The 5 Types Of Diamond Earrings Every Jewelry Lover Needs

Diamonds can be irresistible, something that Tracey Ellison – the digital creator behind The Diamonds Girl blog – knows all too well. There’s no other gemstone that is quite as versatile as a diamond, and a concise collection of diamond earrings can provide the perfect accessory to every outfit. “A good pair of diamond earrings draws the eye to your face and frames it. In my opinion, earrings are the most important piece in your jewelry box,” says Ellison.

Diamonds are, however, an investment, so the styles you choose must be ultra-wearable. The best place to start? Look at your closet to find out which neckline you tend to wear most. “If it’s a simple neckline, you have carte blanche to wear elaborate drop earrings,” explains Ellison. “If it’s more complicated or has embellishments, I would always opt for a simpler pair of earrings,” she adds. “A high neckline often means that earrings are the piece of jewelry that is most visible – they’re seen in every photo – so don’t be shy; go all out.” Here are Ellison’s hacks on how to build a chic collection that will never go out of style.

“There is nothing I love more for everyday wear than a beautiful pair of diamond studs,” says Ellison. “I’m a fan of all shapes and sizes, but round, brilliant-cut diamond studs, weighing in at two carats each, are my favorite.” Ellison wears hers daily, and often adds smaller diamond studs in ascending order up the ear. Her top tip for selecting the perfect pair? “Remember that studs often move on the ear, so select a shape that will still look beautiful even if it’s not sitting on your lobe perfectly.” You can’t go wrong with classic styles by De Beers, Maria Tash or Stone and Strand, while Suzanne Kalan’s ‘Fireworks’ styles use baguette-cut diamonds to create little clusters of sparkle on the ear.

“I have recently purchased a new huggie that I’m obsessed with – a diamond hoop with a pear-shape diamond hanging from it like a teardrop,” says Ellison. “I wear mine high up on my ear; I love the added movement it brings to my ear party.” Ellison prefers to stick to one gold tone for her piercings, always wearing white gold to match the platinum of her classic diamond studs. “There’s no limit to how many huggies you can wear, but personally, I would stop at two,” she explains. “Better to switch it up, wearing some together one day and others the next, so they all have their own moment to shine without being overcrowded.” Consider Anita Ko’s classic huggies, available in white, rose and yellow gold, with delicate dangling diamonds, or Jennifer Meyer’s double-row diamond design. If vintage-look diamonds appeal, turn to Lucy Delius, Octavia Elizabeth and By Pariah to explore snow-set diamonds, delicately hammered gold and black rhodium settings.

“[Jewelry designer] Lorraine Schwartz once told me that hoops make you look younger, and they’ve been my go-to earrings for a night out ever since,” quips Ellison, who loves a medium-size hoop. “I have lots of hair, so smaller ones tend to get lost on me, and large ones take a lot of confidence to wear, which isn’t always my style,” she explains. Ellison notes that there are countless options on offer beyond a classic round design; now, there are plenty of styles featuring oval-, emerald- and radiant-cut diamonds. “One thing to never compromise on is the setting of diamonds going up the back of the hoop, but facing forwards – this is what gives the hoop maximum sparkle and shine,” she adds. Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Taryn’ design is the perfect pair for everyday wear, while Yvonne Léon’s triple-hoop style, half-set with elegant gray diamonds, is ideal if you can handle your hoops oversized.

“There is little that’s more elegant than a gently swaying pair of diamond drop earrings,” says Ellison. “There are a couple of things to consider: while I usually advocate ‘more is more’ when it comes to diamonds, you don’t want to wear earrings that are so heavy, they pull on your lobe.” The trick is to choose lightweight styles that never droop or drag. Roxanne First’s ‘The Maggie’ earring, Jacquie Aiche’s ‘Sophia’ design and Kimaï’s ‘Bloom Mini’ earring are ultra-delicate single pieces that can be layered up the ear. Those seeking more sizeable stones will admire De Beers’ ‘Snowdance’ drops, Anita Ko’s classic double-drop design and Marlo Laz’s ‘Natasha’ earrings, crafted from 14-karat gold and brilliant-cut diamonds.

“An ear cuff gives you great flexibility; you really have the chance to personalize your style without committing to the piercing process,” says Ellison. DeBeers’ ‘Dewdrop’ style and Gemella’s ‘Intertwin’ design are modern and bold, while Spinelli Kilcollin, Maria Tash and Stone and Strand offer classic yet chic designs. Those looking for a statement piece should turn to styles that feature delicate chains or suspended stones – Melissa Kaye’s ‘Sadie’ design is on every jewelry lover’s wish list.