Earrings: buying guide
Every earring type, backing and fastening, and how to buy diamond studs.
Quick answer
The main earring types are studs, hoops, huggies, drops, chandeliers, climbers and jackets. For valuable diamond studs, screw backs or locking La Poussette backs are the most secure. Stud weights are quoted as total carat weight for the pair, so 1ct total means two 0.50ct stones.
Earring types
Studs, hoops, huggies, drops, chandeliers, climbers, jackets and threaders.
Gold hoops from £50; fine diamond drops to £10,000+
Earring backs and fastenings
Butterfly, screw back, La Poussette, leverback, hinged and omega backs.
Upgrading to screw backs typically £40–£120
Diamond stud earrings
Total carat weight, matching pairs, settings and fair prices.
0.50ct total: £400–£1,200; 1ct total natural: £1,200–£4,000 second-hand
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