Diamond hoop earrings from Kay Jewelers

Hoops
 

A hoop earring circles the ear from the front of the earlobe to the back. Hoops can be dainty and simple, just gleaming metal, totally covered in diamonds or somewhere in between. Super-versatile, hoops are a classic style that can be worn at the office or out on the weekends. Fortunately, hoops work for every shaped face, but they are especially flattering on those with square shaped faces.
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Shop Pearl stud earrings from Kay Jewelers

Studs
 

The stud earring is the most basic and perhaps most adored style of earring out there. Simple and perfectly designed for any occasion, studs are arguably the most popular style of earring. Classic stud earrings feature a single diamond or gemstone. Stud earrings may also feature tiny clusters of gemstones or may simply be gold or sterling silver in petite shapes, such as balls, hearts or knots. Studs will generally be on the small side and lay snugly on top of the earlobe.
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Shop Diamond drop earrings from KAY Jewelers

Drop
 

Drop earrings are the perfect eye-catching accessory that adds a touch of elegance to any look. Also known as dangle earrings, drop earrings are appropriate for any occasion; they can be worn as casual or as fancy as you prefer. Our wide selection of beautifully crafted drop earrings is sure to add the "wow" factor to any outfit. With over 700 styles to choose from, there is the perfect pair of drop earrings to complement everyone's individual style.
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Shop Gold climber earrings from Kay Jewelers

Climbers
 

Climber earrings begin at the earlobe and elegantly move up the ear. A wire hugs the back of the ear to keep the earring in place and help to create the climbing effect. A delicate trail of gems or simple, shining metal traces the shape of the ear for a flattering and undeniably cool look. Climber earrings are a trend that has remained popular and may even be considered a classic someday.
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Shop Diamond jackets from KAY

Jackets
 

Change your look from day to night in the blink of an eye with our wide selection of beautiful earring jackets! Turn stud or solitaire earrings into drop or dangle earrings whenever you're ready for a new look. Earring jackets add an extra piece to your stud or solitaire earrings by clipping onto the post of an earring from behind the earlobe. Our amazing collection of earring jackets comes in a variety of styles including birthstones, hearts and infinity designs. Choose from popular metal types such as yellow gold, rose gold and white gold as well as favorite stones such as diamonds and sapphires to find the perfect earring jackets that are right for you.
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Shop Diamond Solitaires

Solitaires
 

Change your look from day to night in the blink of an eye with our wide selection of beautiful earring jackets! Turn stud or solitaire earrings into drop or dangle earrings whenever you're ready for a new look. Earring jackets add an extra piece to your stud or solitaire earrings by clipping onto the post of an earring from behind the earlobe. Our amazing collection of earring jackets comes in a variety of styles including birthstones, hearts and infinity designs. Choose from popular metal types such as yellow gold, rose gold and white gold as well as favorite stones such as diamonds and sapphires to find the perfect earring jackets that are right for you.
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