Buying Guide
Choosing Earrings
Our collection of pearl, diamond and gemstone earrings includes classic studs and elegant drop earrings. Our guide below to choosing a pair of earrings features some of the questions that our customers ask most often.
Which style of earring should I choose?
There are many different earring designs to choose from, but the most popular styles of earrings at Winterson are: studs, drops and leverbacks.
Stud earrings are easy, every day earrings that are timeless and beautiful to wear. Drop earrings will dangle delicately below their setting, with an eye-catching movement. Leverback earrings are a collection of interchangeable earrings and pearls that are ideal for wearing from day through to evening.
Do earrings make good gifts?
Earrings are a perfect gift, being worn daily, with many different designs to choose from and are an important part of any jewellery collection.
Why are pearl earrings so classic?
Pearls uniquely reflect light, highlighting the face and matching almost any colour or look. The magic of a pearl lies hidden within its surface, where layers of a mother-of-pearl material called nacre gives this unique gem its characteristic shine or lustre.
The stronger the lustre of a pearl, the more beautiful it will be. Above all else, choose a pearl earring that has excellent lustre.
What is the best size of pearl to wear?
This is a personal choice for the wearer, with the type of pearl and the design of the jewellery also playing a part.
Smaller pearls up to 9mm in diameter are easily worn every day and tend to be favoured by younger women or those with more petite features. Earrings with pearls over 8mm in diameter can be ideal for evening wear and for making more of a statement.
Some drop earring designs, Tahitian or South Sea pearls are best suited to pearls that measure 9-11mm in diameter.
If choosing a gift, or in doubt, we would recommend choosing earrings with pearls between 7-9 mm in diameter, which are easy to wear with most styles and outfits. Many of our Freshwater and Akoya pearl earring designs would be suitable sizes.
Are your earrings nickel safe?
Yes, to the best of our knowledge, all our white gold and sterling silver earrings comply with the requirements of current British Standards regarding the rate of nickel release in metals in close contact with the skin.
Are any of your earrings suitable for non-pierced ears?
Unfortunately at present all our earrings are designed for use with pierced ears only and we do not offer any designs that feature a clip-on mechanism.
Does your Returns Policy include earrings?
Yes, all our earrings can be returned within 30 days of receipt of delivery if they are not suitable. Please see our Returns Policy for more information on how to exchange or return a pair of earrings to us.