Guide to buying women's earrings

Available in just about every shape, size, colour and style imaginable, earrings make jewelry shopping fun. From beaded earrings to diamond earrings and everything in between, the right pair will add a funky, classy or flirty touch to your whole look.

Here are the main types of earrings to look for:

Stud earrings: Stud earrings are made of a pearl, gemstone, diamond (or something similar) and attached to a post, which goes through your ear piercing. The earring is held in place with a backing or screw behind the earlobe. Thanks to their simple design, they go with almost any outfit.

Hoop earrings: Hoop earrings add a pretty, feminine touch to any outfit. They come in many sizes and thicknesses from hoops that just fit around the earlobe to hoops that almost touch your shoulders. Larger hoops are a type of fashion jewelry, while smaller hoops are sophisticated and classic.

Dangle earrings: Dangle earrings hang below the earlobe and are attached by a hook. They move as you do, giving them an elegant look (particularly if they’re sparkly). Dangle earrings can be split into categories. Drop earrings include a gemstone, pearl or something else hanging from a small bar. Chandelier earrings resemble chandeliers and can be big and glamourous. Teardrop earrings hang from your earlobe in the shape of a drop.

Clip-on earrings: If you don’t have pierced ears, you’ll still be able to have fun with earrings that clip to your earlobes.

When it comes to materials, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Classic and elegant options include diamond earrings, gold or sterling silver earrings, pearl earrings and gemstone earrings (including ruby, sapphire and emerald earrings). Cubic zirconia earrings aren’t as durable as diamonds, but they’re affordable and they’ll still light up your outfit. Other synthetic gemstones are used in many fashion earrings and come with lower price tags.

Follow these tips to choose a great pair of earrings:

• Think about where you’ll wear the earrings. If you have a young baby, dangle earrings are not a wise choice as your little one might give them a pull.
• Metal earrings match fair skin, while gold earrings work great with darker skin tones.
• If you have sensitive ears, look for materials that are least likely to cause irritation such as titanium, sterling silver, gold or surgical steel.
• Round faces suit longer earrings, heart-shaped faces suit dangly earrings in a teardrop shape, while square faces look best with round or oval earrings. If you have an oval face, any earrings will suit. Studded earrings look great on everyone.

Earrings are a versatile accessory for women of all ages. With so many styles to choose from, you can have a variety of different sets of earrings to complement all your favourite outfits.