Accessorizing is an artform. Stacking and layering necklaces and bracelets takes time and practice to get it just right. But no other jewelry-stacking endeavor is quite like earring stacking. With such variety in size, shape, color, style, length and more, curating the right ensemble of earrings to adorn your lobes— and ear helices! —takes patience, knowledge and an eye for design. If you don’t have those things, fret not!
Different types of ear piercings
If you’re considering stacking earrings, you likely have or are considering getting multiple ear piercings. The following are common ear piercings that can add some variety and depth to your earring stacking.
- Lobe: any piercing that goes through the fleshy lower part of the ear. A lobe piercing is often the first piercing people receive.
- Tragus: piercing through the thick cartilage right in front of the ear canal.
- Anti-tragus: piercing through the fold of the cartilage at the top of the lobe, opposite the tragus.
- Helix: piercing through the cartilage around the ear.
- Daith: piercing through the inner ridge of cartilage.
- Conch: piercing through the cartilage that forms the back of the ear.
- Rook: piercing through the cartilage on the ridge between the inner and outer conch.
Types of earrings for stacking
The type of earrings added to your stack will depend on your personal style, the occasion or season. Here are a few popular earring types that you can begin mixing and matching today:
- Hoops: a popular statement piece, hoop earrings come in all sizes. Make sure you select a hoop size that makes sense with the rest of your chosen earrings. If they’re too big, the hoops may distract from the others.
- Huggies: small, metal hoops that ‘hug’ the ear, very close to the earlobe. These, along with hoops, are often worn in a first, second or third lobe piercing, or even in helix piercings.
- Studs: simple, dainty earrings that really elevate an earring stack by adding pops of different metals and filling in the space between more elaborate or ornate earring styles.
Where to begin
For those with multiple ear piercings, sometimes a lot of trial-and-error has to be done before figuring out which size earrings should go where, or which amount of dangle looks best in which piercing. When you’re stuck in this frustrating dilemma, you can resort to the cascading rule. The cascading rule involves starting with longer, larger, more dangly earrings near the bottom of your earlobe. Then work your way up to the top of your ear, gradually introducing smaller, daintier huggies or studs nearing the top of your ear. It’s also a great idea to have all your earrings organized beforehand, to make your trial-and-error phase more enjoyable. Need some pointers for organizing your earrings? We have you covered, here.
Earring-stacking guidelines to consider
Strike the right balance. Stacking with only big or bulky earrings can leave your ear looking crowded and weighed down. If you’re going to include large, bold statement pieces in your stacking, pair them with simple, more delicate earrings, such as studs. This not only prevents crowding, it allows the statement pieces to get the attention they deserve!
This balance looks different for everybody, especially since no two sets of ears are the same. The size and shape of your ear will dictate the number of piercings and their placement. However, many stackers follow the 40/60 rule, in which 40% of your ear real estate is filled with larger statement pieces, such as bold hoops or dangles, while the remaining 60% is filled with smaller, more dainty earrings, such as simple studs or huggies.
Striking the right balance refers to earring quantity, size, shape and style, and doesn’t mean that symmetry is a must. Depending on your personal style and occasion, you may want to try creating an edgier look with an asymmetrical approach.
Consider color. Try adding a pop of color with an earring or two to break up the repetitiveness of metal earrings. This also allows you to add a bit more personality to your display or further match your outfit, season, occasion, mood or other accessories.
Variety is the spice of life. Instead of placing a row of similar-looking earrings up your ear, bring a few different elements to your display and create visual interest by combining gold, silver or rose gold with elements like gemstones, pearls or beads.
A word of caution: variety doesn’t mean tossing on any shiny piece of jewelry available like you did when you were rifling through your grandmother’s jewelry box as a child. Select and stick to a theme so that your stacking looks cohesive, not chaotic.
Stack with a theme in mind. If you have a special life event, consider slowing down and getting a little more selective with your stacking selections, curating a collection that reflects the event you’re attending. For lively, colorful events, add some pops of color that match the event’s color scheme. Do you have a big wedding anniversary around the corner? Pull out all the various earrings that your partner gifted you over the years and create an earring stack that showcases the years and memories you’ve shared together. Or maybe you’re attending a family wedding or reunion. Stack your ears with jewelry that is meaningful to your family, such as earrings that have been passed down through the generations, unique pieces your great-grandmother brought from Italy, etc.
Visual inspiration. Sometimes you can be equipped with all the right tips and tricks for stacking earrings, but when it comes down to it, you really just need some visual inspiration. Some “Pin-spiration” if you will. Here’s a great earring stacking Pinterest board to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t be intimidated by the elaborate earring stacking you find online. It’s okay to start small. Try some dainty studs and huggies for a beginner-friendly, comfortable stack.
Phone a friend. You’ll learn pretty quickly which earrings pair and stack well together and which don’t. But, if you’re struggling to find your earring-stacking flow, try phoning a friend. Snap photos of a few of your stacking attempts and send them to a few friends and ask them to rate their favorite.
Whether you’re dusting off your old favorite hoops to begin your earring stacking journey, or you’re looking to purchase a new set, protect your investments by obtaining personal jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers loss, damage, and disappearance. You can check your rate online by clicking the button below.
