Diamond Drop Earrings

A drop earring hangs a single element just below the earlobe on a short, fairly still connection, like the Diamond Leverback Drop Earrings. A dangle is longer and swings more freely, like the Diamond Line Dangle Drop Earrings. Both put the diamonds where they catch light every time you turn your head; dangles simply move more and read dressier.

Both, and every product page says which. Laboratory-grown diamonds are real diamonds grown above ground, and they cost far less than natural diamonds of the same size, which is why the longest line, cascade and bezel drops here are lab-grown. The halo, journey, chandelier, link and line dangle styles use natural diamonds, and several designs are offered in both.

Short drops that sit within about an inch of the lobe suit every day and work with any neckline. Longer linear and cascade styles frame the face and look best with hair up or an open neckline. If you wear glasses or headsets all day, a short lever back drop stays clear of the frames.

Lever backs are the easiest to wear daily: a hinged loop clicks shut behind the ear, so the earring cannot slip off. Post styles close with a back that slides onto the post, and each product page lists the closure. If you are buying for someone who tends to lose earrings, choose a lever back.

Short drops and lever backs are the easiest to forget you are wearing. The longest cascade and chandelier styles carry more metal and more diamonds, so they suit evenings rather than a full working day. If your piercings are sensitive, start with a short lever back drop, and a larger disc back, available from any jeweler, steadies a longer post style.

Most designs come in 14K white, yellow or rose gold; the journey styles add 18K options, and several gemstone pairs are also offered in platinum. White gold and platinum make diamonds look whitest. Yellow and rose gold give a warmer, vintage glow and flatter warm skin tones.

They are one of the safest jewelry gifts because they need no ring size and suit almost any style. A small solitaire or halo drop is the classic choice for an anniversary or a milestone birthday; a line or journey drop suits someone who already owns diamond studs and wants something with movement.

Soak them in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, brush gently behind each stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and pat dry. Pearl drops are the exception: wipe the pearl with a soft damp cloth only, and keep perfume and hairspray away from it.

Most pairs are made to order, and the product page shows the timing before you buy. Every order ships free and fully insured, and orders of $500 or more ship by UPS Express with a signature on delivery. Earrings that are unworn and in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery; see shipping and returns.

Our full drop earrings collection adds gemstone drops in sapphire, amethyst, garnet, peridot and blue topaz. For something closer to the ear, see diamond stud earrings.