How to Pick Gold Earrings

Gold earrings are designed in many styles. The amount of gold varies for hoop, stud and dangle earrings, as well as large versus small earrings. Since pure gold is too soft to form jewelry, it is mixed with other metals to make 12K, 14K, 18K, 20K and 22K gold. The amount of gold needed to support an earring design depends on the size and whether stones will be added.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Choose a Style of Gold Earrings

1. Pick a chandelier earring for multiple levels of gold in various designs. Some styles include precious or semi-precious stones for added beauty and luster.

2. Find drop earrings an easy style to wear with almost any outfit. Gold drop earrings usually have only one geometric shape hanging from the base. Drop earring designs work well with the 14K yellow or white gold.

3. Pick hoop earrings to complement the shape of your face. Gold hoop earrings are available in sizes ranging from tiny to large enough to touch your shoulders. Hoops are square, round or slightly oval in shape, depending on the size.

4. Choose a gold stud earring for a classic look that goes anywhere. A gold-with-diamond stud can be worn with jeans or formal attire. Studs are made from 14K to 22K gold.

5. Enjoy the combined beauty of yellow and white gold in two tone, 14K gold or rose, white and yellow gold in 18K, tri-color designs. The blending of gold colors makes it easy to expand your jewelry wardrobe.

6. Buy 14K gold threader earrings for a fashionable style that slips easily into pierced ears. The threader is a long bar used to feed the earring into the hole. Just pull the earring through to the desired point and let it dangle.

7. Pick half-hoop earrings for the appearance of a hoop without the additional weight of a complete hoop. Half hoops give a bold look in brilliant 14K gold.

8. Wear gold earrings highlighted with diamonds and other precious stones. The deep-yellow gold or brilliant-white gold sets the base for a dazzling design.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for markings defining the amount and type of gold used for gold-filled jewelry. Markings identify the amount of gold by weight.
• Do not allow harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, to come into contact with your gold earrings.
• Avoid dulling. Clean your gold earrings every few months or more frequently if you wear the same pair a lot. Chemicals in the air can affect the shine on your earrings.