A stud – also known as a solitaire – is an earring that features only one gem. The head containing the gem is soldered directly to the post, which goes straight through the ear, giving the appearance that the gemstone is ‘floating’ on the ear.
A hoop earring is a continuous piece of metal that goes through the ear and is then held in place, typically by a latch back or friction back. They are not always round and can come in a variety of different shapes – the most common untraditional shape being oval.
Also referred to as dangle earrings, this style hangs below the earlobe and can either move or be still. Drop earrings offer the widest variety of fashion styles. They can end just centimeters below the earlobe or can reach all the way down to the shoulder.